Wallpaper has made a comeback, not only with interior designers who have updated the stale wall coverings or yore, but in the windows to accompany Leona Edmiston's current collection. While the metallic paper is delicate in floral pale pink—befitting of a regency powder room—the red-on-white dresses provide an unexpected contrast, making the whole more appealing than the sum of its parts. [RackedWire]
Steve & Barry's windows were never spectacular, but you got a sense that there was some effort being put into it, even a smidge. Walking past the outpost at the Beverly Connection recently was a bit depressing—a couple of SJP's Bitten outfits behind a dirty window. Inside, all was quiet but for a few international shoppers, whom we couldn't understand, but the look on their faces (a mom and dad with three children) was not impressed. Now, Mervyns, which just filed for Chapter 11, joins the retailer in its financial woes. If there's any restructuring or improvement at Steve & Barry's, it's not yet visible here.
· Steve & Barry's, Chapter 11 Filed [Racked]
· Bankruptcy Watch: Steve & Barry's Facing Store Closures [Racked]
· SJP or Not, Steve & Barry's Hinging on Bankruptcy [Racked]
When LA designer Jenni Kayne opened her eponymous West Hollywood boutique in late 2007, you couldn't help be taken with the architecture—clean lines, exposed wood beams, warm neutral hues, and a thoroughly modern space created by Jeffrey Allsbrook—which also includes the main front window, the first residents a leopard and a one-shouldered canary yellow gown. Since the shop's debut, it's continued to showoff a string of inventive windows. Of late, the boutique's taken a shattered approach with shards dominating the orange backdrop and floor. Just a single mannequin stands in a linen shorts suit, which is dressed-up casual on point for summer. [RackedWire]
Luxury lingerie boutique Agent Provocateur on Melrose get sporty with its tennis-inspired windows. The neon green knickers may not be the most practical color, but the bright sets certainly go with those balls, and are much racier than the usual tennis bloomers. [RackedWire]
Marc Jacobs cleverly repurposed its Interview mag windows at both the Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs boutiques on Melrose into a celebration of same-sex marriage. Replete with gay and lesbian mannequin couples in veils and rainbow tees, the Interview spread with MJ acts as the backdrop, with the designer saying via bubbles "Congrats to all the new married couples" and "California rocks!" We say bravo to the dual recycling and political cause. [RackedWire]
Ed Hardy designer Christian Audigier's commitment to the tattoo-inspired, skull-and-flowers, crystal-encrusted look is rather impressive. As witnessed here int he windows of the Beverly Center, it just doesn't stop! But, then again, what incentive does he have with Britney to Ashley Tisdale prancing around in his bikinis? [RackedWire]
The last vestiges of the 4th of July are hanging on at The Way We Wore on La Brea, where the windows feature star spangled vintage. The zip-front flag dress is particularly festive, and, though a bit much, a preferable display of patriotism over flagged lawns. [RackedWire]
Photo via Superbaka/Flickr
Came across this gorgeous image in the Racked Flickr pool, entitled "Marc Jacobs, Melrose," originally uploaded November 29, 2007. As we sweat out the heat nearing July 4, this ethereal winter white photo might cool you down. Thanks, Superbaka for sharing! Which reminds us, please submit to the Flickr pool—we'd love more images!
· Racked Flickr Pool [flickr.com]
The Interview mag spread and feature on Marc Jacobs celebrating Andy Warhol has been amply discussed, including a segment on Charlie Rose. It's also the subject of the Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs windows on Melrose Place and Melrose Avenue. Of course, we took pictures, our favorite being this close-up of MJ's arm with his Simpsons alter ego tattooed on his bicep. [RackedWire]
Chanel's new Robertson boutique brings the outdoors indoors, its front open floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall, but for one significant window on the north end, currently featuring a carousel of frothy, tiered blush and silvery tulle. The shell accessories and embellishments give a summery feel to the luxury, while the logo manicures are all-out access. Wouldn't it be fantastic is Chanel offered the logo manicure in-store? [RackedWire]
Since now we have to distinguish between the Rodeo and Robertson boutiques... At Chanel on Rodeo, there's a bit of a '80s rocker-chic vibe with the neon, black gloves, leotard and lots of hardware. This is the kind of thing if you tried to recreate it in some form for less, it would be a trashy train wreck. [RackedWire]
You don't need much to show Azzedine Alaïa's pieces—sophisticated, elegant in a modern way, and meticulously constructed—so a streamlined display makes sense. The pointed-necked, -armed and -legged mannequins in the Alaïa windows at Barneys have a no nonsense appeal, but also have an insect-inspired vibe. Like grasshoppers that have found their spot for the night. The disembodied heads are used to prop up shoes and handbags, but do they actually fit on the bodies? Also, are we crazy, or does Alaïa only have a MySpace page? [RackedWire]
We covered the Otis College of Art & Design windows at Trina Turk, one of a number of designer mentors paired with Otis fashion students to create looks for its annual fashion show and displayed in the Neiman Marcus windows. This year's mentors included Libertine, Trina Turk, John Varvatos, Monique Lhuillier and Max Studio. Particularly impressive was the Libertine display, a collection of statement-making cocktail dresses—tiered, textured, voluminous, some beaded and sequined. A group of women stopped behind us, one pointing to the black-and-white dress, saying "I would wear that." Another responded: "It's so Carrie," which we tried not to let undermine our appreciation of the student work. Not that we don't also acknowledge the importance of SATC on fashion, but jeez, it really does feel relentless. Click through to see all the displays. [RackedWire]
Obama has some serious support from Fathead Apparel on Melrose. The boutique is selling men's and women's tees with "Barack Obama '08: History in the Making, Fathead Apparel" on the front. And just in case you don't see the shirts (oddly placed) on the floor on half mannequins, hopefully the marquee signage "Fathead Apparel Barack Obama Shirts" will clue you in. The guy outside suggested we buy one instead of taking pictures. So, if anyone wants a Fathead Apparel Obama tee... [RackedWire]
Perfumerie Le Labo on West 3rd Street has some new window signage, warning "All Persons Must Take Shower With Hot Water and Soap Before Entering Le Labo." Is the scent-centric retailer trying to ward off all three or so encroaching homeless in the neighborhood? Or those stinky post-yoga people who linger and browse before going home? The sign is repurposed, like a number of elements in the shop—"Le Labo" in the place of something. Any guesses? [RackedWire]
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