Everyone seems to be doing it.
With spring in the air, some of the best-known designers and manufacturers are busy introducing new collections. Some of the offerings give the consumer a designer look for less money. Others are going in the opposite direction. Here is a guide to the fashion lines debuting this spring.
Calvin Klein
Not to be confused with the Calvin Klein designer collection, this more affordable yet sophisticated line focuses on career-inspired sportswear. Think jackets, slim skirts, trousers, slip dresses, shiny trench coats and shirts. “The line will always take its lead from our designer collection and will echo the aesthetic of the brand,” said Tom Murray, president of Calvin Klein. “But it’s now possible for many more women to own a piece of the Calvin Klein lifestyle.”
– Prices: $65-$495
H Hilfiger
The clothes are cool yet classic, sporty yet sophisticated. It’s also 20 percent to 30 percent more expensive than the designers’ sportswear line, says Caren Bell, a Hilfiger spokeswoman. Items include casually tailored suits with pencil skirts, edgy leather jackets, charming print silk dresses and plenty of cashmere sweaters.
– Prices: $45-$350
Perry Ellis
“I have a mix-and-match philosophy,” said Patrick Robinson, who just took over as designer of this established label. “I like to combine a little sequin sweater with a flounced georgette skirt for evening, then take that same skirt and show it with a cardigan for daytime.” Throughout the collection, which is priced well under the original line, Robinson tries to preserve what he calls the essence of Ellis: “chic and charming sportswear.” In addition to skirts and sweaters, look for camisoles, trench coats, cropped pants, pretty print dresses and ruffled blouses.
– Prices: $38-$228
Realities from Liz Claiborne
In Realities, the look has a more career wear focus than the Liz Claiborne collection. Look for suede jackets, short, kicky trench coats and suits in soft, pretty hues, including sand, sky blue, seafoam green, stone and rose, plus black and chocolate brown. “There’s this whole trend toward dressing up for work,” said Henry McGuire, vice president of sales for the new line. “Women want to look pretty yet feel comfortable.”
– Prices: $48-$228
Jones New York Signature
“Signature creates a bridge between structured career dressing [Jones New York Collection] and extreme casual sportswear [Jones New York Sport],” said Nancy Hogg, the divisional merchandise manager of better sportswear at Rich’s-Macy’s. “It’s a smart yet casual look for the office, home and club.” Look for fabrics with a polished, dressier finish: cotton sateen for jackets and pants, for example. The layering pieces, which include sweaters, T-shirts and jackets, are often in brights.
Prices: $49-$139
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com)
