The concept of borrowing clothes is a fairly new one. While celebrities have taken advantage of the idea for years, it’s recently caught the public eye via sites like Bag, Borrow or Steal and stores like Ilus. And now, the practice has reached the political stage, too.
Sarah Brown, Britain’s Michelle Obama, may not play in the same fashion leagues as our First Lady, but her clothing choices haven’t escaped the public eye. The bottom line is, the Browns lack the Obamas’ bank account without lacking the media exposure. Also, Britain’s laws prohibit her from accepting gifts, which means that while her outfits at something like the G20 receive the same scrutiny as Michelle and Carla’s, she can’t quite buy from the runway.
But, she can rent - for about one-tenth the cost.
Despite the presence of rent-able fashion, it’s not so discussed. Are you a Sarah or a Michelle - and we don’t mean your bank account? Would you rather rent this Marchesa dress for $190 or spend an extra $200 and buy your own Alex Wang instead?
—CARSON GRIFFITH
Curiously, amid knee-high boots, neon, cut-outs, and body-con dresses, some designers were thinking of present packaging for their Fall 09 designs.
Behnaz Sarafpour, Badgley Mischka, J Mendel and even Christopher Kane worked ribbons into a few of their looks - A touch that seems rather girly for a season that also saw three pairs of actual pants from Marchesa, no?
It’s that time, kids. The Fashion Week schedule is making its way into our lives, and we can already spot some time slot duels:
On Friday, February 13th, Cushnie et Ochs is showing at the same time (4pm) as Shipley & Halmos (which is a presentation, but you only have until 5pm to get there, so if Cushnie starts late - hah! - you’re out of luck.) Then later that day at 8pm, Form and Lorick will have to compete for pretty young things’ attendance.
Then on Tuesday the 17th, advertiser-driven Badgley Mischka will have to contend with buzz-driven Sophie Theallet at 10am, and Phillip Lim may lose some seats to Carmen Marc Valvo the next day at 3pm.
Also of note: Even though plenty of small designers are nowhere to be seen for the Fall 09 shows, Hayden-Harnett is officially on the schedule with a 6pm presentation on Thursday the 19th, and ThreeAsfour, who usually hosts a pretty heart stopping show, has switched to presentation format (Valentine’s Day at 7pm, same as Elise Overland.)
Three weeks…
