GLORY CHEN & JOY CHEN FOOTWEAR: SPRING 2010

LUXURY SHOES AND THE BASICS
WORDS, IMAGES JUDITH ECOCHARD




























A striking kimono, detailed with leather forest green pleating was hanging in the stark white gallery at the Spring 2010 preview of : Glory Chen and Joy Chen.

This handcrafted piece by the Creative Director, Joy Chen Kolterman, was a reflection of the study of Okologie (ecology) .and inspiration for her “RE-CREATION” high end Glory Chen collection.


























“An edgier, avant garde gallery girl, with a desire for art,” was the way Chen described her clients that appreciate the elegant and striking assortment of heels, open toes and flats.

The exquisitely crafted peds are loaded with symbolism…like the three arrow sign (evolution, growth and re-vitalization).






















And the tree embossed on the heel “supports and grounds” the design of each shoe.

The thoughtfulness of Chen translates in other footwear ways too, so-to-speak.
After only a few minutes of conversation, we knew we were with a true artistic spirit,

The constructions of the shoes are luxe…as Chen is hands on from start to finish, including the manufacturing process---that incorporates custom lasts.






















We thought the patterns most striking…like Chinese wooden boxes. And yes, there is a ‘harmonious’ undertone to the shoes we saw, an Asian aesthetic that is of course, truly global.





















The artistic mix of textures and materials of shoes like our favorites the heeled Foliage. Biome, and Fauna…are stunning.

And they’re cushiony too as “comfort and structure are important ---my shoes have a lot of padding.”





















The Joy Chen line is a value oriented “bridge” line (around $250-$400) that for Spring 2010, directly reflects the Creative Director’s graphic design training.

Dubbed the “Art Deco” Collection, the shoes are “understandably clean, neat and contemporary.”



















There are subtle flourishes--- like folds that reflect decorative architectural elements found on buildings and objects from that era.

Hand finished materials are evident…as are the quality of materials like print split suede, nubuck and wrinkle patent.

We loved the warm neutral toned palate too as Chen wanted the shoes “to be invisible” which we take to mean seamlessly working with an urban gals wardrobe.

Because there is nothing wall flower about this collection…the sculptural silhouettes may “speak softly” …but also make quite an impact.

INFO: GLORY CHEN GLORIA CHEN

ALICE & OLIVIA SPRING 2010 COLLECTION

PLUS: A PERFORMANCE BY THE FRENCH GIRL BAND PLASTICINES ROCK THE HOUSE!




















Words, Images Judith Ecochard

It was ooh la la at the debut of Alice & Olivia’s Debut Collection for New York Fashion Week.

For those not in the know, Alice & Olivia is a hip urban gals label (and stores) for stylish clothes---launched by Ivy League grad Stacy Bendet in 2002…and beginning its life as the fab fitting brand for pants and denim.








































Well---- the Alice & Olivia is a grown up and positively chic now,


























...judging by the well accessorized ensembles we saw. Staged in that massive West 13th street space--- the models posed in amusing vignettes---with b/w Parisian street scenery and props like oversized cutout ice cream cones adding to the Gallic vibe.
















Added plus, the backdrops look like they were hand drawn by illustrator/author of Madeline fame, Ludwig Bemelmans.


































The sultry models (black Brigitte Bardot smoldering eyes) copped an ennui attitude in au courant mini dresses and lacy leggings, cropped pants, tees and cute feminine blazers---mostly in neutral colors…and a flattering pal pink and lavender.















































Our fav---the soft drape dress with a deep v, and layered one with a handkerchief hems, and a fun white party dress with a black hem/underside are nights out chic frocks.































And most appropriately, the fabulous Plasticines got the crowd moving with nearly an hour long set.

















Oui Oui!















ALICE AND OLIVIA

DOONEY & BOURKE Spring 2010 PREVIEW

HANDBAGS, TOTES, SATCHELS= STYLISH VALUES

Words, Images Judith Ecochard


Dooney & Burke Spring 2010 (ships December – February for those counting the days) ---is a sophisticated collection of beautiful bags at terrific price points (most under $300/accessories <$150). Smartly, there are haulers of all sizes, for all occasions, and for gals of all ages too.

























Numero Uno for Spring, we think, is the oversized croc embossed, nicely textured AMAZON collection…”that’s classic and interesting.” ($300-$700) and comes in a Tassel Bags (hand and shoulder straps), handy Shoppers and Clutches.

















































The popular Valerie Bag ($265) comes in a soft pebble grain (PEBBLE GRAIN Collection), with a contrasting trim and recessed zipper that secures while it “disappears.” Color options, eight in all- include aegean blue, bone and red.

















































The Valerie Bag also comes in a subtly imprinted BLENDED SHADOW Collection…in summery shades like hot pink and sunflower.

For everyday, the CANVAS Collection with leather trims comes in three sizes (mini Juliette Satchel, Satchel, and larger Juliette). We love the contrast canvas webbed straps. Plus the haulers come in 15 colors…

A new Dooney & Bourke series is the HERRINGBONE Collection…in the handy Juliette shapes…including a Travel version…and a hobo. We saw the plum at the preview…but it comes in black, taupe, and brown too.

















For a younger market, there are eye-catching graphics in easy carry shapes, including clutches and hobos, and more subtle graphics that are fun. What’s nice is that these bags can really bump up a day or night ensemble of black attire, the uniform for many.




































Included in this grouping are the all under $200---SPORT bunch---like the denim based velvet SPORT FLOCK Collection, a coated canvas SPORT DOODLE in pastels…























The swirly Keith Haring-like SPORT FLOCK Collection (black background)…and POP Collection that has travelers in mind with cosmetic cases, a pochette and duffle configurations...and sized for our gear hold it all bags.



















The good for all seasons (read: versatile) NYLON Collection comes in every shape anyone could need. Totes are expected to continue to do well, as are the Medium Pocket Sac and Valerie Bag that fit just so on ones shoulders. What really sets D&B’s nylons apart from other brands…is the durability, courtesy of fab construction…and the little details like contrast stitching and handsome leather trims,

And that duck hangtag.












































The small giftables match up their big sibling…and include wallets, a bargain $25 card case, and hefty key fobs that are amusing plays on the duck logo.







































Classics that will appeal to women are the CI LEATHER COLLECTION in various shapes like a small coin case, wristlet, and a large tote…come in pretty tones…including a hot pink and lavender.











































The DILLEN COLLECTION, with the signature brown leather trim (in yellow, sky blue, fuschsia, hot pink, lavender)







































And the CALF COLLECTION in seven shades…are upscale, made form top quality leathers and solid hardware…and are priced much less than some similar European brands that come to mind.







































BOTTOM LINE: Dooney & Bourke doesn’t reinvent the wheel with every collection. It doesn’t have to. Their bags never go out of style.

But there's just enough textural variations, new fun imprints and COLORS, and refreshing updates of the chic classics, always, that gets us in the we want it now mood. And it's not even winter yet.
























INFO and E-Commerce/Store Locator DOONEY & BOURKE