Apparently, the women’s designer department of the Chelsea Loehmann’s has tons of merchandise from the Barny’s sale.

Cult Member Leigh Krampe gives us a breakdown of Helmut Lang’s latest collection.

As always, some great designers on Gilt Groupe…

Kiki de Montparnasse

Helmut Lang

Warren Tricomi

Zac Posen

John Varvatos

Just Cavalli

J. Lindeberg

Paul Smith Optical

Whoa. This gives a whole new meaning to ‘I wouldn’t be caught dead in that.’  Madison Ave. shoppers were a bit disturbed to see this new Barney’s display…I guess they thought it would be eye-catching, but I think all it did was offend a lot of people. Let the infuriated commenting begin…

SOURCE: Racked

Inspired by “erosion,” Helmut Lang’s 2010 Resort collection was an array of textures and cuts. Designers Nicole and Michael Colovos, while keeping up with the smooth drapes and asymmetrical cuts the label is so typically known for, introduced an element that I haven’t seen on the runways of Helmut Lang in quite some time: Denim…and distressed denim at that! I absolutely love the destroyed harem jeans as well as the denim short-suit. As always, Helmut Lang’s asymmetry is exquisite and the tailored, sleek designs, well, don’t look any further. 

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Helmut Lang Resort 2010

Thanks Style!

The Who: Save Fashion – Men’s Week

Having recently reorganized my closet, I realized that the majority of my wardrobe is black. Well, it looks like I better make some space, because fall trends are lightening up and leaning towards whites, creams, and light beiges. I know what many of you are thinking…white is too daring of a color to be decked head to toe in. But Please, put your self-consciousness aside and forget that whole “no white after Labor Day” rule, because the white trend is already making it big.

As aforementioned, I’m not much of a white gal myself, but I rocked out a cream silk Helmut Lang tank dress (totally snagged at Loehmann’s for $50!) last night and totally turned some heads. Granted, I’m still easing into the trend myself, so I still kept it “Kirby” by accessorizing in an array of browns. The white trend is definitely a tricky one to dive head first into, so balance with some safe colors before going after the cream pantsuit or the white trench coat. Oh, and don’t forget that nude panties are a must! 

GALLERY: TRENDSPARK: White Is The New Black

Thanks Style!

We all love a good sale. Helmut Lang blazers marked down from $600 to $135 couldn’t make college student happier, but believe it or not, sales complicate the fashion world to nauseam. When large department stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales, have sales, it causes designers and boutiques who carry the same products to consequently lower their prices. Consumers who are given 20% off a Saks expect the same 20% off price at small shops and boutiques. Sales might have helped your pocket book in the fall, but this spring, don’t expect much of a discount. Last season, small shops backlashed against department store sales, for the sake of saving their business, causing some big retailers to fear their wrath if a sale sign goes up. While some department stores are trying to get around this (Saks’ recent friends and family sale), small businesses have recognized and voiced their discontent. 

All in all, don’t get your hopes high for too many sales this spring. Now that you’ve had your economics lesson for the day, go home and count your money for this weekend’s shopping spree. Start saying goodbye now. 

Thanks NY Mag!

Lord only knows how many times I passed by this store without the “hmm, maybe I should check this out” thought running through my head. After several  designer budget-saver recommendations and a bit of fashion evidence from some friends, I decided to set my ego aside and pay a little visit to the Loehmann’s Chelsea location. 

The first several visits left me unimpressed. The store was unorganized and crowded, wasting over 45 minutes of my life I was sure I’d never get back. Taking the wise advice of my mother, I gave the store a second chance, stopping in early on a Thursday (aka inventory day) just before February’s fashion week. Heading upstairs to “The Back Room,” the discounted designer label department, I was floored by how many great pieces there were by the fashion industry’s cream of the crop. $300 later, I walked out of Loehmann’s with over $2500 worth of  Robert Rodriguez, Vince, Mint and Helmut Lang clothes and accessories. Happy girl? You bet.

After probably a two month hiatus from the discount haven, I stopped by Loehmann’s this morning, Although I only purchased some jewelry (I got a Burberry-esque spike bracelet and a match necklace for $40. Beat that.) I was amazed to see dozens upon dozens of pieces from the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 collection. The clothes might be two seasons old, but where else are you going to find a Marc Jacobs Americana romper marked down to just $70!? Other great buys included gorgeous Givenchy boot-heels, Comme des Garcons drop-crotch sweats (too bad they were a size 14…), a plethora of springy Philosophy dresses and tons of chunky Miu Miu, Carmen Marc Valvo and Badgely Misckha sunglasses. 

All in all, if you haven’t yet been to Loehmann’s, now is the time to check it out. But be forewarned, be there early on weekdays or be prepared to dig.

The newest issue of V mag (with a glow in the dark cover) hit stores last week featuring a spread by Terry Richardson called “Little Black Dresses.”

The dresses: 1986 by Azzedine Alaia, 1996 by Syrilla, 2001 by Helmut Lang, and 2009 by Comme Des Garçons.

LINKAGE: The Pipeline

Designers Nicole and Michael Colovos have done it again, adding another successful collection to the Helmut Lang archives, this time, with the Fall 2009 collection. As always, the cuts are sleek and edgy but the designs remain simple, giving the whole collection an immense amount of versatility. Each of the Helmut Lang looks could be worn day or night, a tricky but completely successful tool used by innovative designers. Reviving the grunge-glam vibe the label typically exudes, zippers, leather and billowy cocoon tops took Helmut Lang center stage. I’ll take one of everything, please. 

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Helmut Lang Fall 2009

LINKAGE: Style 

Just when I thought vintage clothing couldn’t get any cooler, I stumble upon Vagabond NYC, the online vintage designer shop, vintage-wear editorial spread and vintage clothing blog. Created by Andrea Perini and Naveed Hussain, Vagabond NYC is geared towards the fashion consumer in search of vintage styling and the couture ghost of fashion’s past. Shoppers can directly purchase complete outfits, as seen in the digital editorials, or browse through an array of vintage (or vintage lookalike) collectables. From vintage Givenchy and Helmut Lang to old school Stephen Sprouse and Thierry Mugler, Vagabond NYC really has everything an indebted label lover could ask for. And the editorial styling? To die for. 

Check out Vagabond NYC here. Trust me, you won’t be sorry! 

Thanks for the heads up, Kingdom of Style!

With a rough-and-ready feminist vibe in his back pocket, Markus Lupfer created a Armand Basi One Fall 2009 collect that had his runway girls ready to play with the big boys. With hints of Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto and Helmut Lang in his collection, Lupfer’s studded asymmetrical dresses, voluminous shoulder, severe drop pants and cropped bombers added yet another 80’s masculine collection to the list of trends for the fall. 

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Armand Basi One Fall 2009

LINKAGE: Style 

For some reason I have always been a big Helmut Lang fan, and I really can’t give a good reason for my loyalty either. The new Fall collection is a classic grey, black and white collection with some really great styling ideas. I love the way the shirts are layered in the image above. A lot of the pieces are fairly simple with great lines and cuts. As always I’m impressed.

Gallery: Helmut Lang: Fall 2009 Collection

Courtesy of: The Fashionisto

Although Helmut Lang himself left the company back in 2005, the company still impresses me with what the produce every year. This collection is one of my most sought after collections for this Fall (and rapidly approaching Winter). The neck work on the pieces is incredible, each one is different and brilliant. The collection reminds me of a John Varvatos collection, and you can’t go wrong with Johnny V. The collection is well composed, and gets two thumbs up for sure from me. The Helmut Lang collection is currently available at Barney’s and Barney’s Coop locations, so get on that.

Thanks to Skeleton Legs for the pictures.

“Fashion shouldn’t be about absoluteness, otherwise it would be a church,” says Lang. “People should have complete freedom about how they present themselves. I never settled on minimalism – that was attributed to me.”

“I’m completely against categorization. It doesn’t allow anyone to see or feel what they might be able to experience. It takes away the emotions.”

“I don’t separate work and life, which is a blessing, I don’t have to divide my time into something I like more and something I like less. I need time to be alone. For me, a waste of time is the most productive time.”

Helmut Lang in Style magazine.