I got over Karl Lagerfeld‘s diffusion line for Macy‘s as soon as I saw the first preview pic, but now that photos of the full collection are up online, I guess I’m excited again.
I say “I guess” because even though I wouldn’t object to owning and wearing most of the items, I don’t think I could fall in love with any of them. And imagine the collection’s on-the-rack quality makes my neck itch.
For example: the thick vinyl belt and the tall starched collar on the blouse below (left) were probably included to introduce the masses to some “edgy style” but the Schoolmarm With a Thing for Bondage shtick is neither fashionable nor flattering. I’d rather just wear a simple well-made top, which the sheer mauve blouse probably could have been if Lagerfeld hadn’t tacked on a bunch of crap. The problem with up-market designers turning their excellent eyes to down-market fashion is that trying to bring “fashion to the masses” just makes them confused. For sophisticated design elements to work on a garment, they have to be well-executed. That is, apparently, impossible to do at a certain price point.
Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s – Fashionologie
