Here at Maine Maven, we've been waiting with bated breath to see L.L. Bean's Signature Collection by Alex Carleton.As it turns out, it was worth the wait. Though Carleton (of Rogues Gallery fame) debuted the line last week at Manhattan's Hosfelt Gallery, the vibe was pure Maine. We couldn't make it to the launch party, but we've seen pictures and they are fabulous.
The bearded Carleton looked like a cross between Ray LaMontagne and Christian Bale in a buffalo-check flannel shirt, preppy tie, brown tweed jacket and dark-rinse jeans. The menu was perfect — Maine lobster rolls, Geary's and oyster shooters served from a raw bar set up in an Old Town Canoe.
But enough about the ambiance. Let's talk clothes. The line is, in a word, classic. For women, think Jackie O or your classy cousin Julie. For men, imagine if that guy you made out with in Kennebunkport had a sense of humor and voted for someone other than Bush.
Yes, there are plaids and barn jackets, denim skirts and oversize totes, but they're streamlined and modern. The dresses are feminine and flattering. The menswear is tailored but unstuffy. Carleton has taken iconic looks from Bean's archives and transformed them — without losing any authenticity in the translation. As the New York party blog Guest of a Guest put it, "The clothing is preppy and polished and will be giving J. Crew a run for their (sic) money."We can't wait until it hits the store in 2010, but for now, here are a few photos to tide us over. Enjoy!
Images courtesy LaForce-Stevens.
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