Thursday, August 26, 2010

Samuel Vartan

Samuel Vartan's studio is housed in a nondescript industrial park in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

But there is nothing nondescript about the clothes in the Boston-based designer's spring/summer 2010 collection.

A long white dress with a circle of bright ocean blue around the waist. A flowing shirt that was inspired by the sand meeting the water.

"The collection is nicknamed the Mediterranean," Samuel says.

Since Vartan does two collections a year...what is the fall/winter collection called?

"Dark City." he responds. "I have influences from the cities I've been to such as Berlin, Prague and London".

I moved through the studio to the fall/winter collection and was immediately drawn to a black and white tweed dress that had a slight glimmer sewn into it. But then I was distracted by a light grey wool dress that had a short, swing skirt.

So much to see! And so much to talk about.

I was there for over two hours chatting with Vartan about fashion.

He started making clothes for members his rock band back home in Montreal. Then his bandmates' girlfriends wanted clothes too. At first it was just a way to make money, but it slowly turned into a career.

He doesn't have a formal design education. He learned by doing. When he read that his fashion icon, Giorgio Armani, also didn't have a degree from a fashion school he felt an even bigger connection to the fashion giant.

Even though Vartan is a part of the fashion world, he told me that at times, "the industry can be silly."

That sentiment is why Vartan doesn't create over the top clothes.

"Anyone can wear my clothes."
I can certainly see why they would want to.

His designs run the gamut of fabrics and ideas.

Vartan works with everything from velvet to boucle to tweed and suede in his fall/winter collection.

Definitely something for everyone.

His clients are mostly European and Canadian (a large amount come from Montreal). He does have a few boutiques that carry his clothes here in the States. Stores in New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

Although anyone can wear his clothes, his design aesthetic speaks to a style-minded, sophisticated woman in a big city.

Vartan's designs reflect that sophistication, but with a simplicity that makes his collection ready to wear.

I was definitely ready to wear some of the pieces I pulled off of the racks.

A black and white tweed sheath dress with a thin belt, tights and a pair of tall boots...that long brocade jacket with a short dress to have the juxtaposition with the fabrics and the length of each piece.

Vartan likes that his clients express themselves through their clothes. And there are plenty of ways to do that with Vartan's designs.

But he knows that fashion is fleeting.

"Fashion is here today gone tomorrow, but style lasts."

And Vartan is a fashion designer who is definitely here to stay.

Although he did get an offer a lot of designers would have loved to receive.

But he turned it down.

A chance to compete on "Project Runway".

He said thanks, but no thanks because he didn't want to be involved in the pettiness and backstabbing with other designers.

He was happy with the way his fashion career was heading.

Vartan is a Boston-based designer with a world of knowledge.

As for that regret that he didn't go to school for fashion?

I think he's doing ok without it. And I think his many clients would agree.

Find more about Samuel at his website: http://www.samuelvartan.com/








































Monday, August 9, 2010

Lunch with Chanel Autumn/Winter 2010

I glided up the escalator at Neiman Marcus in Natick and as usual, glanced up to see the hundreds of crystal butterflies dangling from the sealing, just out of reach.

I was at the store today for the invitation only Chanel luncheon and fashion show.

This time I was here for the autumn/winter 2010 collection.

I got to the second floor, greeted the familiar faces and anticipated an amazing show.

I watched Chanel's fall/winter 2010 show online, but as I was about to learn, seeing it in person is a completely different animal.

The Chanel show was at the Grand Palais in Paris as usual.

And in grand Karl Lagerfeld fashion there was more to the show than just the beautiful clothes and accessories.

In the middle of the runway was a 28 foot iceberg.

It was the autumn/winter collection after all. What a better way to emphasize dressing for the chilly weather.

No iceberg in the middle of Neiman Marcus thank goodness.

But there was plenty of Chanel.

And each piece was better than the last.

Tall boots covered in faux "fantasy" fur with icicle heels.

Tweed dresses embellished with small crystals to give them just a little bit of shine.

Butter soft leather jackets with faux fur trim and faux fur peeking out from the sleeves and trimming the bottom.

Black leather leggings with Coco Chanel's favorite flower, the camellia, etched into the fabric.

At the show in the Grand Palais the models walked among the grand iceberg.

At the Neiman's show the models walked among our tables so we could really see the details up close.

Amazing.

Seeing the "fantasy" fur so close. It was incredibly luxurious.

(Chanel calls its faux fur collection "fantasy" fur)

So different from when I saw it all online.

So much better in person!

I could have definitely cuddled up in some of that fantasy fur.

Even the handbag had faux fur trim.

And no, I didn't buy one.

Thought about it though....

"Oh I see you have the Chanel Timeless Clutch from the Spring collection".

I looked over to see the Chanel representative from New York. She was gesturing toward my clutch which was sitting on the table.

"Oh yes," I said. "I didn't think there was going to be one left after the Spring show! So many customers fell in love with it, me included!"

"Good thing you did get it," she said. "It sold out and isn't available anymore. There was a limited number created. Our clients in New York were so upset to see it go so quickly."

I smiled. So glad I made the purchase.

"I bring it everywhere," I told her, "and it always gets such a reaction! I love it!"

The Chanel rep smiled back.

"A fabulous purchase"

"Yes." I agreed. "One of the best ones I've ever made."

I didn't buy anything that day.

I really didn't see anything that caught my eye.

Well, one thing did.

But I was already carrying it.

Safe in the knowledge that I was one of the only Chanel customers who could say that.

Such a fabulous feeling!

Even better than all that fantasy fur.....