Think of the holidays and of all the images that come to mind I bet none of them are the famous hippie symbol of Peace, but this holiday season Barneys is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the peace sign with an exclusive collection of Nixon watches all featuring a Happy Hippie theme. Designs include watch bands made of hand-stitched hemp, hand-stamped leather, and even one limited-edition version designed by Gabriel Urist that has a band of sterling silver with coral and turquoise inlays. The watches are available only at Barneys CO-OP stores (click here to find one near you) and prices range between $500 and $8000.
As part of Barneys New York's 1960s Peace & Love "Hippie Holiday" theme, cooked up by creative director Simon Doonan, the store is offering a special set of Volkswagen Beetle cufflinks. The links, designed on behalf of a holiday partnership between Barneys and Volkswagen by the Caroline Collection, are modeled on the iconic 1967 Beetle. The whimsical "antiqued" cufflinks (above) are made of sterling silver and enamel in various colors and will retail for $550.00 a pair. Commenting on his adoption of the hippie theme, Doonan noted, "We only picked the cheery, upbeat aspects of the '60s! No overdoses or assassinations."
In terms of a luxurious take on the classic sneaker, it's hard to beat this crocodile skin version from Superga by Isaia. The result of a collaboration between two famous Italian brands, the limited edition kicks are available by special order from Barneys New York for $2,000. Isaia is one of the world's last remaining Neapolitan sartorial brands, known for its beautiful tailored clothing, while Superga makes Italy's most iconic rubber-soled sport shoes. Other luxe variations include ostrich, sharkskin and Aquacashmere, a stain and water repellent cashmere blend exclusive to Isaia. The special edition sneaks are made to be worn with suits as a way of embodying casual elegance.
Rodarte, the Pasadena-based sister design team who recently won the CFDA's Swarovski Award for Womenswear, has now teamed up with Lexus Hybrid Living to focus on sustainable design. First is their new soy candle featuring Hawaiian orchid, Mirabelle plum and other natural scents in a recycled glass container. The candle will be sold only at Barneys New York and Beverly Hills, though if you were lucky enough to be a guest at the Mulleavy's show on September 9, you already have one.
Prada's ruffle boot is a suede four-inch platform with gorgeous detailing from heel to ankle. The ruched ruffle (try it three times fast) is great in that almost-couture but totally wearable way.
The pair retails for $890, available at Saks or Barneys, though due to popularity Saks will only allow you to order three pairs every 30 days...three pairs? A generous quota considering the markets.
If you were one of millions this weekend you waited in line, paid for your tickets, waited in line again, and watched The Dark Knight with Christian Bale and Heath Ledger this weekend. Sure the gadgets and action were outrageously cool but did you see that smoking hot leather jacket on Bruce Wayne? The Belstaff leather blouson jacket which retails for $1,250 has already been ogled and presold to 6,000 wanna-be-Batmans but you can find yours today at Barneys. Don't think the ladies will mind if you aren't the only one wearing it -- this jacket is hot!
I'm a fan of the Go International limited edition designer partnerships and know that for some of the lines it is often a challenge getting them before they sell out in the stores. I'm not certain that I would go to Barneys to buy them but that's what will be happening with the new Go International collection from Rogan Gregory. The Rogan for Target line hits Target stores on May 18 but you can buy it at Barneys stores from May 9 to May 11. This is the first time Barneys has sold Target merchandise but fashionistas may jump at the chance to get the latest pieces from this designer for less. I wonder though if this move indicates that the Go International frenzy has run its course a bit. It also seems to defeat the purpose a bit, part of the lure of the Target Go International line is the fun of buying designer fashion at the same place you stock up on toilet paper and laundry detergent. This is not the first time Barneys has jumped into fast fashion, they also stocked the first line of Kate Moss clothes done for Topshop.
In it he espouses his theory of "eccentric glamour," which isn't about spending a lot of money but rather developing a signature style which says much more about you than the brands you wear. Running out and buying the latest Vuitton bag will only get you so far without a certain amount of savoir faire.
We asked Simon what advice he had for Luxist readers looking to make a suitable impression. "It's not enough just to festoon yourself with designer luxury," he explains. "Everyone needs to develop a few signature flourishes. It can be as simple as applying a bit of Maria Callas eyeliner, or as complicated as an Amy Winehouse beehive. These touches of eccentric glamour are what set you apart from the pack." So there you have it.
At the Barneys New York website, you can enter a sweepstakes to win lunch and a $2500 shopping spree with Simon and three of your friends.
Most of us have a collection of T-shirts we no longer wear. Now instead of donating them to the thrift store you can take them to Barneys. Barneys New York, the Sundance Channel and the eco-chic fashion brand Loomstate have created a national T-shirt recycling program that will start on April 13. Drop off the old shirts Loomstate will "re-fashion" the T-shirts (re-style, re-dye, re-print, etc.) as part of a new, limited edition T-shirt collection which will be sold exclusively at Barneys for Holiday 2008. Those who drop off a shirt will receive a 20% discount on women's Loomstate for Barneys Green and men's Loomstate merchandise from April 13-27. Proceeds from the program will benefit 1% for the Planet.
Purple is popular this season, and this bag takes that hue just slightly to the blue side. It's a gorgeous color that really pops in patent leather. The thin strips of brown leather create a sharp-looking frame and the rather short rolled handles make for a nice fit under the arm. If you aren't looking for attention, you might want to skip this one. It's a look-at-me color on an oversized bag and carrying it will draw attention. The tote measures 16.5" x 17.5" x 5.5" and sells for $1995 at Barneys.
Shopping is one of those things that's pretty darn fun in all but the worst of circumstances, but of course there's always room for it to be even better! VIP shopping experiences are available to only the biggest of spenders, which means you get in by actually shopping a lot instead of by paying a fee for the services.
So where do those "biggest spenders" do their spending?
This is a sharp looking leather bag with lots of nice silver-tone detail. Why did they have to go and ruin it with that cotton web strap? I like the contrast, but black leather would have been a better choice, I think. Looking past the adjustable strap, the little pouchette is pretty with the details and at 10"x6.5"x3.5", it is a nice compact size. The bag is also available in black and dark khaki, presumably with the same icky strap. $1065.
Here's a clutch that is different in several ways. First, it is purple. You might call it lavender, but the designer calls it purple. Second, it is a wrap clutch, which winds up to close with a flap that looks a bit like a crocodile tail. The bag looks a little odd when fully opened, but all snapped up, it looks rock-star worthy. The matte finish is not too shiny and at 10 inches wide and 5 inches deep, it's just the right size. Barney's has it for $2195.
There is something about Champagne that makes designers giddy. Fashion Week Daily reports that Moët & Chandon has commissioned illustrator Daisy de Villeneuve to create a limited edition metallic gold leather tote. The bag has a pink lining and comes with the necessary supplies for a picnic in the park including a magnum of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, four tulip flutes, and two lacquered picnic boxes that feature delectable treats created by the executive chef of Fred's at Barneys New York. The Champagne-friendly snacks match the pink drink with mini lobster wraps, salmon mousse, pink chocolate-dipped strawberries and pink truffles on order. The package costs $1,500 at Barneys New York.
After sending out correspondents to 12 stores of 5 different luxury department store chains in 6 cities across the country, the Wall Street Journal reported its findings yesterday, comparing how the stores stacked up in terms of service, product selection and their "extra touches." Bergdorf Goodman came out on top, winning the "best overall" rating. They had the shortest wait time for staff help, the largest selection of high-end, ready-to-wear designer apparel, excellent restrooms and even a DJ that will download music onto your iPod. Barneys got a nod for their insightful staff and number of new designers. Neiman Marcus was praised for their huge catalogue selection. Nordstrom, though only half its stores carry all their luxury brands, had one of the best shoe collections as well as easy returns. Saks has refreshing water bars and ultra-attentive staff.
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Rodarte
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The irrepressible Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys New York and all-round fashion guru, has just published his saucy new style manual / memoir, 
After sending out correspondents to 12 stores of 5 different luxury department store chains in 6 cities across the country, the 
