When the calendar marks March in New York City, we look forward to a few things. The first being warmer weather, which we haven’t been fully afforded yet, but for those in the blogosphere and online media, it’s a super busy time as the month closes out. Various showrooms hold press previews for Fall/Winter 2014 fashion and accessories collections during this time, and I wanted to share one such experience with you.
On Tuesday, March 25th, I attended the press preview for Zoi Agency, a full-service marketing and PR agency based in both New York and Montreal. Their focus is fashion, beauty, hospitality, and travel, all areas of interest to me, so I was happy to attend to see what they have in store for the coming season.
I ventured out to their New York office, based in one of my favorite neighborhoods of Chelsea, and was greeted by warm smiles in a beautiful light-filled space. Sweet and savory treats and beverages were on hand for all editors and bloggers to re-fuel during the middle of the day.
I started my tour with Garrett Leight eyewear, which you see in the photo up top. If you have been keeping up with the blog, you know that I was first introduced to the Los Angeles-based brand at Capsule Show and fell in love! Their optical and sunglass eyewear offerings are just my style, classic silhouettes that work for both men and women alike. Tortoise-shell frames are a constant throughout the collection, paired with funkier mirrored lens options.
Next up was Judith & Charles, a versatile womenswear collection perfect for transitioning from the workday to night. The collection is the brainchild of Canadian couple Charles Le Pierrès and Judith Richardson, and has been building momentum in the States for the past few years.
For fall, they selected a muted palette of black, greys, camel, and ivory. Although simple, the fabrications are quite luxe yet wearable, pairing stretch jersey with leather accents, fine wools, and more. I’m a sucker for leather accents, so the dresses and blazers with leather panels were right up my alley.
Transitioning from ready to wear was Swims, a rubber boot company that has grown their product line to include various water-resistant and waterproof items. The company, founded by Norway-born Johan R. started off as a “modern galosh company”. You see these in the photo above in the lower left-hand corner. These minimal galoshes slip over your shoes and have ample traction on the soles for various conditions.
Their fall collection consists of both galoshes and rainboots for men and women, and the introduction of outerwear and accessory pieces. I am fan of their equestrian-styled rubber boot, seen in the right of the photo with the stripe on the calf.
Last but not least was the brand I was most excited to see, Thapelo Paris. Established in 2010, Thapelo Paris is a sexy, yet sophisticated swimwear line for women that is just being introduced to the US market. Their resort collection of full of bold colors in sleek styling that is both appropriate for a beach party with friends, or a more subdued time with family. I loved the fact that all silhouettes were offered in solids, giving the collection a classic and timeless feel.
The brand is quite special in the fact that they are the first swimwear brand to receive the ‘Origin France Guarantee’ certification; all elements of each swimsuit is crafted exclusively in France. Being the francophile that I am, I was all ears to this, and I hope their attention to quality rings through stateside.
*Photos by Andrea K. Castillo
A Life in the Day of Andrea 