A Woman on the Edge
Roving the INA stores this week rounded-up our edgier pieces – but in this sense, I mean garments edged in ruffle or sharp contrast. These edges define themselves against plain fabric backgrounds, a plain white sweatshirt, or pimento floor length skirt, each garment calling attention to its perimeters.
A Bottega Veneta wristlet wallet, zipping open, is one evening's change purse inside of a leather flower.
The leather undersides of Felder Felder pleats swing out with each turn of a Giuseppe Zanotti (for Balmain) heel.
Heels of gold leaf finish a rounded leather toe in Marni pumps.
Trimmed in a beaded and chain-link collar, a Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti oversized top is Aztec-themed in a sweatshirt world.
Nothing but edge, embroidered and patterned - this Prada purse has no borders, unlike the Prada jeweled glasses resting above.
Not a ball gown, but a ball skirt. Jil Sander shifts the ruffle that usually appears as the perimeter to a strapless dress down to the waist.
Alaia charcoal ruffles share their edge with corals and reefs.
Turning up the cuffs of this YSL men's blazer, above: its striped silk offsets its fur-trim.
All items found in INA Soho, with the exception of YSL Men's blazer and Alaia cardigan, to be found in INA Chelsea.
Irfé Forever
The Russian house of fashion, Irfé, is having a resurgence at INA Chelsea. Originally founded in 1924 by a stately couple, Felix and Irina Yousoupoff, the house has undergone an 80 year period of hibernation before its current resuscitation, beginning in 2006, by Creative Director Olga Sorokina.
Above, an Irfé shearling and suede vest with a zip center.
The original founders were aristocrats, as Irina Romanova was the granddaughter of Tsar Alexander III, and Felix a rumored descendent of an ancient tribe. He grew up in the most ornate castle in Russia, supposedly, in awe of "his mother's beauty and perfect outfits, her legendary huge diamonds and rare pearls."
Their fashion house formed shortly after their marriage.
Above, blue velvet Irfé cape with patent leather collar. Below, Marsell shoes peeking out from underneath.
It has been said that in order to finance the first collection, Felix sold his unique diamond "Polar Star" to Cartier. The debut of the first fashion show took place at the Ritz hotel in New York, with Irina as one of the models appearing after midnight.
Androgynous and modern models took the stage.
Above, Irfé navy, shaggy wool and fur topper.
Two original dresses from the Maison Irfé exist in a private collection and within the Costume Institute at the MET. The styles are reminiscent of the 20s, bat sleeves in black silk. Olga Sorokina's revived Irfé line remembers the flapperesque cuts from its heritage, as well as rich furs to finish outfits.
Above, Irfé nude jumpsuit with sequined halter neck clasp.
Look in our Chelsea racks, and in boutiques internationally, for oriental flourish, faberge, and remnants of sport - the tennis court and the ballet, running through Olga's modernized collections.
Descriptions
A blurred smile and fringed shoulder - a woman squatting and smiling in two-toned alpaca
Hand waving, out of focus, and a chain-link encircled Chanel pearl
Feathers partially covering heavy metal and hanging stones
Turning away, the cuff of a satin blazer turning last
Man in a floral shoe resting on a tabletop
Woman's heel planted on top of a traveling train case, her shin reflected
Walking closer, stopping short of the mirror with a metallic bag
Round chin offset by a brooch and collarless cape
Still life with dark shades, combination lock suitcase, black mesh overlay, and gray roses
Top to bottom: Rodarte cardigan with white fringe & Stella McCartney pants with black & orange paisley (INA Soho); Chanel vintage clip-on earrings (INA Soho); Erickson Beamon metal & gold necklace (INA Nolita); Lanvin white, silk trench blazer (INA Noho); Dr. Martens Liberty lace-ups with flowers (INA Men Nolita); Alexander McQueen nude & black mesh pumps (INA Soho); Thakoon dress with white skirt & sweatshirt top, Margiela silver purse with leather handles, & Nicole Farhi black resin necklace (INA Soho); Prada bejeweled brooch & Stella McCartney charcoal, wool cape (INA Soho); Prada traveling train case & Alain Mikli brushed matte black sunglasses (INA Soho)
Resolutions
Dress the part in your last moment to break 2013 resolutions: resolve to wear wild fringe and cut-away piping amidst glitter shifts.
Resolve to wear red patent leather, enough to catch the attention of the idyl, and interchangeably, red velvet.
Resolve to elaborate - the otherwise simple look of last year now boasts an unstructured rabbit scarf.
Resolve to coordinate, in the form of linear stitching.
Resolve to turn the ankle with a sculpted net as the centerpiece.
Resolve to be illustrative, arms circled in graphic drawings.
Resolve to incorporate stylistic changes, not unlike a shoulderpad floating in black mesh, abruptly.
From top: Plomo black suede booties with silver embroidery & Tim Ryan navy sparkle dress with fringe (INA Nolita); Creative Recreation red patent leather sneaker, Billy Reid three piece red velvet suit & Michael Bastian floral corduroy shirt (INA Men Nolita); black, rabbit ball scarf (INA Noho); Yves Saint Laurent dress with feathered breast woven into black silk bottom (INA Nolita) & Gucci satin clutch with rhinestones (INA Noho): Brian Atwood resin with metal clutch, silver and tortoise (INA Nolita); Christian Louboutin t-strap patent leather lace pump with billowing bow (INA Nolita); Alexander McQueen black and white wool cardigan (INA Men Nolita); Vintage unitard with glitter accents (INA Noho).
Happy Holidays from the INA Crew!
As last minute preparations abound for the holidays, don't forget to spend some quality time with the INA revellers. Still in need for stocking stuffers? All stores will remain open in the early afternoon on Christmas Eve day.
Snowblind
There is nothing better than to be outside at night during a blizzard. Hoping to be snowblind before long, we took to the dark snowy street. The silence of the snow made my voice even louder, the subject of conversation: INA Chelsea winter wear.
Dolce & Gabbana lace-up snow boots, for winter wear, speak less utilitarian, and more refined.
Employee Lonnie Hall felt at home in his coat right away. He fastened the toggle clasp, and no sooner than fastening, a female customer caught on, demanding to try the Maison Martin Margiela beaver coat.
Underneath, a Rick Owens turtleneck doubles as a scarf.
Wearing dark elbow length Yves Saint Laurent gloves, the length of the glove protruded visibly from underneath my white Moncler quilted cape. The cape suggested the look of a young girl, but the gloves reminded of a classic.
