The crush at the recent opening party of the new Longchamp store in SoHo came as a shock. With a reputation for well-designed but conservative luggage and handbags, velvet ropes hardly seemed justified. But Longchamp used the launch of their New York store to make a statement: This brand is throwing its hat into the ring of high fashion, much as Gucci did a few decades ago, and courting celebs, models and the editors who love them. Named after the famous racecourse outside of Paris, Longchamp started in post-war France as purveyor of smoking accessories, becoming particularly well known for their leather-covered pipes. Longchamp has come a long way since then.
The interior of the new space was designed by Heatherwick Studio, a young British design firm that made its name with projects including the 2004 “Rolling Bridge” in London, which uncurls like a caterpillar, transforming from a compact wheel into an elegant 36-foot-long footbridge. At Longchamp’s SoHo boutique, Heatherwick used ribbons of hot-rolled steel and glass to connect the three levels of space, creating an undulating topography that incorporates stairways and recalls—what else—a racetrack. In the second-floor showroom, the handbags are displayed to full advantage on individual shelves, almost as museum pieces. Some standouts include Longchamp’s new Idole bag, an appealing mix of slouch and structure, and the SoHo Duplex bag, which converts a back-pack shape into a chic double-handled tote. Not that it was possible to study the goods on opening night— the crowd was too busy studying each other.
Tennis Anyone?
The ultimate spectator sport of summer may be tennis. But if you’re playing in North Carolina in July, you’re either an early riser or don’t mind hanging out with the bugs under the big lights. During the day, it’s just too steamy to hit the courts. Whenever you decide to get your game on, check out Wilson’s fashionable line of rackets engineered for women. The W line uses Wilson’s patented nCode technology, which takes a lightweight carbon fiber racket and injects it with silicone dioxide. This super-racket comes in a variety of feisty patterns with names sure to make your opponent a little nervous: Savage Lime, Red Fury, Cobalt Storm, to name a few. The W line is available in three sizes to complement a player’s skill level: W2 ($270) has a large, wide head for beginners, W4 ($230) is slightly smaller, giving a good combination of power and control, while the W6 ($200) is for those who dream of Serena and Venus, featuring a small 97-inch head that offers maximum control.
Wilson has also launched the Hope line of equipment and products for women, with a portion of the sale proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (with a minimum $150,000 a year donation). The signature pink ribbon is embroidered on pink, gray and white wristbands and headbands, a chic little pink backpack and even pink tennis balls. The Hope titanium alloy racket is available for only $35 and can be found along with the rest of the line at Target and Wal-Mart and selected sporting goods stores.
Looking for tennis whites? American Apparel makes a jersey “leisure dress,” perfect for the courts. This cotton mini-dress—with short sleeves and a polo collar—goes right into the wash and is only $34. www.americanapparel.com.
FASHION NEWS
Cameron Clothing has announced plans to expand into additional space adjacent to its North Hills locations, doubling the size of its “midtown” store. Construction is well underway for an early August opening. The ladies specialty store plans to close its Cameron Village store; Raleigh, 919.829.1511.
Fine Feathers invites customers to come check out their Italian sportswear collection by Piazza Sempione, new for fall; Chapel Hill; 919.942.3151.
Vermillion will be having a sale during the month of July for spring and summer clothing and accessories; Raleigh, 919.787.9780.
This month, Elaine Miller Collection is featuring their newest selection of estate pieces. Don’t forget the Summer Sale with savings from 25% - 50% on all fashion jewelry; Raleigh, 919.571.8888.
It may be hot outside, but at Saks Fifth Avenue, pre-fall collections from top international designers have arrived. With new selections in store, now is an ideal time to experience the Saks difference and update your wardrobe in the new direction fashion is taking for fall. Saks will also be featuring an exclusive and extravagant Lancme gift with $35 purchase from July 19-August 5; Raleigh, 919.792.9100.
Galatea boutique is now located at The Shops of Seaboard Station and will host a Trunk Show with Argentinian designer Ema Calderon July 7 and 8. Call for details; Raleigh, 919.833.8565.
Beleza, Raleigh’s newest fair trade store, invites customers to check out their new collection of handcrafted jewelry, apparel and accessories from Brazil and Madagascar. Located in Cameron Village, Raleigh, 919.832.4775.
Comfortable Soles welcomes customers to come and see their lines of amazing comfort footwear like Birkenstock, Dansko, Naot, UGG, Rainbow and Crocs. They also carry accessories such as Healthy Back Bag and Hobo purses. Cameron Village, Raleigh 919.828.9567.