FORMER couture house Mainbocher and footwear brand Hebert Levine are set to be revived, after French entrepreneur Arnaud de Lummen acquired the trademark rights and intellectual property to both labels. De Lummen, who plans to relaunch both brands, is best known for buying Vionnet in 2006 before selling the brand to Matteo Marzotto and Gianni Castiglioni three years later.
“You start with roots and a history,” he told WWD. “When you relaunch, you already have a story to tell. After a few years, people completely forget that the brand was dormant. People think it’s always been there. It’s reassuring to consumers that you’re not a newcomer.”
Founded by French Vogue fashion editor Main Rousseau Bocher, Mainbocher was first launched in 1929 in Paris before relocating to New York in 1940. It shuttered its doors in 1971, when the designer retired at the age of 81. A label popular with Wallis Simpson and Diana Vreeland, the label is known for its understated elegant glamour.
American footwear brand Herbert Levine, named after its eponymous founder, began business in 1948 and closed in 1975. It’s bold, statement designs were worn by Hollywood stars including Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Marlene Dietrich, as well as former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Manolo Blahnik has since described its designer, Beth Levine, as “the most influential American shoe designer of the 20th Century”.
De Lummen is yet to confirm which other brands he has in his possession, but suggested that they include a French fashion house, a French trunk-maker and an English leather goods brand.
FASHION ESSENTIALS FOR SPRING 2012
1. Colored Skinnies
Nothing beats the spring with a pop of color. Colored skinny jeans are the best to wear during the warmer seasons. Tone down bright pants with neutral or pastel colored tops. Try wearing a loose top and tuck it inside the pants. Use a pretty belt and accessorize with some bracelets, a watch or even a necklace. Let your hair down for a more casual feel.
2. A Pretty Maxi Dress
Spring wouldn’t be complete without a pretty maxi dress. It may be a little bit daunting for petites to wear this but it can be done. Try wearing high heeled wedges and accessorize with layers of bracelets and a huge pair of sunglasses. Now that’s what I call laid-back chic!
3. Bright Rompers
A cute romper can definitely get you anywhere during the most casual of days. Choose a bright colored romper such as corals and reds and pair them with your favorite cardigans. Try to keep your hair in a side ponytail for an effortless feel. You can also amp up your style by mixing and matching different accessories.
4. Knit Sweaters
I’m not talking about the thick, fuzzy, winter sweaters here. I am talking about those sweaters that you wear during those chilly spring days. Choose fun colors and patterns and pair them with your favorite shorts. You can also wear your sneakers for those lazy days where you want to look chic but effortless.
5. Shorts
Of course, the warmer seasons wouldn’t be complete without having to wear your favorite pair of shorts. Regardless of the style, shorts are one of the most casual things to wear. Dress them down during lazy days and dress them up if you want to wear your pair for a night out with friends. All it needs is just proper accessories and you are good to go.
6. Lazy T-shirts
These shirts can help you get by during those lazy casual days. If you find it a little boring to wear your usual jeans and t-shirt, dress them up by using colorful shorts and pair them with unique sneakers.
These are just some of the few spring fashion essentials. Don’t forget to stock up on cute pieces. With these essentials in your wardrobe, you will never go wrong with your style this season.
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