In fashion, as in so many areas, we don’t do what the rest of the country does. So when stores place their orders every season, they keep the particular demands of New Yorkers top of mind. Full-time versatility? Ahead-of-the-crowd statement pieces? A handbag as big as a Chevy? Five fashion directors tell us what they bought for the city this season.
The All-Day Ensemble
“More so than in any other city, New Yorkers are always running from work to cocktails to dinner, so versatility is important. This outfit works for day—the gold camisole gives the outfit a twist, but the cardigan softens it. The purple-and-navy print in the skirt plays off the tiny stripe in the camisole, and women here love subtle details like that. Take off the sweater, and the camisole and skirt are chic for evening. This outfit is a great alternative to the usual New York uniform of head-to-toe black. It has all the important fall trends—volume, shine, a mix of textures. It’s original, but not overwhelming.”
—Roopal Patel, women’s fashion director, Bergdorf Goodman
Vera Wang gold Empire camisole, $1,350, and cardigan, $595, Marni floral-print skirt, $615, Prada platform sandal, $545, at Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Ave., nr. 57th St.; 212-753-7300).
Eclectic and Opinionated
“A tailored Marc Jacobs jacket and an asymmetrical Marni top over Edun jeans (a sweatshop-free label)—proves that she’s fashionable as well as socially conscious. Her Prada stacked heels and the Chloé bag let other New Yorkers know what they should be wearing. She’s got Costume National sunglasses perched on her head, as if to dare passersby to stare her in the eye.”
—Michael Fink, senior fashion director, Saks Fifth Avenue
Marc Jacobs jacket, $2,630, Marni top, $475, Edun jeans, $168, Chloé bag, $1,755, Prada shoes, $595, Costume National sunglasses, $350, at Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Ave., at 50th St.; 212-753-4000).
Edgy, But Practical
“Rogan’s new A Litl Betr line is perfect for here; it’s so cool and confident. Denim is a universal fabric, but in a tailored suit, it becomes more formal, more city, and the sexy fitted shirt reinforces that. In Chicago, they’d wear a looser top. Big bags take on more importance here because they’re like our cars. Balenciaga’s crocodile bag is a luxury, but it’s functional and makes a statement, like a car would in L.A.”
—Julie Gilhart, vice-president, fashion director, Barneys New York
A Litl Betr denim jacket, $1,445, pants, $650, and shirt, $455, Balenciaga crocodile bag, $17,500, Guillaume Hinfray “Borglinde” shoes, $465, at Barneys New York (660 Madison Ave., nr. 61st St.; 212-826-8900).
The Tastemaker’s Evening Look
“Women in other cities will always go for the flash appeal of an established fur like mink or sable, but this rabbit jacket is a humble fur, and only a chic New York woman would be brave enough to wear it. Worn over this dress, it’s a new kind of sophistication. This outfit could be worn to any event in Manhattan after 6 P.M., but it would be too fancy to wear in another city.”
—Kal Ruttenstein, senior vice-president of fashion direction, Bloomingdale’s
Zac Posen coat, $9,000, and bubble dress, $3,200, at Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Ave., at 59th St.; 212-705-2000). Similar shoe styles available at Manolo Blahnik (31 W. 54th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-582-3007).
The Insider’s Mix
“The labels I chose are very New York—Margiela, Lanvin, Marni. Not everyone knows about them, but a New Yorker certainly will. This outfit has an appealing mix of textures—cashmere, satin, broadtail—and the gold metallic platforms are a fun surprise. It’s perfect for a 45-degree day in late fall in New York. If you’re in Chicago, you’d be too cold, but with these layers in New York, you’ll feel perfect.”
—Jeffrey Kalinsky, Jeffrey New York
Marni broadtail jacket, $8,910, necklace, $295, and handbag, $895, Lanvin turtleneck, $595, Martin Margiela satin skirt, $242, Paco Rabanne gold platforms, $795, Yves Saint Laurent gloves, $475, at Jeffrey (449 W. 14th St., nr. Tenth Ave.; 212-206-1272).