We've been following the sisters behind Lialia since we caught them at the Gen Art Fresh Faces show last season. This time around the duo, who hail from Oscar de la Renta and Phi, showed a collection a little more brooding and gothic than last. They've still got that old movie star thing going for them, however, and hopefully the combination will prove popular with buyers. Check out Lialia's Fall 2009 look book, and our snapshots from the showroom, in the gallery below.
Chicago based contemporary brand Serpico, launched in Fall 2007, is still up-and-coming but a strong Fall 2009 collection just might be the next step for the brand. This season designer Melissa Serpico Kamhout rendered everything in pale colors, save for the occasional jolt of cherry red or glimpse of black. The collection is feminine with soft details that catch the eye and in the showroom, we found the fabric and craftsmanship impressive. Check out a few images from the Fall 2009 collection in the gallery below.
If shooting her Fall 2009 look book in The Chelsea Hotel isn't evidence enough, the fact that Iranian designer Haleh Nematzadeh lives on the Bowery should efficiently communicate her design aesthetic. In other words, for Haleh, it's all about rock-and-roll. Having studied at FIT and, upon graduation, landed a gig with Patricia Field, by 2008 Haleh was ready to launch her namesake line. Check out our snapshots from the showroom below, along with some of Haleh's Fall 2009 look book images.
American designer Douglas Reker, launched his namesake line in 2007 after working as a graphic designer and print artist for the likes of Christian Lacroix Jeans, Pencey, and Elizabeth and James. This season Reker's took inspiration from his mother's collection of miniature personal effects--which then translated to detailed cut-outs, whimsical prints, and inventive tailoring. The line retails on the low end of contemporary, putting him in a category of designer who understands how to communicate high fashion trends by way of an accessible price point. Check out the Fall 2009 look book and our snapshots from the showroom below.
Young design team, Caroline Hedaya and Donna Baxter, started their line, Caroline Hedaya, after befriending each other at FIT. Their look is feminine and their price point is contemporary so you can bet that everyone from Refinery 29 to Teen Vogue has given them a shoutout and that the brand is stocked at Shopbop, proudly. When we saw their collection in the showroom we were impressed with the quality--the weight of the floral peplum dress, the lightness of their trademark silk pieces--and the sexiness they showed this season. Even though there was plenty of the girlishness (ruffles, tulle lining) the most striking pieces had mesh or lace in the back. Check out our snapshots from the showroom and look book images from the Fall 2009 collection below.
This Italian shoe brand first caught our eye in 2008, when they earned the Best New Talent Award given by Vogue Italia. Just one season later Bionda Castana has been photographed by British Vogue and has been picked up by upscale retailer, Browns in London. This Fall the brand stayed with classic colors, like black and brown, while offering a few surprise elements like hot pink and grommet detailing. Check out our snapshots from the showroom this afternoon...
There are sample sales and then there are showroom sample sales, although you can't expect the prices to be rock-bottom what you'll find in a showroom sample sale is often extra special. First off, it hasn't been stomped on in the dressing room floor a million times over, and second, the inventory often amounts to whatever the designer happened to make in multiples--rather than what the retailer couldn't sell. See where we're going with this? What's more, if you like one brand from a showroom, chances are you'll like them all as it's the showroom's job to not only represent individual brands but have a cohesive aesthetic overall. Needless to say these are definitely worth hitting up. Below, our top three picks from the New York showroom sample sales.
Archetype Showroom: Fremont, Eskell, Lorick, and Shipley and Halmos are just a few of the brands at Archetype showroom. Expect all of your birthday outfit and party dress dreams to come true. Located at 676 Broadway, December 4-6, 10-7pm. Check out all of our coverage from Archetype showroom right here.
Denise Williamson: On December 5th and 6th head over to Soho for the Denise Williamson sample sale which will include items from Gilded Age, Operations, Form, and Blue Blood. Trust us, not a wardrobe staple will be left unturned. Located at 119 Mercer Street and running from 8:30 -7:30 on Friday and 11-6 on Saturday. Check out all of our coverage from Williamson PR & Showroom right here.
Edite Showroom: If you fancy unkown contemporary designers with a luxury pedigree edite showroom is where you'll find them. On December 8-10th from 10-7pm check out big time savings on Caroline Hedaya (top left), Lialia, and many more. Located at 134 W.29th Street. Check out all of our coverage from Edite showroom right here.
Caroline Hedaya & Donna Baxter, the duo that make up the Caroline Hedaya brand, are young designers whose signature aesthetic is well timed--there's nothing that pleases us more for Spring 09 than ruffles, fringe, or pleats. Adorning many, but not all, of the Spring 09 pieces were lovely ruffles in the front and back of garments. Hedaya sticks to beautiful, feminine basics otherwise. Click here to see our snapshots of the Spring 09 collection, and, if you can't wait, you can get Fall 08 at Shopbop.
Caroline Hedaya by Caroline Hedaya and Donna Baxter Spring 2009 collection at Edite showroom.
