Richard Chai’s line for Target launches in T-minus five days. Topshop will drop its hots this fall in NYC.
As stores and boutiques slowly prepare to rid this summer’s styles off their racks in exchange for fall’s must-haves (which means that the end-of-the-season clearance will be a-knockin’ on our doors soon!), the fashion media prepares to do their part by focusing in on les regards nouveaux for Spring 2009 at the upcoming Mercedes Benz’s New York Fashion Week, located in Bryant Park.
In current time, two familiar names in the modern art of clothing have been buzzing about in many fashion blogs and magazines alike. In comparison to the high-fashion designers and prices, which a good chunk of America can bare to afford (unless they choose to starve until receiving their next paycheck), their services openly approach even a size 0 wallet with a gentle kiss and an additional wink for its owner’s chic indulgence – at a great deal!
For those who haven’t recently dabbled in any medium of fashion media, drink up what I’ve had brewing in my cauldron for some time: In five days, Target launches yet another Go International line designed by fashion’s newly celebrated Asian designer, Richard Chai. In the midst of fall, SIr Phillip Green will launch his Topshop store in NYC, as its flagship in the United States.
Target announced the news of selecting Richard Chai earlier this month, while its online store contained
The man, the myth, the legend... Richard Chai.
marked-off remnants from Go International’s previous client, Rogan Gregory, a New-York based designer who was the go-to man for Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson when they launched their 2005 eco-conscious line, Edun. Other predecessors include London’s queen of modern alternative, Luella Bartley, and Erin Fetherston.
Chai’s breakthrough occurred when aiding the launch of Marc by Marc Jacobs with the designer himself back in 2001. When he shifted to creative director for TSE, he was applauded for extending its fashion house outside of the basic cardigan. In 2004, he launched his own line which showcased his penchant for fabrics and intricate details. He has been referred as one of the “New Asian” influence of haute couture, according to his bio on Nymag.com.
May I stylishly help you?
However, Nylon succeeded a first look into this highly anticipated collection back in June. They’ve carefully crafted 8 outfits which, as stated in their news release, could achieve for just $80. What’s behind this mysterious door was, unfortunately, a physical reminder of what has been seen before and could be easily confused as something bought from Forever 21: wacky graphic tees, modest ruffles, the staple blazers, stylistic pleats on has-been-done areas, and the granny cardigan.
If you’re the type who loves to diversify your wardrobe with designer names regardless of style, and have been dying to welcome a Richard Chai piece into its colony, then mark your calender for August 3. Otherwise, you can scrape through the clearance racks for similar styles at an even cheaper price, even though the line itself is moderately affordable.
Not to say that I am damning the whole collection, but I wasn’t completely knocked out of my seat upon witnessing it – as I hoped to expect because I am a fan of his higher-end pieces. However, I would like to comment that I absolutely love the casual two tone empire dress with the back tie stunningly placed in the front! I’d put up a fight to have that dress in my own hands – and on my body of course.
Sir Philip Green and Kate Moss, and excellent duo.
In other amazing news, I’m still shrieking to the top of my lungs over the announcement of Topshop’s sail overseas to establish a flagship store in the United States. This will be the first of several stores that will station Topshop’s “global invasion”, which will include India, China and many more.
Without paying more than we should on international shipping, NYC residents and visitors can easily click-clank out of their pads with the authentic London look. This store will resemble its Oxford Street location, at least in services, which includes a nail bar, one hour tailoring service, delivery of purchases in under an hour, hair salon, and personal style consultant.
Among the range of clothes is an almost infinite amount of styles includes lines by Kate Moss, Unique, and Danielle Scutt. Other brands will be showcased in this store, and owner Sir Phillip Green hopes to create smaller stores for up-and-coming, promising designers who are unable to afford the high rent within Manhattan. These stores will serve as “an incubator… where we incubate some of these young designers, initially with a view to help get these people early. And once we’ve got them working, move them along.”
It alarms me slightly that Topshop will become a global sensation, because I wonder if the company will be able to maintain its London charm and stray away from the possibility of being watered down and cheapened. At the same time, it seems like Sir Phillip Green has found his million dollar formula that would prevent that from occuring. Another issue that circulates my mind is the translation in prices, since the current dollar is so frail in comparison to this store’s birth town.
Topshop is set to open its tall doors October 10, 2008.
Sources: nylon.com, nymag.com, target.com, treehugger.com
Images from nylon.com, poshbot.com, elleuk.com
