YStyle Picks

Pass the Pashli

MANILA, Philippines - The lookbook of 3.1 Phillip Lim’s entire collection for Target is out and it features beautifully tailored classics with a few fun comic book-printed scarves and sweaters, along with this score: a $35 version of his best-selling handbag, the Pashli. This accessory addition has received polarized reactions from excited fans of the designer who still can’t afford to move out of their parents’ house (like moi), to those like YStyle editor Bea Ledesma who can’t believe the Target version looks exactly like the original Pashli she bought months ago online. As a tote I spotted from Bleached Catastrophe states, “Self-plagiarism is style.” But did Phillip Lim just cheapen the overall value of one of his most recognizable designs? And though it’s unlikely that other brands will follow his example, will people still appreciate well-made leather handbags if designers decide to offer pleather versions of the same designs? And if pleather versions are available alongside the leather ones, which one do you think the Swedish shop girl would offer Oprah if she came back to Trois Pommes in Zurich?

All shook up

What’s cute, retro and snuggly-warm? Opening Ceremony’s limited-edition collection of Elvis Presley-inspired sweatshirts, graphic tees and denim jackets! Launched just in time for Elvis Week 2013, which runs from Aug. 10 to 17, the capsule collection features creative graphic renderings of the King’s most famous singles and archival photos, such as a still from Jailhouse Rock, printed on tees. The collection’s lookbook, shot by British photographer Jamie Hawkesworth, was shot in Presley’s hometown in Memphis, Tennessee, where he enlisted the locals that he spotted walking on street to model the pieces. Rock ‘n’ roll!

Mad for madewell

Madewell, has experienced the same resurgence of interest and popularity as its sister label, J.Crew, thanks in part to the chic geek girl aesthetic of creative director Jenna Lyons. However, that old adage about not fixing anything that isn’t broke doesn’t ring true all the time — mostly anything could do with a little improvement now and then. And so after another round of creative director musical chairs, it was announced that 12-year J.Crew designer, the Thai-born and Toronto-raised Somsack Sikhounmuong, has replaced former Madewell creative director Kin Ying Lee. In an interview with Fashionista.com, he observed, “It was getting too trendy, a little more fast-fashion, I think it wasn’t as focused as I would have loved it to be. I think there were a little too many prints going on, a little too many colors.” With regards to his vision for “Madewell 2.0,” he explains, “In the beginning it was sort of classic-based and had great investment sort of pieces, and I think we may have strayed a little bit away from that, so it’s just bringing it back to that.” One less tiger-emblazoned sweatshirt? Yes, please!

Mr. Quiffy in a Jiffy

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably still obsessed with art duo Craig and Karl’s recent collaboration with Munich-based handbag brand MCM. If their fun and quirky “Eyes on the Horizon” collection for the brand amused you, then you’ll be delighted to know that the two have teamed up with Brit designer Henry Holland’s House of Holland on an exclusive collection that will only be sold from House of Holland’s Mr. Quiffy ice cream van, which is currently on tour around Britain. While the van won’t be selling any actual ice cream, Craig and Karl designed a limited-edition tee that features Mr. Quiffy, a multi-color pop art soft-serve ice cream cone wearing a mint pair of mod sunglasses. In addition to shirts, the 17-piece collection also consists of shorts, iPhone cases and jewelry. “Henry’s hair is the motive for the design,” said Craig & Karl in a statement. “We thought that it would be great to incorporate his look in a summer-themed character. We’re thrilled that the artwork gets to travel with the pop-up store around the UK.”

Fashion x Art

The last time artist Damien Hirst did a fashion collaboration, he took 12 of the $39,000 crocodile backpacks from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row, and covered them with prescription pills, upping the selling price to $55,000. Now, he’s set his sights on something a little less preposterous by collaborating with Alexander McQueen on a limited edition of twill, chiffon and cashmere scarves inspired by his “Entomology” series. The scarves will feature spriders, butterflies and other creepy crawlies in the shape of McQueen’s signature skull prints, which are celebrating their 10th year anniversary this year. The collaboration will be released this November at Alexander McQueen boutiques and on Alexandermcqueen.com, with prices starting at $476.50.