I Love Libertine

I have a whole bunch of loves from NY fashion week that I didn't get a chance to post, and I find that when you go back to your favourites you sometimes find you're not sure what the appeal was in the first place. Libertine's Fall 09 collection isn't one of those and surely warrants mention for standing out against all of the black and the trends and doing their own thing.

Johnson Hartig and Cindy Greene started Libertine in 2001, creating one-of-a-kind high fashion pieces out of their vintage finds that reflect their affinity for Romantic literary icons, punk culture and Brooks Brothers. Since 2005 they've been producing their own garments which are inspired by the best of their previous collections. And their latest include some of the happiest and endearing coats I've seen, with yarn rosettes - there's a home-project quality about them, albeit one with expert construction and finishing (many pieces from this collection are one-offs). As for the Queen Elizabeth II printed skirts (drawn by California artist Eric Ernest Johnson), mumsy faux fur cape with random, huge eagle patch and the school-boy blazer with, um, a wang on the crest, it's the 'proper' mixed with a bit of sartorial sass-mouth that makes them so cool.

Photos: Marcio Madeira

Comments

[kristin]

whoa! is that suit (third from bottom) made of a 'book' print fabric? the blazer is pretty cool, too.

[Denise @ The Swelle Life]

It is a book print - don't you love that? Like from someone's stuffy old study!

[littleaugury]

these are so wonderfully creative- def to a different drummer. I think of Vanessa Bell and Bloomsbury when I see these. always enjoy your fashion post Most. G