Ogle: CUSHNIE ET OCHS

Recently paying a visit to a favorite boutique of mine on the Upper East Side, Edit, I discovered designer Cushnie et Ochs.  The price point for this line puts them way into the Ogle range, but if I had the means, I would totally own them.  The lines are simple and hard, but not too much so- I think that these are pieces that you could have in your closet for years and they would still stay relevant and unique.

Their website's "About" section is currently under construction, but this American duo really doesn't need much introduction.  They've definitely been in the NYC Fashion circuit for a few years and just going through the look books, I can see why.  Their designs are simple, but shocking.  Some of their dresses are just arresting to look at.  I think that there are so many understated parts of the body that designers often overlook, and I think that Cushnie et Ochs has found a way to get to those parts of the body without being vulgar or obvious.  See below from Style.com:

 

I love the focus here on the collar bone without leaving it bare

 

Awesomely accentuated thigh high slit.  Totally unapologetic.

 

Near armpit slits

I definitely sense a little Alexander Wang-esque design, especially with all the black and goth undertones, but I think that some of the lines here are a little more feminine than what Alexander Wang usually does.  Either way, I think it's lovely and I hope to own a piece soon.  Very soon.

Obsess: Cocktail ditties and gowns by Rachel Gilbert

I'm not really a sparkly dress type of person, but if you are, Rachel Gilbert has some really gorgeous and flowing creations.  I had seen this brand online before, but never actually seen one of her pieces in person.  While I was in Singapore (read: luxury shopping mecca), I saw one of her cocktail dresses up close and it was beautiful.  Not my size, but nevertheless, the design was beautifully feminine and everything I would want in a sexy and fun cocktail dress.  Maybe the kind of dress I would wear to a fancy second date or something.

In any case, I came back and googled the brand to find that they also have amazing gowns.  Reading more on the brand, I found out that they are an Australian brand that has branched out to the US via LA and NY.  In more recent times, I've noticed more and more that Australian designs are fantastic, but just not as readily available in the US yet.  Sigh**  So, consider yourself lucky that Rachel Gilbert was able to break out and make it in the US!  Here are some gorgeous favorites of mine:

  

So gloriously girly!  This would be great for a fancier wedding in the summer...this dress is also available in floor length and WHITE for those looking for a glam wedding dress.

Like I said, date #2...showstopper.

 

For the uber glam night 

You can find all these images, designs and more to peruse on http://rachelgilbert.com/.  Also, many of these dresses are available on Net-a-Porter right now!  If anyone happens to try one of these designs on, can you let me know how it fits?  They look stunning on all the models, but I'm curious how they look on civilians (so to speak).  :)  Happy Friday!

Own (if you can!) : Kloset

Living in NY, I tend to think that all designers who are designers must have a store in NY!  However, I quickly realized that was a dumb and naive thought.

While in Bangkok, I discovered some amazing brands and some incredibly innovative designs that were very affordable.  One of these designers that really stood out to me was a brand called Kloset.  I had never heard of them prior to seeing them in Siam Paragon in Bangkok.  The brand is amazingly whimsical and creative and I was just so drawn to the happy nature of the designs.

This season, their them is nautical and I'm not talking about blue and white stripes, but a truly nautical story with whales, fish, and octopuses.  Their current collection is called "A Letter From Mrs. Columbus" which is an adorable theme and describes the collection exactly.  Their website, though slightly slow to load, is beautifully done.  Here are some pictures from their lookbook which you can find here:

The brand has actually been around for a solid decade having started up in 2001.  They are carried in VERY few stores in the US, but I'm definitely going to have to find it now that I've seen it in person.  The quality is amazing and delicate.  I'm not usually a person of patterns, but the patterns that are used in this collection are just so darling!  It's hard to tell from the look book pictures, but if you happen to come across a Kloset piece yourself, you'll see what I mean.  I have to own a piece!  I need the mini fish belt!