Wednesday, June 30, 2010

July Designer Focus: ADAM

Growing up in Buffalo, New York and graduating from Cornell University with plans of becoming an investment banker, Adam Lippes never imagined that his path would converge with the fashion industry. It was the year he spent in Paris studying art history and architecture that caused him to dramatically shift that path's direction. Returning to New York in 1995, Mr. Lippes began his fashion career as an assistant to the store manager of a Ralph Lauren retail outpost. Soon thereafter, he took a job at Oscar de la Renta, rapidly ascending the ladder that led to his being named Global Creative Director at the age of 27. After spending 7 years with the company, Mr. Lippes left in 2003 to embark on his own endeavors.

In 2004, he launched his collection of luxury basics, adam+eve. He attributes much of the vision for this label to the influence of Mr. de la Renta. "My whole history is from Oscar," he says in an interview with Rachel Strugatz of stylecaster.com. "I had an innate sense of style but it was Oscar who developed it. I wanted to create a lifestyle brand based on American sportswear; chic, easy sportswear."

Mr. Lippes's commitment to fashion, functionality, and luxury quickly propelled his brand into the mainstream consciousness, with his tees hailed as one of "Oprah's Favorite Things" shortly after their debut. By 2007, he could count himself as a member of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and had launched a complete ready-to-wear collection of "chic, easy sportswear" on which he conferred the simple, effective moniker of ADAM.

ADAM, comprised of beautifully conceived and intricately detailed dresses and separates, is inspired by the woman with a restless spirit, an imaginative mind, and an artistic sensibility. As Mr. Lippes describes, "I want to make pieces that are for this season and next season. The jetsetter woman has evolved. She is influenced by art and culture and not interested in the trend of the second. She is interesting, and not only the New York fashion scene."

Isca Greenfield-Saunders, Black and White Parachute, 2008

For his Pre-Fall 2010 collection, bowing at McMullen on Piedmont this month, Adam Lippes expands upon this vision, imbuing his timelessly beautiful pieces with the freedom and movement of flight. Inspired by a painting by Isca Greenfield-Sanders, Lippes experiments with volume and depth, with billowing sleeves and loosely draped skirts in a deeply saturated palette of magenta, teal, charcoal, navy, and cream.

Balloon Sleeve Dress $288

With tops that feel like clouds and prints that evoke feathers flying through the air, Lippes clearly demonstrates that he has hit his stride. His collection melds the sophistication of the wordly woman with the beauty of the sky, his inspiration and skill infused into pieces that you'll treasure for years to come.

Long halter dress $622

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Spring & Summer Sale

Though the summer has just barely begun, here at McMullen we're already gearing up for the Fall season. Yet as we usher in what is bound to be our best season yet, we have to say goodbye to all that remains of Spring and Summer. Select styles are now 30-50% off. Here is a sampling of what's in store.
Charles Chang-Lima size 8 One Shoulder Knit Dress 50% off
$956 Now $478- SOLD OUT

Diane von Furstenberg size 8 Paradis dress 50% off- SOLD OUT
$398 Now $199

Shipley & Halmos size 4 Fermi Draped Wrap Dress 30% off - SOLD OUT
$445 Now $311.50

Lela Rose size 4 Tucked Front Sheath Dress 50% off
$1,295 Now $647.50

Catherine Malandrino sizes S and M Jersey Dresses 50% off
$414 Now $207

Stop in to check out more reduced price items throughout the store!

Friends, Fashion, and Fabulous Fare Party

On Thursday, June 10, McMullen was happy to host an evening of food, wine, friends, and shopping at our Grand Avenue boutique. In collaboration with the 2010 Spring Fling, proceeds from ticket sales and 10% of every purchase were donated to Piedmont schools.

Thanks to hostesses Alex Conroy, Karen Ellis, Martha Linhares, Sarah Pearson, Michelle Saunders, Ellen Wilson, and Kathleen Winters, as well as everyone who attended, the event was a resounding success. With the indefatigably affable David Crombie at the bar and delicious appetizers and desserts from Summer Kitchen's Paul Arenstam and Charlene Reis decking the tables, there was no shortage of fun or festivity for the evening.


The McMullen Ladies - Karen, Kezia, Katie, Sherri, and Justine


The Hostesses


Thank you to everyone who made this an affair to remember!

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards

Last Tuesday, the fashion industry's elite gathered at New York City's Lincoln Center to honor the year's most inspiring designers of ready-to-wear and accessories. Often called "the Oscars of fashion," the awards ceremony is a celebration of the talent, creativity, and vision of those who guide the currents of the industry. McMullen is proud to offer the celebrated designs of honorees Rag & Bone, Alexis Bittar, Alexander Wang (arriving July 2010), and Richard Chai.

The New Guard - Swarovski Award Honorees Jason Wu, Richard Chai, and Alexander Wang

Menswear Designers of the Year Marcus Wainwright and David Neville of Rag & Bone


Accessories Designer of the Year Alexis Bittar accompanied by fashion icon and fan Iris Arpfel

Thursday, June 3, 2010

June Designer Focus: Loeffler Randall

Loeffler Randall was born of the creative impetus of Jessie Randall, a woman who had sought to no avail to find the perfect pair of shoes. These shoes, she thought, should be simple, well-crafted, and feminine, with a streak of downtown cool. For Randall, necessity proved to be the mother of invention. In 2005, she launched a full line of shoes that embody all of these characteristics. Loeffler Randall shoes were greeted with both critical and commercial success, finding a home in top boutiques and department stores and eventually earning Randall the prestigious CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design. With the help of her business partner and husband Brian Murphy, a veteran of the advertising industry, Randall expanded her collection to include a full line of ready-to-wear in 2007.

Inspired by the "dowtown elegance" that she sees as the essence of her brand, Randall designs for the girl who has "a downtown edge, but also someone who is incredibly chic and elegant," she tells The Daily Obsession. And how does Randall decide what this chic and elegant downtown girl is going to wear each season? "I spend lots of time," she says, "gathering inspiration by going to the Conde Nast library to look at old magazines, looking at films, vintage shopping, swatching colors, leathers and fabrics, and then I sit down to start sketching."

For her Pre-Fall 2010 shoe collection, Randall was particularly interested in exploring the elements of the sun-baked plains of Africa, sourcing luxe calfskin leather with snake embossed textures in a rich palette of tobacco, stone, and black. This month at McMullen, keep your eyes open for the Kylie, a strappy mid-heel sandal in tobacco, and the Fifi, a black ankle boot with a cone heel and side zip.

Kylie Mignon Buckle Sandal $595


Fifi Ankle Boot $625