…………………….The collection for Feb 06 was in TWO PARTS………..The first part was the showing of the “Designer’s Gallery”. Again, a set was constructed in the huge warehouse with a very long runway. It looked like this was going to be a bi-yearly QVC tradition. This was all done under Darlene Daggot’s reign at QVC. She was a brilliant woman who was a great leader. The fabric for the jacket was developed from another fabric I had in my AK archives. It was a beautiful thick and thin yarn with a slub gold lurex yarn woven in to look like a window pane. The jacket had three beautiful gold buttons, again ones I developed at AK. The jewelry company I worked with at AK took a soutache cord button and made a mold of it to create the metal version.. It also has a beautiful twisted cord trim made for the jacket in a gold and ivory thread.. The entire jacket was bordered in this trim including the 4 patch pockets. The 3/4 sleeve was finished off with a turn back cuff that curved split……There was a beautiful Ballet neck sweater that had GOLD BALL BEADS outlining the neckline, down the center of the sleeve, the side seams, and trimming the bottom of the sleeve and hem of the sweater…….all hand sewn! This became a very popular sweater, and was reordered a few times…..Next to the sweater is a sketch of a chiffon blouse with a gold pinstripe. Along the pinstripe I scattered tiny gold sequins….It really was a beautiful blouse and came with a silk tank…Below is a sketch of a suede jacket with a zip front, zip pockets and sleeves. It too was trimmed with a gold cord [see turquoise swatch at lower right]……..The crinkle georgette V-neck tunic, in ivory, navy and pink had sequin and bugle bead borders, and sequins scattered all over. It was definitely a vacation or special occasion tunic.
I own the gold trimmed jacket and it is a beauty! I also have several “gold ball” sweaters. Delighted to see the original design sketches and your commentary! If you were selling that jacket today, how would you present it? (Jewelry, tops, bottoms)…..Thank you, Louis!
Dear Susan….I would show the jacket exactly the same way I showed it when I first showed it……To update it we always have to think of different life styles so for a more casual look I’d start with jeans and a tee shirt and some fun jewelry a la Chanel….pile it on…gold, pearls and color like the Couture necklace. I’d add a button down or wing collar cotton shirt in ivory, chambray blue or pink…..even a light weight denim shirt would be fun. Of course anything in a column of ivory to blend with the jacket would be elegant…..from my zip front trouser to a pleated georgette skirt…….Navy and black bottoms are perfect…..I would even love the vivid pink polo sweater for a bold color with jeans or navy pants. If you shop your closet I know you will find lots of sweaters and tops that will work. Almost every color tee will work weather it be pastel or bright with ivory pants or jeans..If you have more questions or if you come up with new combos I’d like to hear what you come up with…..try some prints too….PLAY, PLAY, PLAY
Dear Louis, this collection is amazing! I have the navy and aqua sweaters. They are unique and still so beautiful. I received many compliments. I don’t know how I missed the jackets though. I can only think that it was a budget call for me at that time. LOL! Thanks for sharing all of these beautiful and fabulous collections of genius creativity. Awesome!
As a lover of gold, I am quite naturally awe-struck by the golden beauty of your February 2006 collection. How deeply I regret that I never even paid attention to QVC at that time. I “discovered” you in 2010.
In one of your narratives accompanying your sketches, you mention that you allowed “just a little bit of glitz.” Do you know what this group of elegant and alluring garments reminds me of? It calls to mind the wardrobe choices of the very rich who trot off to the chicest destinations in the world.
Fashionistas, the most sophisticated dressers, showbiz personalities. For some reason, I see them as perfect candidates for every piece in this collection. I would have bought one of everything. Your Linea Ladies were wise enough to purchase them and affirm your star status at QVC.
Dear Louis,
The timing of this post is perfect! I just received the white jacket from a clothing resale shop yesterday and am amazed at how beautiful and new the design looks! The picture did not do it justice. I had no idea of when it was made, but I am even more appreciative knowing that it is from 2006. This was truly a lucky score, and I’m so thankful to have your archives as a resource for information and inspiration!!
Cindy B.
Cindy enjoy your beautiful “Vintage” jacket. I’m happy to hear it’s still in good shape!
I can’t believe i missed all these beautiful designs. The gold and white jacket is out of this world ! My absolute favorite so far !
Still have the sweater in navy and aqua still wearing them.
OMG! Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!