John Varvatos Opens on the Bowery

Edited by Saynt

John Varvatos opened his new boutique at 315 Bowery this weekend — the former address of New York’s CBGB. According to Varvatos, who took MTV News on a tour of his latest store, the club’s original walls — punched-in holes, cracked paint and all — went untouched, as did the antiquated ventilation system that runs throughout the space.

It remains, along with the graffiti and band stickers, some of them hanging by a strand of glue. The staircase leading to what once were the club’s restrooms, which have now been converted into storage space, is still covered in marker and stickers.

John’s love of music and rockstars allowed him to have a heart in preserving this monument to the 80′s wave of punk that once dominated New York. We’re excited about his promise of monthly bands and his must have spring collection.

GQ Meets the CFDA

Edited by Rebecca Alexander

The Best New Menswear Designers in America project was established by GQ in conjunction with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to recognize the rising stars of American men’s fashion design. Selected by GQ, the finalists will be featured in the February 2008 issue of the magazine. The winning designer will receive a $50,000 cash prize and the opportunity to create a “capsule” collection for Levi’s. The winner will be selected by a panel of industry experts chaired by GQ Editor-in-Chief Jim Nelson, Creative Director Jim Moore, and the CFDA.

John Varvatos & Wifey (r)

Daniel and I got the honor of attending the Pre-Fashion Week Party to debut the finalist’s collections. The designers include: Engineered Garments, Spurr, Steve Alan, Obedient Sons, and Rag and Bone. Along with the designers, the party was filled with industry celebs. I was personally struck by Isaac Mizrahi, who gave me a stare as he strolled by. Lauren Ezersky didn’t look my way, even though I tried to introduce myself. While John Varvatos was pleasant, as usual, and shaking hands with a smile. I love that man!  Micheal Kors dropped in for a min, Andre 3000 made rounds talking about his upcoming well anticipated line, and Tom Brown personified his collection wearing a shrunken suit that seems like it was tailored for a young boy.

Andre 3000

 

The models, who showcased each collection, stood on display in line two feet above the rest of the humans. They were all gorgeous and thin, most soo good looking that I was jealous of their prettiness. As waiters (also good looking) walked around with trays of Prosecco, fashionistas from all over strolled and mingled amongst each other. The abundance of Chanel bags was alarming and individual style not showcased.

Thom Brown

Each collection had its own individual details of the designers perception of men’s fashion. Rag and Bone idealized the collection with well tailored fitted suits, beautiful fabrics, and traditional concepts. While Steven Alan’s collection looked like Abercrombie reborn, same market, same approach to an already defined client. Engineered Garments could only be described with two words “farmhouse chic.”

Rag & Boners

After an hour, the party got monotonous, and we headed home to rest for Fashion Week. Well, off to sleep. Opening ceremony tomorrow at 8:00AM at the tents. See you there.

Rebecca