Park & Bond Launch

Earlier this week, Gilt launched its full priced menswear line - Park & Bond. The site is named after two streets here in the city - Park Avenue and Bond Street. Classic and contemporary come together all under one site.

To be honest, when I first heard about the upcoming site a while back - I was skeptical. Gilt is known for its flash sales so why would anyone opt for their regular priced line? Add in the launch of Mr. Porter earlier this year and it all didn't seem to make much sense. BUT- after taking a look at the site - I have to say - I definitely like what I see.

Brands include Comme des Garcons, Dries Van Noten, Gant by Michael Bastian, Richard Chai for Original Penguin, Viktor & Rolf and more. The product selection and range is vast and there's enough of a differential between Mr. Porter and Park and Bond for it to remain competitive.

The site also has some great features like what to pair pieces with (likely pawned off of Mr. Porter) and pointers including how to create the perfect dimple when tying a tie and how to wash raw denim.

Preview: Missoni x Target

Today images from the upcoming Missoni x Target collaboration hit the web thanks to Target’s living doll, All the Way Up Here, who has been hired to help promote the 400 piece collection.  She gave us a look at so many elements from womenswear to menswear to childrenswear, accessories, that bicycle, luggage and even what appears to be an iPad cover!

Can’t wait until September 13 rolls around. I’m anticipating some serious damage! How adorable are those rainboots?  I already know that I want to try to snag all of the scarves, socks and my iPad does need a pretty home.  Let’s not even mention the dress in look 3 or the decorative pillows…What are you eyeing?

Check out more pictures after the jump.

+J: Fall 2011 Preview

Like so much in life, all good things eventually come to an end - and the +J collection is no different. The longstanding partnership between Jil Sander and Uniqlo has ceased with the final collection to debut this coming fall (le sigh).

This is one of my favorite collabs for great basics so I'm definitely sad to see it go - will definitely be stocking up once this drops in stores.

As usual, the collection will house menswear and womenswear and so far, the outerwear looks pretty slick from the preview pics.

Images courtesy of Uniqlo

Pierre Balmain

Balmain announced it will be launching a diffusion line: Pierre Balmain. The line will yield a more casual and relaxed urban vibe than the main line and won't come with as hefty a price tag (albeit it's still not cheap). Prices will range from $172 for Ts, up to $1,200 for eveningwear.

The collection will include womenswear and menswear pieces ranging from knitwear to denim. The line is aiming to launch this December globally with a Spring collection and will be available in the US, Asia and Europe.

All images courtesy of WWD

Personally I like diffusion lines - but it helps to understand where and why they arise. While they reach a further target market and increase accessibility for consumers, at the end of the day - fashion is business and 99.99% of diffusion lines arise to generate money. In particular - with lux labels, while items may cost an arm and a leg - if you only sell a few of those items, at the end of the day it doesn't work (seriously - how many people can afford a $1,500 T-shirt). Diffusion lines bank off of the goodwill existing Brands hold, but are intended to generate cash through higher sell through rates and quantity - plain and simple.

Sample Sale Report: Buckler

Today’s extreme heat at 106 degrees had me feel like I was literally cooking on the sidewalk and quickly seeking refuge in any space that was air conditioned. I soon found myself at the Buckler Sample Sale -it was relatively quiet, clothing was organized and yes, sweet a/c was pumping.

I don’t often shop menswear sample sales but this one in particular was a goodie and I thought I’d try to snag a few things for my brother. I ended up picking him up a skinny tie for $5 and a cute sweatshirt for $30.

As for the rest of the merch, underwear is $5, ties and accessories are $5 (including skinny ties), vests are $18, shorts are $25, Tees are $15, shoes are $15, sweaters/sweat shirts $30, Jeans/Pants are $35 or 2 for $60, jackets/blazers $70 and prices topped out at $150 for leather/outerwear pieces.

As for the size breakdown things ranged from size S to XL but the majority of stock available was in a size M. For pants sizes ranged from 28 to 36 but the majority was in the 32-34 range. For shoes I think they were previous runway samples as the soles looked scuffed up but the shoes themselves were not too worn in for most part. Sizes ranged from what I could tell in the realm of size 11-13. When I was looking at blazers/vests I spotted a lot of mediums/size 40.

Some the the light knitwear pieces I wished I could wear myself. I was amused by a collection of tees that featured embroidered insects, although I’m not sure I know the man that would wear them. My fave pieces were the glen check utility blazer and the super classic convertible trench that can zip to become shorter and zip off the sleeves too. Tres charming.

Since this was held in the Buckler store expect real change rooms! If you are a fellow in need of a wardrobe overhaul, make your way over for some ultra affordable menswear.

Sale runs through the weekend although staff is anticipating that it may be extended into next week. Hurry for best selection!

Who: Buckler Sample Sale
What: 80-90% off Menswear from the spring/summer 2011 collection
When: July 22-24, 2011. Fri-Sun 11am-7pm
Where: 13 Gansevoort St (nr Hudson St) 212-255-1596