Though not explicitly evocative of the dirty classic New York groove, Samantha Pleet's clothes are the perfect combination of girly and rough-and-tumble. Her style directive involves the flounce of a woodland elf without being overly delicate or perishable, unlike some other designers channeling forest nymphs these days (heads up, Erin Featherston). In it's eighth season, her line has already established itself as the costumer of the indie-elite, but somehow manages not to offend those of us on the anti-side of quirky. I was lucky enough to hang in the dressing room with Pleet and her girls while they got ready for her SS 2010 presentation.
Up-close and personal, her newest collection has the familiar plucky resilience from past seasons, channeling multiple decades without feeling confused. Blending the 1940s and the 1980s into a WWII pin-up turned party princess sounds like a potential Juicy Couture disaster but it works in this great "Oh my God, I want to wear everything" sort of way. It feels light, current, and most importantly wearable, something I firmly appreciate in the gauze-filled sea of silks and snags that women's fashion can turn into. These are party dresses for the type of party I want to go to. They look good with bad tattoos.
Pleet herself is just the sort of snappy adorable nymph you'd expect her to be. With an Urban Outfitters collaboration under her belt (something that seems to be fast becoming a rite of passage, for better or for worse, for emerging mid-range designers of our generation) and a slot on the roster of the fast-rising Parlor Showroom she is far from an unknown. Still she seems to land in the category of a niche designer with a selective list of stockists. Hopefully this spring will signal a change.
I was especially stoked to see the newest articulations of the rompers she is best known for. A poppy-colored button-front number begged me to swipe it from the hanging rack, although lord knows my ass will not fit in a sample-size. Still, her clothes are not exclusively for the tiny. Instead of models she clad friends in the looks chosen for the showing, more of a wise sales move than a political one. They looked good on everyone, from the itty-bitty Asian girl modeling the burdgundy version of the romper I so coveted to my enviably busty buddy rocking a jumpsuit. Of course "real girls" is always relative in New York City and Pleet just happens to run with an uncommonly attractive crew, making the decision to use mostly non-professionals an extra easy one.
One nice thing about being around before the final styling decisions were made is that I got to see some of the clothes that didn't get used in action, like this white dress.
Pleet grabbing a change of clothes for one of the girls.
A couple of the girls waiting for accessories. The blonde looks like she belongs on the nose of a WWII bomber plane.
The jewelry in the show was major and the girl in the woven top guarding it was intense. The stylist, Turner, was missing a tooth. I didn't ask her why.
After I'd been there for 20 minutes my friend Carlen peeked out from behind the not-so-private changing curtain. She ended up dressed like a Grecian disco goddess out for her daily jog. It's way better than it sounds. As each girl finished getting ready they were escorted up to the event room where a far-more-professional photographer, David Black, took pictures to accompany the look book and film he shot for this season's collection. The event was supposed to be outdoors but was forced inside by the insistent Fashion Week rain (why does it always rain this week?). The set-up was magical, a makeshift garden party with warm lighting, although the vibes got harried due to the tweakish staff at the Soho Grand. Seriously, is everyone in the hotel industry that cracked out all the time?
It's so easy taking behind-the-scenes photos of a photo shoot. Someone else sets up the shots and you just stand behind them, make sure you don't cast a shadow, and poach shots.
I sincerely wish I'd gotten a better picture of this romper, if I somehow get my grubby paws on this next summer I'll wear it ever day. Hell, I'd wear it this winter with tights.
All lined up, they looked like a gaggle of beach beauties prepared for a multi-era talent competition I'd kill to judge. The romper on the far left is the one I covet so dearly. Have I mentioned it enough yet?
Once the showing officially started the vibe got more relaxed and champagney.
Here's another gratuitous shot of cute girls in rad clothes.
The proud designer with her flock
Tavi, the most famous 13-year-old in the fashion world and Pop magazine cover girl, showed up. (That's her in the shadows on the left.) There is nothing more frustrating than being shown up by an adolescent. I wish blogging would land me on the cover of a magazine...OK, maybe not. But seriously, my job is her hobby and I'm sure as hell not getting any Rodarte front-row invites. I guess it's not very impressive when you are twice her age. She's the tiny person on left in the tie-dye tights. Also, it's like the girl in the tiara can tell how much I want that outfit. She's taunting me!
BEVERLY HAMES
Oh lord. I saw Tavi featured on some website the other day. I guess Cory Kennedy wasn't young enough to be a fashion expert now. Before long, toddlers are going to be dictating what fashion houses make.
Posted by: Tara | 14/09/2009 at 19:45
13-year-old in the fashion world? oh god. these fashionista bitches are taking our young!!
Posted by: Exicon | 14/09/2009 at 19:47
the girl in the red and gray striped dress is gorgeous!
Posted by: jj | 14/09/2009 at 20:26
I'm digging the 40's look. It's about time we brought some class back to fashion.
Posted by: Kid Viscous | 14/09/2009 at 20:27
classy yet revealing. they remind me of old timey bathing suits.
Posted by: uly | 14/09/2009 at 21:30
"To jerk off", in brazilian portuguese = punheta (it sounds like pu.'ñe.ta)
Posted by: Pelé Lococa | 14/09/2009 at 21:39
afternoon office bone
Posted by: gregarious greg | 14/09/2009 at 21:54
A 13-year old shouldn't taunt you. Come on.
Posted by: Tommy | 14/09/2009 at 23:00
THE BLONDE IN THE RED 2 PIECE........BEAUTIFUL AND CLASSY!
Posted by: FRENCHY | 15/09/2009 at 02:14
I ADORE!
Posted by: benedict | 15/09/2009 at 03:39
All the jewelry and hair pieces where by Thea Grant!
Posted by: Dana | 15/09/2009 at 19:55
OK, I'll be honest, I didn't ream much of the article. I was more into the pictures. Yeah, I know, I'm a dog. Oh well... at least I'm honest.
Pretty cool retro look. I want to see more of this in 2010.
And before I forget, those girls are hot!
Posted by: bondage | 18/09/2009 at 15:16
retro girls are hot because it reminds us of a time when they had no careers and gave BJs by the hay field
Posted by: jc | 18/09/2009 at 15:49
The most notable area of Pelé's life since football is his ambassadorial work for various bodies. In 1992, Pelé was appointed a United Nations ambassador for ecology and the environment.
He was awarded Brazil's Gold Medal for outstanding services to the sport in 1995, Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso appointed him to the position of "Extraordinary Minister for Sport" and he was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. During this time he proposed legislation to reduce corruption in Brazilian football, which became known as the Pelé law. Pelé left his position in 2001 after he was accused of involvement in a corruption scandal, although nothing has been proved so far. In 1997 he was given an honorary British knighthood.
Posted by: buy generic viagra | 09/04/2010 at 15:26
He was awarded Brazil's Gold Medal for outstanding services to the sport in 1995, Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso appointed him to the position of "Extraordinary Minister for Sport" and he was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. During this time he proposed legislation to reduce corruption in Brazilian football, which became known as the Pelé law. Pelé left his position in 2001 after he was accused of involvement in a corruption scandal, although nothing has been proved so far. In 1997 he was given an honorary British knighthood.
Posted by: hairy pussy | 15/05/2010 at 15:46
Up-close and personal, her newest collection has the familiar plucky resilience from past seasons, channeling multiple decades without feeling confused. Blending the 1940s and the 1980s into
Posted by: bangbros | 15/05/2010 at 20:25
Up-close and personal, her newest collection has the familiar plucky resilience from past seasons, channeling multiple decades without feeling confused. Blending the 1940s and the 1980s into
Posted by: bangbros | 15/05/2010 at 20:25
Up-close and personal, her newest collection has the familiar plucky resilience from past seasons, channeling multiple
Posted by: naked celebs | 19/05/2010 at 00:19
Brazilian football, which became known as the Pelé law. Pelé left his position in 2001 after he was accused of involvement in a corruption scandal, although nothing has
Posted by: round and brown | 19/05/2010 at 00:30
Up-close and personal, her newest collection has the familiar plucky resilience from past seasons, channeling multiple decades without feeling confused. Blending the 1940s and the 1980s into
Posted by: black porn | 22/05/2010 at 10:31
Brazilian football, which became known as the Pelé law. Pelé left his position in 2001 after he was accused of involvement in a corruption scandal, although nothing has
Posted by: jessica simpson naked | 22/05/2010 at 11:07
Not only is there a cromulent looking bistro with frisee and lardons etc etc, but sushi that looks like it might not kill you.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Posted by: viagra online | 19/08/2010 at 17:11
I’ve been following your website for 5 days now and I should tell you I get something new from your post. and now how do I subscribe to your website?
Posted by: nike air max | 20/09/2010 at 03:26
I want to express my admiration of your writing skill and ability to make reader to read the while thing to the end. I would like to read more of your blogs and to share my thoughts with you. I will be your frequent visitor, that’s for sure.
Posted by: tiffany jewelry | 18/04/2011 at 09:56
Your choice is a very nice. So collection post in this page I like well in this post I am very impressive in this post.
Posted by: Sex Chat | 05/05/2011 at 11:02