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When Helmut Lang's boutique made the move to Melrose earlier this year, fans promptly flocked to the airy 1,400-square-foot space and praised how the chic décor mirrored the cult-favorite fashion brand's minimalist vibe. Months later, Angelenos are still hooked and frequently peeking inside the store's stunning floor-to-ceiling windows to see if a fresh new shipment of must-have pieces have arrived.
To save you a trip, we stopped by Helmut Lang Melrose to preview the spring 2013 looks that are set to hit the store early next year. As expected, the collection is sharp, edgy, cool, colorful—wait, color? Yes, thanks to creative directors Nicole and Michael Colovos (formerly of LA's Habitual), the brand is slowly stripping its notoriously strict black-and-white palette to explore new hues—and we like what we see.
Inspired by "translucent colored crustaceans," spring features an array of luxe fabrics and vivid prints that salute sea life. From an awesome urchin print sweatshirt with leather trim to blue and neon jacquard designs drawn by tattoo artist Thomas Hooper to scuba-like "wet" silk, this is the coolest non-swimmable swimwear you'll ever own. Check out some favorites and start saving up so you can get first dibs when it all lands in-store Jan/Feb 2013.
· Helmut Lang [Official Site]
· Helmut Lang Making Moves on Melrose [Racked]
· Take a Peek Inside Habitual Denim's Print Perfect Preview [Racked]