A little card was in my mailbox last saturday. My favorite kind of mail, an invitation to Isabel Marant's private sales.
After acquiring my beloved Daste jacket, I strictly applied myself a restraining order and avoided being in near proximity of any Isabel Marant selling points.
I can't say that the ban was hard to follow, as nothing besides the jacket I got and the David coat (whose fit proved to be quite problematic besides its insane pricing, and therefore was quickly discarded), had really captured my imagination in the designer's fall winter 2012 collection. No silk cowboy shirts, western jeans or embroidered boots for me.
Lately, for the past seasons, I've been dumbfounded by Isabel Marant's runway shows, the clothes shown being very loud and so identifiable. Just the opposite of what I used to love about her earlier collections, full of boyish grace and spot-on stylish twists.
Despite my disappointment, I never broke up with the brand because there are always little gems to be found, less visible and popular. Her basics, both from the main and diffusion line Etoile, always have my attention. She constantly has great basics in the right shape, the cute color, an interesting detail. The little thing making all the difference. The kind of item I'll wear over and over again...
For instance, the knit with voluminous sleeves and a playful pattern, the loose grungy white knit, the cool slightly slouchy grey top, the comfy trackpants, the understated down jacket, the simple light grey knit with the tough patches... That's the kind of clothes that make me go back to her stores season after season. And that's the selection I have in mind for her private sales.
pics courtesy of Nitty Gritty store
so right on - did you end up returning the David coat? i've been looking for a navy peacoat but definitely not at that pricepoint...
RépondreSupprimerI didn't even buy the David coat. I tried it several times and the fit was great opened but once closed it was another story. I looked like a ridiculous football player with oversized shoulders and a tiny body. Awfully unflattering.
SupprimerAnd that's not a coincidence if most pics modeling the David are on super tall women (or) with really high heels and that on most, the coat is left opened just like on the runway...
So envious!! I've been in Paris when the private sale is on, and it's torture. I'm trying to avoid Isabel these days. Mostly, because I think the quality has gone down and the prices have gone up (two strikes!) I have to say this is the first season in YEARS that I haven't bought one Isabel piece. Like you, I gravitate towards the subtlety and ease of the Etoile line, but have found the fit of some pieces to be a bit off (I tried the first sweater you posted an it looked horrible on me) or to be made expressly for model-type bodies. That said, I do like both the Dante and David - but, yes, they are priced insanely high (esp. David). How was the fit on david? Why did you return? At that price point, I would think you could get a beautiful coat from Marni or Margiela or any high street brand made of 100% wool or wool/cashmere that is made in Italy. It maddens me that David is not even 100% wool and I'm sure it's not made in Italy and still sells for over 2000USD. Insanity!!
RépondreSupprimerI can only agree with you on several points especially about the prices and sometimes so-so cut issues which is the reason why I didn't buy the david coat. As mentioned to Sophie, the cut is perfect on model-like bodies or the ones willing to stand on at least 4 inches heels, and at that price tag, the slightest issue or doubt is just not possible. It has to be perfectly right or it says on the rack.
SupprimerThat said most of the items I own, both from the main line or Etoile, truly stand the tests of time and use very gracefully.
I like the simplicity of the images presented here because I love simple relaxed dressing but looking at the jumper on the first model - I would struggle with the proportions - the body of the jumper is quite short and with the fullness of the sleeves, would do me no favours at all - I don't have the proportions to wear this but I have to say, I'm not sure even the model is doing it that much justice. I think I hear what you are saying about investment simple pieces which stand the test of the time but some of the pieces there look like they could also be purchased elsewhere and cheaper and not necessarily less well made. I had a look at the Isabel Marant Etoile range for the first time recently and though the pieces were nice but I'm not sure the price points were reflected the garments. I was also a little perplexed to see a badly finished jacket retailing at over £400 which just goes to prove that even high end can be a little bit of a let down sometimes. However, having seen the David coat on Mandi from Find me a Muse - the finish on that coat was lovely. Just two extremes from the same designer - you just never know.
RépondreSupprimerMarant's clothes certainly don't leave indifferent. Especially now that she's a worldwide sensation. Of course all her clothes aren't perfect and suitable for each and all body types, but that is true of any brands. The prices are indeed steep and not every items are worth it, I agree.
SupprimerI'm not defending her but I feel like with the cult-like following she has and (over) exposure, expectations and criticism have been amplified to unreasonable levels.
I'm still tempted by the David. Do the boutiques in Paris still have the black versions available in smaller sizes? thanks!
RépondreSupprimerThe only IM store I checked last week-end still had the black or grey David in 36 or 38. I don't think it should be hard to find.
Supprimeroh... that's the kind of mail I'd love to receive, but I suspect I'll never will (it also doesn't help living in a country without any Isabel Marant store).
RépondreSupprimerI've to say I'm not very fond of Isabel Marant runway shows, either. I do like some of the separate items, though, when I see them in store. But because usually it's all so expensive I rarely buy anything from the main line (at least not at full price). I do love the Etoile line, though. Even though I am not sure I can always justify its prices, I always fall in love and end up buying a few items every season.