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Posted on 06.28.06 by Editor @ 6:48 pm
110 Mercer Street
If you were heartbroken over the closing of Seven’s Orchard Street location last year - after 5 consecutive years of thriving beautifully - then weep no more, the boutique is back in a spacious new Soho location and it’s better than ever. The new shop was envisioned as a cutting edge, individualistic machine designed to sell Men’s and Women’s Apparel and Accessories while providing detailed information about the rare European collections on display. The vision is complete as of December 2005 and I must say, it has been executed and manifested very well. In the back there is a large floor to ceiling monolith with a centered monitor that plays looping runway footage and the clothing on the racks are oozing with raw spirit and the energy of the pieces are like the tragically hip staff members of Seven- bright, funky and alive. From the girl who likes the simplicity of Sweetface to the avant-garde scenester seeking the progressive cuts of Bernhard Willhelm, there is truly something for everyone. Steve Sang, one of the owners of this fashionista haven, took some time out of his busy schedule to show me around the circular layout of the brand new, subterranean art house location and introduced me to his small army of fashion forward mannequins that live a sedentary but very well-dressed life atop a raised platform in the front of the store. I was drooling with envy at the sight of one of these inanimate, faceless models in particular who was looking ultra-chic in her super-oversized black cable knit cardigan sweater that Steve claimed as his favorite piece in the entire store as well! The lines carried at Seven are a direct reflection of Sang and his partner, Joseph Quartana’s personal style and they pride themselves on being well-stocked with the absolute latest of trends created by the most adventurous of designers for the next couple of seasons, at the very least. In Seven, you’ll find yourself marveling at the vast array of designers and labels to choose from such as; Obesity and Speed, A.C.N.E. Jeans, Imitation of Christ, Markus Huemer, AF Vandevorst, Raf Simons, Veronique Leroy, Jeremy Scott, Kenzo Minami, Kim Jones, Aquascutum, Bless, Preen, and Pleasure Principle – to name only a few. The collections Seven carries are carefully selected during their buyers frequent trips to Paris Fashion Shows with no particular niche in mind, the only goal is to return with artistically fabulous finds that are high fashion and rare designs. If you pay attention to the patterns of the newer pieces, you’ll notice a really modern interpretation of ironic late 80’s elements surfacing as the latest trends that are making fashion fun again! Abstract expression and progressive thinking blatantly reign supreme here. Seven is back in business and they’re definitely here to stay. Filed under: Articles and Boutique Reviews and Fashion and Menswear and Shopping and Stella Recommends Comments: None |
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Posted on 06.06.06 by Editor @ 10:39 pm
It was a cold evening on the Lower East Side and I was in a rouche-front jumpsuit, skipping across Clinton Street with my Isaac Mizrahi loving boyfriend (haha) when we spotted the tiny boutique that is Spec. We paused for a moment to admire the military jacket by Surplus Plus that hung above a vintage leather wingback in the display window. We walked through the doorway and were greeted by a burst of warmth that was caused not only by heaters but also by the interiors rich tones and the personable dispositions of the owners; Andrew Wong and Elton Chung.
Andrew is a designer from Hong Kong and has designed for the likes of D&G and Triple 5 Soul. He is obviously the creative force behind this venture and his passion for fashion is apparent. He told me that he doesn’t care to follow trends but instead focuses on timeless styles with unique elements because he feels that “fashion is like technology and new is never new enough.” He gave me this example to illustrate his point: “I buy an iPod and by the time I load it up with songs, iPod Nano comes out. I blink and now theres iPod Video…Fashion trends are just like that and I don’t want to have to race to keep up with something that will be dead in a month. I want to sell things that are practical with an edge.” He hopes that customers will find clothing there that they will wear forever, or at least, until the seams fall off and judging by the quality of what I saw, that wouldn’t happen for a very, very long time. After spending some time with Andrew and Elton, I stopped to flip through the guest book in the entryway. Its pages were filled with the doodles, email addresses and comments of their many satisfied customers. One scrawling stood out to me in particular, it read: “SPEC. IS LIKE CRACK!”, referencing the highly addictive quality of their clothing. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a young man in a velvet blazer trying on scarves, hats, sweaters and zip-up ski masks. I moved closer and noticed that it was AKTS-NYC designer Micah Monserrat, who happens to be one of my favorite artists. I felt honored when he took a break from his shopping spree to show me around his favorite store and talk fashion with me! Spec. is truly the hot spot for fans of Japanese Designers and Unique menswear in New York City. Spec.’s designer lineup includes Ships, PPFM, Think Pink, Labo, Surplus Plus, Whole 9, General Standard, Red Wheat, Takeo Kikuchi, Comme Ça Commune, Power to the People - Most of which you can’t find anywhere else in New York. Spec. is short for special and if the suit fits, wear it. Spec. is indeed, a very special place and I have to agree with the statement that Spec. is like crack – without the damaging side effects and unsightly skin problems, of course. Filed under: Articles and Boutique Reviews and Fashion and Menswear and Shopping and Stella Recommends and Street Culture Comments: None |
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Posted on 06.02.06 by Editor @ 2:24 am
is out on newsstands now!!! Get yourself a copy or four and see the interview I did with Trentesix and my review of Maniqui Lazer’s new album, along with some awesome 1980’s photography and a hot fashion layout — both of which have absolutely nothing to do with me, but….B/D was one of my favorite magazines even BEFORE I started writing for them so of course I’m gonna plug it to death — quality stuff.
Filed under: Articles and Fashion and Stella Recommends and Street Culture Comments: None |
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Posted on 02.02.06 by Editor @ 7:43 pm
From Winter Underwear issued to American Soldiers in World War Two, to Unisex Metropolitan Street wear in 2006 – Your Grandpa’s Underclothes have come a long way.
What was once worn to bed only when winters chill was too much to bear, has transformed into a favorite daytime garment layered up with funky patterns, prints and accessories worn by urban hipsters, comfort-seekers, fashionistas and celebrities alike. Mischa Barton has been photographed strolling through the city in daylight hours, pairing long underwear with a cropped denim jacket and Gwen Stefani has recently added colorfully screen printed thermal separates to her new “Harajuku Lovers” clothing line.
Long Johns, also known as thermals, long underwear, underlayers or woolies, first appeared as a two piece design created by a man named Frank Stanfield in 1915. Previously, they were only available as an unattractive and ill-fitting one piece option useful only for warmth and insulation underneath the trousers of a man.
The Long Johns of today come in a variety of options for both men and women. Just like jeans, thermal pants come in many different cuts and rises. Tops are available in all necklines from crew to scoop with sleeves that are anything from long to capped. Some designers even offer hooded thermals complete with rhinestone or studded embellishments. You can purchase long johns almost anywhere these days; Fred Segal has some great pieces that range in price anywhere from $200-400 per set and American Apparel has a great selection of thermal shirts and leggings all under $30.00 each. Or you can always ask to raid your Grandpas winter storage for free.
Imagine traipsing around town wearing a Christian Joy hooded dress, pink long john leggings and colorful high heels. I tried it and its was not only cozy, but fashionable and fun! Who knew that being comfortable could look so darn cute? Filed under: Articles and Fashion Comments: None |
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