League of Rebels Finds a New Home at Austin’s Edge Boutique
February 21, 2012
League of Rebels Showcases at "Edgy and Eclectic" Presentation at Austin Fashion Week 2011
We knew it wasn’t going to be your ordinary menswear presentation when the first dapperly-dressed gentleman pedaled down the runway on a vintage bicycle. Men of Austin, you’ve met your match in League of Rebels – where the classic suit design meets the modern man.
After wowing at Austin Fashion Week 2011, League of Rebels (LOR) garnered national attention and landed a spot in Fashionista’s list for The Best of Austin Fashion Week. Now, League of Rebels is laying down some permanent roots in Austin in a new partnership with Edge Boutique.
The downtown men’s boutique will start carrying the LOR label, which specializes in bespoke suits and blazers, and to kick off the collaboration will be hosting a brand introduction party this Thursday.
“Rebellious since 1985″ – a slogan that refers not to the year in which the brand was launched, but the year in which all five League of Rebels founders were born – LOR is a growing international brand quickly expanding through markets in Europe, America, and Africa, conquering the hearts of men in many countries by putting a contemporary spin on traditional men’s fashion. We caught up with Musa Ato, one of the five founders, and chatted about League of Rebels’ new life at Edge.
Q&A With League of Rebels’ Musa Ato
AFW Blog: How did the relationship between League of Rebels and Edge Boutique begin?
Musa: It really began with last summer’s Austin Fashion Week. I met [Austin Fashion Week Founder] Matt Swinney on LinkedIn, and he pitched the idea of participating in AFW to me. He racked up a sponsor for us to do so, and after we showed the collection, I stayed in touch with Matt. He then introduced the brand John Goeth at Edge. They looked us up online, saw what we did at AFW, and contacted us. Matt was the instrumental person in connecting League of Rebels and Edge Boutique.
AFW Blog: What are your impressions of Edge Boutique?
Musa: I love Edge! I love the idea and style that Phillip Soloman has got going. There is a classic feel to the buliding, but the style of the store gives it a modern, edgy look. Edge and League of Rebels represent the same vision. It’s a perfect fit. That’s why we’re so excited.
AFW: So with Edge, it will be the first time that League of Rebels has a retail presence .
Musa: Yes, until Edge we’ve been exclusively online, in order to save overhead costs. We’re still considering opening a flagship store at some point, but we’re putting that on hold so that we can break into the market a little more gradually. . Once we have a few stores – in the US, Nigeria, England, and the Ukraine – we will look to open our own flagship store. But right now, we want to get into retail stores that have the same vision.
AFW: Like Edge!
Musa: Yes! And at Edge, it will be a bit different than online. We’re going to use our League of Rebels standard size charts and have ready-to-wear pieces in the store.
AFW Blog: How did you come up with unique size chart?
Musa: It was the product of lots of research based on American and European size charts. Sergei, a LoR partner is a fashion designer, and he took the lead. There was lots of trial and error with different body styles and measurements, until we had what we believe to be the perfect fit.
AFW Blog: How do you think Austin men will respond to League or Rebels?
Musa: I think they will respond particularly well. From what I know about Austin, it’s very trendy and has a much different vibe from anywhere else in Texas. League of Rebels is the perfect blend of professional to happy hour, and Austin seems like that kind of location. LOR would really complement the style of the trendy Austin guy – he can come in to Edge, get styled, go to work, a happy hour, and then an evening event.
AFW Blog: Will you be at the Take the Edge Off event this coming Thursday?
Musa: I most definitely will be! We just held a “Manly Makeover” contest, looking to find an individual who needs a makeover, and the winner will get styled on Thursday by myself and Phillip. We will change his look from head to toe, put them in a League of Rebels outfit and other items from Edge Boutique. So he will be the perfect LOR and Edge Boutique guy.
Stop on by Edge on Thursday between 6 – 9, sip complimentary cocktails, and get to known League of Rebels.
Edge Boutique
411 Brazos Street Austin, TX 78701
(512) 236-0755
Edgy and Eclectic is fashion forward: thecwaustin.com
Fashion Rebels: The Coinage Trio
February 21, 2012
Excellent to see you back, Fashion Rebels! This week we are taking the periodic table to the next level, showing you the ways of mixing your gold, silver, and even bronze jewelry.
The basic rule of thumb is that you are not allowed to mix silver and gold pieces, for the sake of it looking too gaudy. But naturally, times have changed, and we say – avoid being traditional! Throw some pizaaz in your accessories!
As collegefashion.net states, “Metallics are the new neutrals, and you can wear them with whatever you want.” In other words, do not hesitate to mix-and-match these metals with your wardrobe. If you are planning on wearing a solid color, like a black dress or a grey suit, what better way to add some shine than wearing silver and gold necklaces, or bronze and silver bangles? Trying to find that perfect touch to a bohemian printed romper? Look into the newest two-toned bronze, gold, or silver collar.
As you start your successful journey with the trio and find yourself wondering if you are making the right choice, do not forget to ask, WWDYD?- What Would David Yurman Do?
That’s all for this week, Rebels, but be sure to RSVP for the next segment as we head to the Chapel of Love wearing our Sunday’s finest as we refuse to let the bridesmaids have all the fun!
McQ by Alexander McQueen Makes London Fashion Week History
February 21, 2012
Renegade diffusion line McQ made it’s first London Fashion Week appearance last night, and ushered in Alexander McQueen‘s long-awaited return with a blaze of theatrics.
A leaf-strewn catwalk created the illusion of a forest, across which stalked the models – dressed, in turn, in embellished velvet, full-skirted tartan, floor-length tulle, and two-tone khaki.
The collection, described by the show notes as ”A love story, a love of McQueen and a love of great British style — from military coats to overblown ball gowns,” saw its culmination in a most dramatic finale.
From Fashionista:
Then out glided Kristen McMenamy, ghostly white in a full skirted leaf motif dress. She was lit by a single spotlight, and began the signature fainting ballerina moves that are synonymous with older McQueen shows such as the Spring/Summer 2004 “They shoot horses” collection (see it on YouTube here and here).
McMenamy swayed back and forth ominously before leaning down to pick up a hidden white rope from the floor. She haltingly pulled herself along the length of the runway, and what previously appeared to be a brick wall at the back of the show dissipated into thin air. There was a collective gasp as a thick mist cleared to reveal a forest of nearly 60 real, full grown trees with a small house nestled in the middle. Dramatic classical music rose as Kristen disappeared into the woods and the room plunged into darkness, lit only by the faint midst through the trees. Then came a pulsing light show inside the house and thumping techno music while the models took their final lap around the room.
Flick through the gallery below for more looks from the McQ Fall/Winter 2012 collection!
#nyfw Must-Reads
February 14, 2012
How fancy is technology? Between Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, and the like, fingertip technology has been enough to make any outsider feel like a fashion insider at the ongoing Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. Just pull up a live video feed on your smartphone app, and you’re virtually sitting front row.
The fashion industry has really embraced technology in recent years. Live streaming of runway shows beamed Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 collections to larger audiences than ever before. Last season, Burberry took advantage of social media with its “Tweetwalk,” sending out pictures of their looks via the Burberry Twitter account only moments before sending their models to the runway at London Fashion Week.
At this week’s NYFW, a number of streaming options, including YouTube channel Live From The Runway and First Comes Fashion, have shown such presentations as Dianne von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, Jill Stuart, Charlotte Ronson, and in the coming days, Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors.
Fashion’s evolving digital presence is exciting. We’ve taken some time to pull together our favorite blogs, videos, and galleries that grant you e-access to fashion week shows, backstage, street style, and parties.
1. On the Runway‘s extensive coverage of NYFW is about as comprehensive as it gets. New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn takes the lead on this blog, whose in-depth reporting pairs nicely with visual recaps from Fashionista, Fashionologie, or WWD.
Marc Jacobs, Fall 2012
2. We’re loving the ever-witty coverage as The Cut and New York Magazine team up with Made Fashion Week. In the interest of finding out the deepest, darkest secrets of well-dressed people, The Cut set up a confession booth in the middle of fashion week. Hilarity ensues in a three-part video.
3. The High Low pulls together the Top 10 Tweets of NYFW - 140-character musings from designers, models, and fashion fans.
How much do you want to rock one of these Chris Benz Fall 2012 looks this Valentine's Day?
4. High fashion sense isn’t confined to the runways. Scoping out street style is a full-time job during fashion week, and Refinery29 has introduced us to our new favorite pastime – bag stalking. A guilty pleasure so good that it’s almost NSFW, the gals over at Refinery29 have done the dirty deed and compiled a gallery of the best clutches, totes, and messengers that were swung about at NYFW.
5. After the show is the after-party, and we’ve found one that takes the cake. Vice threw a bash at a strip club-turned fashion hotspot, which featured – we couldn’t be making this up – puppies in bondage. Fashionista gives us the full story. Woof.
What are your thoughts on NYFW? We want to hear them! Head on over to the Austin Fashion Week Facebook page, and join in on the conversation!
Adele Graces Cover Of US Vogue
February 14, 2012
After cleaning up at Sunday’s Grammy Awards – and, like, duh, may we add - Adele graces the cover of Vogue‘s March spring fashion issue, and she looks simply breast-taking. Breath. She looks breath-taking.
For the British songstress, who walked home with 6 Grammy awards a few nights ago, this will be her first US Vogue cover, having appeared on the fashion bible’s UK counterpart this past fall.
Wrapped up in Oscar de la Renta, the accompanying editorial features an interview with the “Someone Like You” singer, in which she discusses her breakup-inspired album and says that she’s done being a “bitter witch.” But we like you so much that way! More pictures below, and for the complete story click over to Vogue.
Speaking of Grammy’s, take a look at our picks for most outrageous looks at this year’s awards.. Do you agree?
