Olsen Twins, Alexander Wang, & Philip Crangi Branch Out

Despite countless fashion houses suffering cutbacks across the board, a number of downtown designers are forging ahead, building their brands through accessories launches and additional lines as well as e-commerce expansions. Moguls Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen are adding menswear to their design repertoire, which already includes The Row (a high-end women’s collection) and Elizabeth and James (a slightly less expensive line of men and women’s clothing that also includes accessories and shoes). Elle UK describes the men’s line, which will fall under the umbrella of The Row, as “chic and classic, the collection heavily focuses on tailoring -- not surprising for a label that takes its name from Saville Row -- and uses only top quality fabrics.” Expect skinny suits and classic silhouettes that look especially appropriate when latched onto the arm of an "it" girl. And while wunderkind (and CFDA favorite) Alexander Wang likewise recently announced his plans to expand into menswear, he’s not stopping at duds for dudes.

Come Valentine’s Day, Wang will debut “a new collaboration for fall with Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Paris Kain of Abraxas Rex” (who collaborated with Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein just last year), says WWD. The line includes “a small four-style collection of silver cuffs and earrings.” The latter, however, don’t clip or stick through the earlobe. Rather, in Wang’s own words, they “push the meaning of embellishment and how people interpret jewelry.”

Looking to get your jewelry fix before the 14th? Check out fashion industry favorite (and internet savvy) Philip Crangi’s newly launched e-commerce site for his costume jewelry line Giles & Brother. Considering Crangi won last year’s CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design and is collaborating with Mrs. Obama favorite Jason Wu for the designer’s Fall 09 Presentation (perhaps the hottest ticket this NYFW), it’s probably best to place your orders sooner rather than later.

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