Urban Outfitters has the formula of artsy, angst-ridden fashion down to a science. Plaid tops and skinny jeans? Check. Slouchy ankle boots and Wayfarer-inspired eyewear? Obviously. Throw in one of the store's signature fedoras and your hipper-than-thou ensemble is Echoplex-ready.
But this month, Urban is upping its fashion game by partnering with contemporary label Geren Ford on a line of sweet sailor dresses, jackets and feminine tops -- the first in a string of collaborations that will include Paul & Joe and Steven Alan.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday, May 07, 2008 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 40 words Type of Material: Correction
Christian Louboutin: A listing of fashion events in Sunday's Image section gave the incorrect day for a personal appearance by shoe designer Christian Louboutin. He will be at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills from 2 to 6 p.m. today.
The Ford line doesn't hit stores until mid-May, but judging from the rest of the stock in stores now, Urban Outfitters has already started to trade its Silver Lake-aesthetic for runway polish. Black silk cocktail shorts with a smocked waist ($38) channel Carolina Herrera's uptown spring style. A tidy beige trench coat cropped to the waist ($88) is decidedly Burberry. And a suede brown satchel covered in fringe ($38) resembles a similar $800 style from socialite-accessories maven Genevieve Jones. It's available exclusively on the Urban Outfitters website. Love of random techno music and obsession with the Cobrasnake not required.
Urban Outfitters, 7650 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 653-3231. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For other locations see www.urban outfitters.com.
OPENINGS
Rene Caovilla: The blingy Italian footwear brand, a red-carpet staple, comes to the West Coast. Crystal studded stiletto sandals are a trademark. (One of our favorite spring styles has crystal flowers climbing up the foot and a gold python sole.) Of course, soaring heel heights come with soaring prices, with some styles breaking the $1,000 mark. 242 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 385-0879. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.renecaovilla.com
Shizue: Shizue Nobuta's bags are anything but minimal. Her first U.S. shop is filled with over-the-top designs that are guaranteed conversation starters. Clutches feature patterned kimono silk with leather and lizard accents. Shoulder bags come in emerald-dyed rabbit fur, with tortoiseshell details and Swarovski crystals. The disco-ball clad space, designed by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, is as wild as Nobuta's creations. A collection of 18-karat white gold and diamond jewelry is inspired by the paparazzi, Nobuta says. A selection of Taschen books is the calm in this garish accessories storm. 9627 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 385-8474. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.shizue.com
