Designer

SNEAK PEEK #2

SNEAK PEAK #2, A219896, is the “WHISPER KNIT BOW SWEATER”. The colors are Ivory, Perfectly Pink, Black and Chartreuse. It has a jewel neckline [which is slightly more open than a classic crew neck]. The bow actually unties, but the button placket down the front is faux…..so it does not open…..you won’t have to worry about it gaping. The buttons are tiny domes and they are pearlized. The sleeve cap has shirring for a more feminine drape and fullness. The bottom of the sleeve and of the sweater has wide bands of ribs like the waist whittling jewel neck. NOTICE the two ways of wearing the sweater……the black and the chartreuse are both worn with a blouson effect, while the p.pink and ivory are worn pulled down which gives the sweater a straighter line [which may be better for certain body types]. I also like it this way…. worn with a narrow belt as the ivory sweater indicates. The chartreuse sweater is shown with the new longer knit pencil skirt in black. It also looks great with the new faux suede straight skirt in AVOCADO, which is darker than the chartreuse. This is a great sweater for layering under jackets, as the pink  sweater under the pink emb. jacket and the black under the gray chenille illustrate. The ivory sweater is paired with the espresso long Roma Ponte essential skirt, but you know, it will work with anything….and every color or novelty jacket you already own. Of course they look great with jeans. I truly believe this will add that something extra to your wardrobes and you will find it works with more things than you thought it would…….I don’t know why, but it reminds me of “Bonnie and Clyde”…………………..much Love, Louis

Hello Everyone,
Well we all surmised that there were too many clothes for Dec. to fit in a one hour show…..so more appearances have been added. The following is the new schedule:
1-Dec. 9th, Friday, 1:00pm, a one hour show with all new items
2-Dec 12th, Monday, 6:00am morning show appearance. Three items, one of which is the new A219799, python print jersey draped top, in 4 colors
3-Dec 12th, Monday, 7:00 PMStyle. There will be 3 new items. A219796, satin back, faux crepe de chine shirt, in Perfectly Pink, Ivory and Black. A219797, The new V-neck cardigan with a vest front [slight V bottom] This sweater is in the acrylic/ wool and is made like the fully fashioned V-neck tunic…..colors Perfectly Pink, Fawn and Black. A219798, is the NEW LONGER PENCIL SKIRT, aprox. 26 inched long. Again. it is in the same acrylic/ wool as the shorter pencil skirt and in the same every needle rib construction…..colors, Perfectly Pink, Fawn, and Black.
PLEASE!!!! write these dates, times and item #s in pencil. From now until then things can change…….however, I thought you should be aware of what the plan is……..for now. If there are any changes I will let you know…….Be on the look out for more photo “SNEAK PEEKS”………much Love, Louis

Hi Everyone,

Since there is quite a bit of time from now until my next show on Dec. 9th…….. I thought it would be a good idea to have some “sneak peeks ” of what is coming in Dec. Below is item A220044, a tunic. The fabric is new and it is similar to the fabric of the riding jacket, slim pant and straight leg pant. It is a rayon/poly/span blend and I know you are going to love the feel, weight and drape of this cloth……it is beautiful and I couldn’t be happier with it. The tunic is based on the pebble crepe tunic from last spring. This tunic is a little longer, 27 inches for the XS and the sleeves are longer also, but not full length, [notice the sleeve of the turtle neck peaking out]. The pockets are similar to the last tunic and this tunic has bust darts for a proper and balanced fit and hang. The collar is very special. It is a  “U” neckline with a bias rollover band collar approx. 2-2 1/2 inches wide. Notice the collar splits in the center back for an added detail. This tunic will work for women of all sizes and height. The thing I love the most about this piece is it’s versatility. Wear it with nothing under it and a pencil skirt for a dressier look, or layer it with a turtle neck  or the “Kate “/”Robyn” shirt for a more casual look. Belt it or wear it loose for a totally different look. Jeans or dress pants work equally, as well. Remember, there is a matching pant A220049. The colors are Merlot, Slate Blue, Sand and Black………..P.S. the Byzantine jewelry is also coming……………much Love, Louis

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Good morning to all! We finally made it home after getting somewhat lost in Hackensack N.J. LOL. I guess I was more tired than I thought. I missed the turn off to the George Washington Bridge, and I have made this drive a thousand times in the last 11 years. Being tired from the long day,the drizzle, the fog and the bad lighting on the N.J. Turnpike didn’t help. I was running real low on gas and that was my biggest concern, but all ended well. I still haven’t unpacked the 71 samples I brought down for the models to wear plus the accessories……..tomorrow is another day. Last night we went out to dinner with friends and we all over did it with the Margaritas! We were both a little wobbly this morning! That didn’t stop Jac…..off to the gym she when to meet her girlfriend, who should also be a little wobbly this morning from the margaritas!! The weather today is sunny, crisp and quite windy, and I plan to just take it easy. Later I will take the “girls” for a leisurely stroll. Of course, that’s how I imagine it…..with the three of them tugging on the leashes….trying to chase every squirrel they see….nothing about it is leisurely!
I am happy to report the two shows on Thurs. did extremely well. They both exceeded the targets and that makes EVERYONE happy! So, once again, I thank you for making it possible. I am so glad I have November off! I can slowly start thinking about putting the Dec. 9th show together. I am also finishing designing Fall 2012. I have to say I am a little anxious about Fall 2012. Don’t get me wrong, I have found extraordinary things….truly beautiful special fabrics…..actually a treasure trove of fabrics! However, everything is so much more money than last year. Some of the same fabrics I considered last year have gone up in price by $2 to $3 dollars and in some cases more. I know I am going to get resistance from QVC and my manufacturer…..who is just as price conscious as QVC is. I have already seen customer resistance to higher prices. Everyone wants good quality and better fabrics, but the majority really can’t afford to pay more and I certainly understand…..it is a dilemma. I have been looking at all the fall catalogues and the prices are so much higher than what I am selling my Linea clothes for. I have to say, in most cases, I like what I am offering better, but then I am biased. It was only a few years ago when my manufacturer would say, “let’s do some silk blouses”. Today, the price of silk has exceeded what QVC will pay for a garment. No one on QVC is doing “NEW” items in silk. The only exception is if something is a reorder item, and I can tell you that will end too because the same prices can not be maintained. That is the world we live in. I have total empathy for all of the people around the country who are protesting while banks, big business and oil companies are raking in billions of dollars. I feel very guilty about raising prices, but I still don’t want and will not sell an inferior product. The months ahead will definitely be a challenge.
I hope you are all well and don’t forget to smell the roses….what’s left of them……..much Love, Louis

Hi Everyone,
I have my final scripts for the shows, I hope! According to the scripts that I have….here are the new and reorder items…. scheduled for the Oct 13th, 5am and 6pm shows:

1-A217630, is the Long awaited mock neck short sleeved sweater. It is in the Whisper Knit and is the perfect layering piece for under jackets or other sweaters, such as the matching cardigan, classic v-neck and the new v-neck tunic. The colors are: Olive, Aubergine, Mallard Blue and Black…….I think these will go quick

2-A217629, is the classic v-neck sweater, many of you have it already from your wait list and I can tell you the remaining quantities are low. Colors:  Black, Aubergine, and the Mallard Blue and Olive are extremely limited.

3-A217983, is the waist whittling cardigan in the acrylic/ wool blend. This is the same yarn as the riding skirt and the pencil skirt, so the colors are exactly the same. Remember this is not the Whisper Knit, so the ribs at the bottom are not as tight. If you want them to come in more…..I suggest on an ironing board to push the ribs closer together and STEAM! This should bring them in a little more. However, for this particular cardigan I like them a little more relaxed…..especially when worn open. It is a very light weight sweater and can easily be worn with nothing under it as a crew neck. I particularly like the black with the Fawn short sleeve crew neck , A3825, and the fawn pant……very chic. The colors: Black, Steel Gray and Cassis

4-A217985, is the v-neck tunic in the acrylic/wool blend. I did this exact sweater for Anne Klein and the only difference is the yarn. The AK sweater was in a fine Merino wool. This is a fully fashioned sweater…..There are no trims on this sweater. The shape, the v neckline and the v side slits are all created by the knitting machine. I have said it before and I will say it again! You could not make this sweater any better!! This sweater fits into everyone’s life style. It is the PERFECT Saturday sweater with jeans…..layered with a white shirt or T-shirt. If you want it a little more dressed up….wear it over the knit riding skirt or pencil….belted or not. I think it is super sexy. I LOVE it under the quilted jacket…..hanging out from the bottom with jeans…..that’s a great weekend look. I want you to know this is a relaxed sweater….it should look easy on the body. This is NOT the classic v-neck sweater, which is shorter. If you are between sizes or you like things closer to the body, than you should size down one size , but… remember, this sweater looks great layer with things under it. Perfect with leggings,….EASY TOP, SLIM BOTTOM. The colors: Black, Steel Gray and Cassis.

5-A218573 is the 8 gored faux suede skirt. It is approx 33 1/2 inches long. Petites, if you found the knit riding skirt too much for you, I don’t think this is the skirt for you…..but don’t worry, in Dec…. I will have another faux suede long skirt that is a straighter faux wrap, and will work better for you. If you are 5′ 4″ and up, it will be fine. This is the perfect boot skirt to be worn with all different kinds of tops, both dressy and casual, from a jean jacket to the new chenille blazer……from a simple turtle neck to my new puckered cowl top from the last show. The colors: Taupe, Purple, Steel Gray.

7-A218572, is the fabulous chenille blazer! Ladies this is FABULOUS!!!! The fabric is totally designer. When the sample first came in my manufacturer said “”it looks like an Armani”. Well, I think it looks like a Dell’Olio, but I know what was meant…..it is stunning. It is called a boyfriend jacket, but, for me, it is simply a classic two button blazer that will NEVER go out of style. Needless to say, it is made perfectly! The details, though subtle, are impeccable. This can be worn very dressy or it is perfect with a sweater or a shirt and jeans. I don’t usually say this, but… you may want more than one color. The colors are, Deep Purple, Gray and Taupe. Because the fabric is yarn dyed and the gray and taupe are mid range colors…..I was able to get a slightly heathered effect…..they are just beautiful .  I put this fabric right up there with my best “signature” fabrics.Enjoy!

8-A218569, is the faux charmuese draped top. This is the same fabric as my stand collar shirt from last month [olive, ivory and black]. The draping goes from the side of the  neck to the opposite hip and the same on the other side of the neck, creating a surplus wrap effect. There is a built in front tank for modesty, so you can adjust the drapes to work  with your body and still be covered. There is a band of multi row  elastic in the back to keep the top close to the body and it also creates a sort of bluson effect in the front. I know, it’s hard to picture! I will say this is not a top for everyone….it is a very high fashion top and it is fabulous. The colors are: Purple, Gray, and Taupe. The gray under the gray chenille with black pants…total chic……the taupe with my black knit pencil skirt, gray sheer hose and black jet beads…. has a very 20’s look.  The purple with the new purple crushed velvet skirt is……WOW.

9-A218565, is the crushed velvet tunic/jacket. I call it a tunic/jacket because you can wear it as a shirt with nothing under it or over a sweater, shirt or cami. It has a wing collar and buttons down the front. It has seams for shaping and it has IN SEAM POCKETS, SO LOOK FOR THEM!!!! I know someone will think the seam wasn’t sewn properly. The top has a fit and slightly flared shape. The front is lined to hide the pockets but the back and sleeve were left unlined to keep it fluid and light weight. The colors: Black and Purple. The black top looks great with my black pull on velvet pant or pencil skirt as well as black dress pants for a less dressy look. If you want to go more casual, wear the black with black jeans and an ivory turtle neck…..very Bohemian. The purple looks great with my grape velvet pencil skirt from a few seasons back as well as  jeans. The purple whisper knit turtleneck due in Dec, or the violet crew neck, avail now, are perfect as layering pieces.

10A219793, is the crushed velvet 6 gored skirt. The colors are the same as the tunic/jacket, Black and Purple. These are great separate skirts, and, again. can be worn day or night, depending on what you put them with. They both look great with the chenille jackets [the black with either the taupe or gray looks fantastic]. A white shirt, a simple sweater or the new lurex top, paired with the skirt. will suit many different occasions and purposes. I know many will ask if the above top and the skirt can be worn together. I think it totally depends on the wearer and how it is worn. Usually, I don’t recommend long over long for many women, but it can work if done correctly. LOOK OUT  for a sneak peek with the purple skirt!

11-A218571, is the new suede and knit jacket. The colors are Aubergine and Black…….and yes, despite the way the color may look in the picture, all of the aubergine separates work together. This is a zip front jacket with a shirt collar. It has body seams for a subtle shape that grazes the body. In the seams there are zipper pockets. Now, for the fun part……..the jacket has a 3/4 sleeve length, but hanging from the sleeve is a rib knit sleeve, giving the effect of a sweater coming from inside. It also has rib knit side panels that are in the back only. This gives lots of comfort when moving or driving, plus it gives the “cool” factor. Of course the suede is the same quality I always use, which means it is luxe all the way…..super soft and saturated in color. This is the only new “REAL”suede jacket that I will be offering this season and it’s a beauty. The Aubergine looks great casual, with the blue “KATE” shirt and the aubergine tank over the shirt as a vest…… jeans, sunglasses, boots and a great bag. I also love it with just the aubergine v-neck and the black pencil skirt…..black tights, boots, gloves, sunglasses, my gold chain necklace and bracelet, and a black beret if you are so inclined…..HOT HOT HOT. The black jacket looks beautiful with my red turtleneck and the black riding skirt, black boots and, for some glamor, my gold ball bead necklace….refined ….yes!, but still HOT.

12-A218568, is the sequin, sleeveless cowl top. The sequins are embroidered on the crinkle georgette [same as the Boho]. Sometimes, when you bend over in a cowl top you may reveal more than you intended to…..don’t worry, there is an attached black georgette tank lining which creates a  modesty piece just for that purpose…..so you never have to feel self conscious. The colors are Black with Black sequins and Black with Dark Silver sequins. There is such a thing as dark silver and regular silver sequins. For ordering purposes it’s Black/Silver. For me, this is a “go to” top….to be worn under things you already own, such as the perfectly pink jacket with the black tulle,  or the black Boho skirt. It will work under a multitude of jackets. For a Holiday party at a friends…. be “casual dressy”, try the top with black jeans or velvet pants and my new black quilted jacket. Another terrific casual look would be pairing it with the black boho and the black Whisper Knit cardigan…….some fabulous boots, some jewels and your done. I’m sure you will be able to think of a zillion ways a piece like this can fit into your wardrobes.

13-A218567, is the lurex, scoop neck long sleeve top. The body of the top is lined for modesty….but not the sleeve. The neckline is piped in self fabric and the sleeve is finished off with an elastic cuff. The story here is ….the beautiful fabric…..pure designer…….it looks like it came from a French mill that specializes in this type of fabric. It is a sheer crinkled georgette….actually it looks like it is crystal pleated very finely…..almost “Fortuny” like. The hem of the garment is finished witb a fine pearl stitch which creates a lettuce hem. There are rows and rows of lurex threads woven vertically throughout. The colors are Black with Silver and Black with Gold ….and…. silver threads to give it an antiqued look. It comes with the optional self tie belt, or you can use your own. Without the belt, the top follows the line of the body, due to the fine pleating, so it is not boxy at all. Wear it with black jeans, the black boho, the new black crushed velvet skirt or the matching lurex skirt. This is a top that I am sure you already have many bottoms you can wear it with.

14-A217982, is the lurex boot length skirt. It is the same fabric as above, in the same colors and lined in the same fabric. It has an elastic waist and is a pull on skirt. It has two tiers. This skirt is slimmer than the boho skirt and has much less fabric, so it should be good for all body types. Again, you can wear it with a turtle neck or v-neck sweater and a suede or quilted jacket….. or go all out and wear it with the matching top for a spectacular two piece dress look. Don’t have the occasion to wear something like this?…….you never know!

15-A87571, is the reorder Leopard print brushed cotton jacket. The new color is Spruce Green. I know some women who have received it think it looks more teal than spruce, and I can understand why. The high light color is definitely more teal than green, but the dark color  in the print is definitely Spruce Green, and it does coordinate with the spruce green separates. Actually, I will be showing it with the s. green pencil skirt, a black turtle neck sweater and black accessories. I think the coloration is very beautiful. Of course ,it will also be avail in the gray, denim, aubergine and natural colors.

That is everything that is new or reordered for the shows. On the 5am show, we will be repeating many of the items that were on  the now infamous “Hurricane Irene” show . Many of you did not get a chance to see them.  If I have not mentioned an item, such as the faux suede jacket with the metallic piping [a picture of that is posted on the Forum] that means that it will be upcoming….AS SOON AS I KNOW, SO WILL ALL OF YOU.

There are many marvelous things on these two shows….really something for everyone. I can proudly say the fabrications are beautiful and the workmanship is unbelievable …at any price. I hope you all find something you like…………………………………..hope to “see” you soon………………much Love, Louis