Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I'm with the Band


Stepping into the small TriBeCa space that houses the Fall/Winter Band of Outsiders collection, I feel as though I've stepped onto the set of some lost 60s Godard film. Vintage set pieces create a surreal sort of Parisian cityscape (or is it Central Park, or the upper east side?) Bored schoolgirls sit idly in front of an old television, or on beds and park benches waiting for something to happen to them. The guys on the other hand, are active. Prepster boys pass the time playing chess, performing card tricks, climbing rope, and chatting up unseen persons on the telephone (presumably not the girls waiting at home) and jotting down in their little black books. It's Gossip Girl meets La Nouvelle Vague.

The collection, designed by former casting agent Scott Sternberg, is another strong effort. The girls managed to balance themselves on colorfully disruptive heels created in collaboration with Manolo Blahnik matched with contrasting tights. The women's clothing could be seen as surreal as the props in some parts, which left Sternberg himself getting confused in the titling process: naming one item as "a mohair blend colorblock sweater...err...thing" in the accompanying notes. The menswear had a similarly maddening twist on traditional prep, with suits made in wild patchworks and pinstripes with tape lined lapels. Striped cashmere sweaters and clip on bow ties completed the look. Sperry boat shoes (another shoe collaboration) in various hues were found on every male model.

Meanwhile, Kanye West was seen modeling along with some of the actors in this "film", and was overheard saying "[Sternberg] is making the greatest menswear in America right now". Perhaps the best thing he's said this year.










6 comments:

Anonymous said...

looks more fun than the usual fashion show, were people just allowed to walk around and click pictures? kanye sounds like a douche.

Anonymous said...

Just gotta say, this show looks very... Pomp.

ryan said...

Rather than the models walking past you on a runway, you walked up to the model who then posed for you while you took your photo.
and yes, it was quite Pomp.

Anonymous said...

You have fatima on the blog and lauren on the cover. this is a very top model mag

hmla2599 said...

It's like model installation art. I dig this concept. Especially the dude on the phone.

hmla2599 said...

It's like model installation art. I dig this concept. Especially the dude on the phone.