Archetype Showroom Press Preview
Written by Brigitte Segura and Sarah Freiseis
We dropped by Archetype showroom’s press
preview of up and coming men's, women's, and accessory
designers. The essence of “cool”
filled the air as we strolled through an assortment
of garments and artistically displayed accessories.
The men's collections took center stage at Archetype.
The lines included: Freemont, Surface to
Air, Orthodox, Endovanera, and Les Magnifiques.
Endovanera caught our eye… it’s the
modern man’s answer to occasion dressing.
With exceptional tailoring and impeccable
attention to detail, the designer gives traditionally
classic pieces a little more “rock star”
quality. Meanwhile, the effortlessly "hip"
Orthodox line pleasantly surprised us. Designer
Eric Niccoli describes the line as “a synthesis
between street and civility.”
We dub Orthodox the official home of the manfer!
That’s right, the manfer… the menswear
take on the two-fer. It’s a V-neck
cashmere blend sweaterknit with a sewn in woven
collar. How many times do we girls fix a
guy’s collar? Now we can use our time
to find the right guy to fit the collar…
and hmm… the knit henleys are definitely
yummy. We especially loved the designer’s
technique in achieving the all-over printed tees.
Orthodox is the perfect blend of cool and clean
with a sophisticated edge. It’s everything
we wish the modern man would be.
As for the girls: another season, another collection,
but ever present is that strong statement of silk
charmeuse…solid, color blocked, printed…
you name it. Secrets of Charm, H. Fredriksson,
Freemont, and Les Magnifiques were among the collections
we took a peek at. Freemont reminds us to
be flirty with a surplice tunic. At H. Fredriksson
we enjoyed the chic simplicity of the silk dresses
as well as the feminine touches on the jackets.
Les Magnifiques had super-soft racerback
tunics with artsy graphics in washed down tones.
We want every color combo! And how clever
is the 80/20 shoe line? Since these boots were
made for walkin’, why not walk a little
taller. No one’s going to notice you’re
cheating with a sneaky wedge in your casual “flat”
boots. A couple of extra inches and
an array of colors to choose from, there’s
sure to be something to get you lifted!
As we looked through the jewelry lines of Surface
to Air, Pretty Little Things, Digby & Iona,
Dirty Librarian, and Arms and Armory, we couldn’t
help but feel the romantic vibe. Surface
to Air’s dark motifs turn modern as the
French influence exudes in the smooth chic lines,
giving a modern unisex appeal. We’re
fans of the fellas, fans of the unisex, but mostly
we’re fans of “Dirty Librarian.” This
line has an assortment multi-chain looks. The
enameled styles came in a batch of fantastic colors,
particularly the “blue of the season.”
The line provokes a casual kind of sexy with a
sassy new renaissance approach, and there is nothing
dirty about that! The wishbone and scull
pendants at Arms and Armory are the perfect gift
for guys…the kind of gift we girls "borrow"
every chance we get. And that’s hot!
For more info:
Archetype Showroom & Gallery
676 Broadway, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212.529.1407
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