fashionologie

Vena Cava Reportedly At Risk of Shuttering

fashionologie — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:42:15 PST

>> In the wake of opting for an intimate dinner party - in lieu of their usual runway show or presentation - for the Spring 2012 season in September comes news that Vena Cava may be in trouble.

WWD reports that the label was in the final stages of negotiating a financing deal with an unnamed investor earlier this month when talks broke down. According to WWD's source, Vena Cava's current financial state is "drastic," and it won't be able to move forward without an angel investor or partner coming forward.

Fashionista, meanwhile, reports: "According to a source close to the situation, the label moved out of their Soho headquarters this week and laid off a lot of staff." Apparently founders Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, who started Vena Cava in 2003, have moved their offices home, and still have a deal with TJ Maxx in the works.

“We love what we built with Vena Cava and are dedicated to seeing it thrive and grow. We have had some very positive talks from potential partners and feel confident about moving forward,” Mayock told WWD.

A Look Inside Vena Cava's Spring 2012 Collection Dinner Party

fashionologie — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:14:36 PDT

>> In lieu of a runway show or presentation this season, Vena Cava's Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock hosted an intimate dinner at MPD in the Meatpacking District, dressing friends like Tennessee Thomas, Stephanie LaCava, Kate Young, Nora Zehetner, and Lily Kwong for the occasion. “We really design for our friends so we thought this was a great way to do that and have a nice evening,” Buhai explained.

See Vena Cava's Spring 2012 collection here.

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Vena Cava Spring 2012

fashionologie — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:12:19 PDT

The collection, inspired by '40s films Buhai and Mayock watched while on a research trip to Vietnam in March, features a botanical marijuana-leaf print, wrap-tie skirts, and colorblocking. The label is also introducing intentionally-nondescript handbags for Spring, ranging $275 to $550.

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Bon Voyage - Don't Leave Home Without These Summer Packing Essentials

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:21:20 PDT

>> Summer is a time to escape the hot and sticky city for cool breezes and sunshine - Turks and Caicos, anyone? But there's something to be said about packing the right elements to have you looking effortlessly polished. After all, Summertime is all about easy, non-fussy style.

To start you off, a chic titanium Rimowa suitcase to hold all of your necessities . . . the rest of our essentials in the shoppable slideshow.

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Vena Cava Relaunches Website with E-Commerce, One-Off Vintage Picks

Chi Diem Chau — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:28:50 PDT

>> Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai debuted their new and improved Vena Cava website today, featuring e-commerce for both the Vena Cava Spring 2011 collection and the secondary Viva Vena! line. The goal was to give the site a "handmade, not-too-slick feel that our collection is known for," according to Mayock, so they also devoted a "Garage Sale" section to selling hand-picked, one-of-a-kind items (like an early '80s portable TV and vintage accessories) and a "Vibes" section to showcasing their friends wearing the collection. [VenaCava.com]

Vena Cava Get Together With Uniqlo For Collaboration

Chi Diem Chau — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:49:37 PST

>> Vena Cava's Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock - whose past collaborators include Via Spiga, Gap, and Bloomingdale's - have a new partner. “We’re about to do [a collaboration] with Uniqlo,” Buhai announced at a Fashion Group International-hosted panel discussion on entrepreneurship yesterday. “Lisa and I were at a point where we felt like we were getting stagnant,” Buhai elaborated. “Fashion is cyclical, but when you add in different projects, you feel like you’re learning again.”

“It’s an opportunity for us to articulate our brand in a way that’s more mass,” Mayock added. “We just want to make sure whatever we do has our stamp on it,” Buhai concluded, giving no further detail.

Vena Cava Fall 2011 Runway Video

fashionologie — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:15:14 PST

And check out Vena Cava runway photos here!

Vena Cava Brings Back '90s Glamour for Fall 2011

fashionologie — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:08:50 PST

>> It was a '90s throwback at Vena Cava's Fall 2011 show - think Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, Azzedine Alaia-style. “We dug out all our old fashion magazines from the early nineties,” explained Lisa Mayock of their starting point. But, Sophie Buhai pointed out, “It’s about the elegance that was happening back then, and not the grunge." Hence the glitter eye makeup, the squared-off necklines, the sleeve cutouts, and the berets, crafted by Brooklyn-based millinery Yestadt. And perhaps inspired by all of that magazine gazing, the design duo produced their own 'zine, Zina Cava, full of '90s imagery and contributions from their friends.

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First Date - Valentine's Day Edition

Chi Diem Chau — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:33:51 PST

>> First dates are enough pressure on any given day, but on Valentine's Day, there's even more to live up to. No fear, we've got you covered: this Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti dress is a step above the usual LBD, while strappy pumps from Rebecca Minkoff's new footwear line add a sultry touch. Complete the look with a cropped jacket from Vena Cava, deco necklace, and black sheer tights.

Left to right: Vena Cava Zeisler Jacket ($225, originally $450)), Wolford Black Sheer Tights ($46), Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Dress ($795), Alexis Bittar Deco Necklace ($195), Rebecca Minkoff Femme Fatale Pumps ($315)

Spring 2011 - Pajama Dressing

Chi Diem Chau — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:02:23 PST

>> The pajama-inspired trend, as seen on Michael Kors, Vena Cava, and Alexander Wang's Spring runway, offers a languid approach to both daytime and nighttime dressing. If you're looking to add a languid touch to your wardrobe, outside of your boudoir, try out these pieces from the designers above, plus more from Walter, Thakoon, ASOS, and Topshop.

Walter Silk racer-back tank top - Sold Out	Coopeartive Floral Trouser - Sold Out
Pins and Needles Asymmetrical Ruffle Blouse - Sold Out	ASOS Tailored Palazzo Suit Pants - Sold Out
Miu Miu Sheer silk-chiffon blouse - Sold Out	High Waisted Cropped Silk Trousers - Sold Out
Alice + Olivia Penny silk-blend jumpsuit - Sold Out	Caprice Blouse - Sold Out
Ashish Sequined silk cropped pants - Sold Out	Splodge PJ Trousers By Boutique - Sold Out
Thakoon Jersey and silk-chiffon tank - Sold Out	VENA CAVA gauze print pant notice: after item is purchased you will be notified when pre-order items are in stock and ready to ship - $352.00
Walter Layered silk tank - Sold Out	Michael Kors Beaded Harem Pants - Sold Out
Matty M Sheer Crinkled Silk Blouse - Sold Out	MICHAEL Michael Kors Leopard-print silk tank - Sold Out
PAUL & JOE SISTER Petrol 3/4 Silk Pants - Sold Out	Navy Cloud Print Wrap Blouse - Sold Out
ASOS Palazzo Pants - Sold Out	Elizabeth and James 'Daria' Printed Chiffon Blouse - Sold Out
Rich & Skinny Silk Harem Trousers - Sold Out	VENA CAVA azelen tank navy - Sold Out
Willow Silk draped pants - Sold Out	Giambattista Valli Ruffled cutout silk-blend blouse - Sold Out
ACNE PLAY SILK Trousers - Sold Out	Apiece Apart / Scoop Neck Button Blouse - Sold Out
HERCHCOVITCH; ALEXANDRE Silk parachute pants - Sold Out	Alexander Wang 'Moving Ribs' Wrap Top - Sold Out