I am a self-declared age-o-phobe.  But there are always sweet nugget reminders that maturity has its benefits.  While at lunch the other day I over heard a few skateboarders of teen America: “Catcher in the Rye . . . what is that, a book?  I hate reading.”  Yes, it is a book.  Designers Christina Minasian and Tora Lopez referenced the infamous novel with their label Pencey (the prep that gave HC the boot).  These racing pants are part of the Holiday 2008 collection and a dandy representation of Pencey’s creative vision.   Being half a decade closer to 3-0 really isn’t so bad, considering the youngins at the other table are drinking a cola filled with gherkins.  Styled with Wolford tights, Karl Lagerfeld ascot turtleneck and Cole Haan pumps.

available at:
shopbop.com

La Garconne has new items from Phillip Lim’s holiday collection available today.  The collection starts with a cacophony of scarlet band noise and ends with a solemn note of ruffled black coat.  In between are golden zebra prints, pretty purple geometrics, ruffles to the end and beaded embellishments including two ornamented pectorals.  Always offering a plethora of silhouettes from feminine and simple to complicated and androgynous, this collection is brilliantly conceived.

Check out the footwear from this collection.  In a collaboration with Christian Louboutin, they are strictly runway, but put the finishing touch on any outfit.  Phillip Lim retailers have put them in the dressing rooms making it a tortuous decision not to buy anything.  That man is a methodical genius.

Jane Mayle says farewell this November with her last collection and retirement from the brand.  With profits up to five million yearly, the lack of success does not play into her reasons for an exit.  Instead the rat race pressure of creating collection after collection without the time to relish in her creations has caused her fashion fatigue.  “I feel I have just become another cog in that machinery,” she said to WWD in reference to the accelerated production processes.  As a result, the designer who finds inspiration creating clothing pieces for the sake of dreaming has decided that her leave will maintain the meaning of her work.  With fashion darlings like Alexander Wang prohibiting celebrity attendance from his recent fashion show, perhaps others are feeling the same need for “fashion for fashion’s sake.”

Mayle Holiday collection pieces available at:
lagarconne.com
eluxury.com

per:
wwd.com