…………….Dec. was not the ideal month to sell apparel since most women were concentrating on Holiday presents, not themselves, but this was the the time frame I was given. None the less there were so many beautiful and special pieces in the Dec 2011 group….Starting at the bottom left was a magnificent suit. As you can see from the sketch the design was simple and unadorned except for a beautiful button I had made for the jackets. It was a V-neck 3 button front with a cutaway bottom. It had body seams from shoulders to hems with inseam pockets. The entire jacket had clean lines, and had a beautifully sculptured shape. It was the amazing fabric that was the star. This crinkled surface was something I had seen in Europe, and was obviously copied by the Chinese because it was identical. To keep this crinkled surface PERMANENT it was be done in polyester or poly blend. Poly is the ONLY fiber that will permanently maintain this texture, and pleats for pleated garments. Not only did this fabric remind me of European fabrics but it also reminded me of fabrics I had seen on very avant garde Japanese designer collections who did outrageous shaped clothing with these types of fabrics. It came in black and a deep forest green. The colors above came out very pale. The buttons had domed half ball DTM centers with thin metal rims. Unfortunately, the fabrics wouldn’t photograph accurately…There was also a matching short pencil skirt. I thought this was one of the most CHIC and SOPHISTICATED suits I had done, and I STILL think so today!!!!.The next item was a snake print rayon/poly jersey. The sleeves had ruched seams at the bottom, and it draped from the back neck across the body to the opposite side seams creating a V-neckline. The colors were charcoal grey, navy, green and raspberry……The long skirt and the shirt tunic above [pink sketch] were in FAUX SUEDE, and the colors were Espresso, Dark Violet and Avocado. The body of the shirt was taken from my cotton tunic. The long skirt had a wide top yoke and a wrap bottom. The seams were done as a real suede skirt would have been done to give the look of real……I loved the water color abstract print. It had a marvelous modern edge to it, and appealed to real fashionistas. I tried to bring the newest most current prints to my customers. Some didn’t understand them, while others appreciated the beauty of these unique designer prints. The prints were on a silk satin charmeuse which only brought out the beauty of the colors and the fine printing. Again, the silhouette was kept simple so the print was the focal point. The small shirt sketch was a new addition and worked with EVERYTHING! It had a classic shirt collar with a button stand, but the front had a hidden button placket so no buttons showed. It had body darts for shape and a classic button cuff. The bottom was curved, which I always felt was very flattering. It too was in a silk satin charmeuse, and was avail. in ivory, perfectly pink and avocado……….Another year had come to an end.
Linda….the suede shirt and skirt shouldn’t be a problem to dress casually. Use the shirt as a jacket [sleeves rolled up], with a Tank, jeans, prairie skirt or boho and cowboy boots sandals or wedges. The skirt with a western or safari type shirt or chino color shirt, maybe short sleeve, maybe belted with an Indian belt and cowboy boots or wedges….or a tee or tank and a jean jacket…..The snake print I would push up the sleeves and wear a casual bottom…jeans, crop pants gauze skirts and wedges…..you might try to belt the top worn over your bottoms…..Same with the Watercolor shirt in avocado. The high neckline doesn’t make it look casual but you can overcome that with casual bottoms….cotton olive crop pants and espadrilles, strappy flat sandals or wedges….Push up or roll sleeves for a more casual attitude…..No ideas for the suit….it’s just not casual.
Louis….Thank you for the styling ideas. The suede shirt jackets get worn the most, over super ponte pants or WK skirts. I love the ideas for the suede skirts and the snake tops. The history of the crinkle fabric is worth keeping. Someday, when I hand those lovely suits to the next lucky owner, I want them to know how special those pieces are.
My Linea purchases really took off with this Dec 2011 collection! I have the suit in both colors, the snake top and faux suede pieces in all colors, and the watercolor blouse in green. These are stand-out pieces, and it can be a challenge to style them for the casual AZ lifestyle. I always hear “Where did you get that?” whenever I wear them. As you always say, Louis, Linea styles are timeless.