Cheryl Shops

Jimmy Choo shoes are almost always sexy in an obvious way, but then again, you could say the same thing about several other high-end designer shoe lines. What sets Choos apart is this: They are surprisingly comfortable. So go, and score yourself some overtly sexy, spendy shoes at major discounts (they went for $250 a pair at the last sale). Expect crowds; I recommend more practical shoes for line-waiting purposes. But just this once. 4/12-4/13; 2-6 Th, 9-6 F; Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

This will likely be my final post on Jimmy Choo for H&M--I just realized that November 14th is a Saturday, and in my world, Saturday is the day I sleep in. It's an interesting technique for H&M though--normally their designer collaborations hit stores on weekdays, causing women all over the world to be several hours late to work. Nevertheless, H&M has a preview of the full collection online; you can also find out whether the H&M store near you will be carrying it (in NYC, it's both 34th Street stores, the 5th Avenue flagship, Lexington Avenue, and 86th Street). Here's how things will work on Saturday morning: The first 160 people in line will get a bracelet, entitling them to shop women's shoes, bags, and accessories (women's clothes and the men's collection will not require a bracelet). If you are not one of the first 160 people, you can shop after about 2 hours (that is, if anything is left by then). Also, you can purchase only one of each product; this is to discourage eBay resellers, one would assume. Hopefully this will ensure a much more civilized experience than in years past. Good luck and godspeed, ladies!

Proving the theory I espoused last month--that if a "rumor" about Target turns up in WWD, it's generally true--Target announced that Jean Paul Gaultier will indeed be its next designer collaboration [subscription required]. The collection hits 250 Target stores (and Target.com) March 7th; Anna Sui was in 600 stores, so this will be a much smaller distribution. The previous two designer collaborations, with Alexander McQueen and Sui, were both inspired by pop culture figures; as of now, no information is available on who Gaultier's inspiration will be. (Madonna, maybe?) I think Gaultier is an interesting choice for Target, which, until now has picked pretty hot and influential designers, from Proenza Schouler to Rodarte. Gaultier has a loyal following--and he is a master tailor, not to mention the first couturier to collaborate with Target--but I'd venture to say his influence peaked in the '90s. Then again, with the '80s-'90s revival that's been happening on the runways, perhaps it's time for a Gaultier renaissance.

And, I feel like I might have linked to this already, but The Cut has full images from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. I must say, I am sick of writing about this collaboration, and it doesn't hit stores for another three weeks. Still, the dresses (particularly the studded mini and the black maxi) are looking better than ever to me. Looks like I'll be standing in line after all.

This week's big news is that French icon Sonia Rykiel will design two lines for H&M [subscription required]: The first collection, of holiday lingerie, will hit 1,500 H&M stores (and 90-odd Sonia Rykiel boutiques) worldwide on December 5th; the second, featuring knitwear and accessories for women and girls, drops in 250 H&M stores February 20th. While I am definitely more excited about the later collection than the lingerie--H&M doesn't make bras in my size, although I'm assuming there will be some coquettish nighties and undies--this is definitely good news, as Rykiel has a très Parisienne sense of style that I feel really hasn't had much exposure stateside (she has only two stores in the U.S., in New York and Boston). H&M's designer collaborations also tend to be more well made than, say, Target's. The only downside: They sell out like hotcakes. (Sonia Rykiel photo from WWD.com)

Speaking of H&M, Nitrolicious has images of the entire Jimmy Choo H&M women's collection. While I certainly don't agree with this blogger, the collection is definitely a bit...flashy. But fabulously so. I actually think the clothes might be more interesting than the shoes; I'm particularly taken with the slit-up-to-there black maxi dress pictured at right. I also would not mind getting my hands on those over-the-knee boots. But, then again, I am not fond of queuing up for hours in Midtown. If you are, Jimmy Choo for H&M hits stores November 14th.

Fashionista reports that Mark Fast will design a line for Topshop; if you weren't following London Fashion Week news last week, Fast quickly created a publicity frenzy by sending several "plus size" models down the runway (and by "plus size", I mean approximately a U.S. size 10). His uber-sexy open-work dresses (bodycon, as the British say) will hit stores sometime next spring.

And speaking of Topshop, I stopped by the store on Saturday to see if they had any Christopher Kane left; to my surprise, they had a ton, and it was all front and center as soon as you walked into the store. The line is not cheap: The most inexpensive item is an embellished scarf for $60, and the more intricate dresses and shoes go above $300. This may be particularly distressing to you if you are not a fan of synthetic fabrics (a few items are cotton, but most are nylon or polyester). However, everything is very intricately detailed with crystals, grommets, and mirrored pailettes, and I was impressed with the fit of everything I tried on (except for the crocodile T-shirt, which was cut so huge, I was swimming even in a size 4). My favorite piece was the eyelet skirt; I think I might go back later this week to get it. I also liked the crocodile dress, but I don't know how keen I am on having a menacing animal's mouth at the level of my you-know-what.

Finally, WWD published an article at the end of Fashion Week, instigating that Jean-Paul Gaultier may be next in Target's Designer Collaboration series [subscription required], although no one would confirm that, and as of now, there haven't been any follow-ups. Still, I would estimate that 100% of the rumors about Target's masstige collaborations leaked to WWD turn out to be true, so barring any major disasters, I think we can safely say this one is a sure thing. Normally I would be very excited about this, but considering how unpredictable the quality of Target's merchandise can be, I will reserve judgment until I see actual product.

UPDATE: I forgot two totally relevant bits of information! The first is that Jil Sander's collection for Uniqlo hits stores tomorrow, October 1st! I knew I was forgetting something very important! The second is that fashionista-favorite Ruffian is designing a line for Anthropologie [subscription required]. It's called Mise en Scene, includes both clothing and housewares, and will hit 55 Anthropologie stores in November.

MasstigeWatch!
Nitrolicious has pictures this to-die-for over-the-knee boot from the forthcoming Jimmy Choo for H&M collection, hitting stores November 14th. H&M confirms that the boot is real leather, and will retail for $299. Since over-the-knee boots are one of the hottest items for fall, one can only imagine how coveted these will be.

And: This isn't quite masstige per se, but tucked into Fashion Scoops in last week's WWD was this tasty tidbit:

Temperley London’s world is about to get a little larger. The London-based ready-to-wear label will launch a second line for spring, with slightly lower price points than the main collection. Prices for the line, which is yet to be named, will run from $50 to $500, according to sources close to the company.

So this is definitely good news for the Alice Temperley lovers out there who find the main collection a bit on the pricey side ($50-$500 is significantly lower than her regular line). I will, of course, share more details as I have them.

Finally, Anna Sui's Gossip Girl–themed collection for Target doesn't hit stores until September 13th, but Target is opening a special pop-up shop in Soho in time for Fashion's Night Out next Thursday. The store will be open 9/10-9/12; The Cut has the details. As for the collection itself, I will show you my favorite looks sometime in the next few days.

MasstigeWatch!
In case you haven't heard already, Jimmy Choo is designing a line for H&M. Featuring shoes for men and women, plus handbags and eveningwear, the pairing is noteworthy for two major reasons. For one, it marks H&M's first designer accessories collaboration—while previous ventures have been primarily clothes collections that included accessories, this one is primarily accessories, with a few clothes. And, secondly, Jimmy Choo is one of the three major players in the Designer Shoe Trifecta (the other two being Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin), and so this is a major score on H&M's part. The line hits stores November 14th, with prices for shoes at roughly $55-$138 (40-100 Euros) and bags going up to $276 (200E). Considering most Choos retail for $495-$795, this excellent news. This photo, from WWD [subscription required], is the only one available thus far, but as soon as more images turn up, I will of course post them here.

Kind of makes Carlos Falchi's collection for Target seem anti-climactic, doesn't it?