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Humanoid
Feminine. Comfortable. Contemporary.
Both designers from Kova & T use luxurious fabrics to create modern, sensuous clothing.
Kova & T
Subtle Glamour
The brainchild of high school friends Dasha Zhukova and Christina Tang, Kova & T began as a venue to channel the friends' creative energies, with the simple goal of designing clothes that appeal to themselves and their circle of friends. It just so happens that these model-beautiful designers have a circle that includes some serious socialites, art world gliteratti and a billionaire here and there. But not to be ensconced beneath the typical bells and whistles of hyper-trendy embellishments, Kova & T maintains an enviably sophisticated level of chic, sexy designs using luxe fabrics and classic cuts. The clean, modern appeal of the line extends to the actual tactile feel of buttery leather skirts, fresh, fitted denim, flowing tees and dresses that, as Edith Head famously said, are "tight enough to show you're a woman, but loose enough to show you're a lady." Kova & T wholesales between 39 and 250 dollars with a markup of 2.3 and sells at Harrods and Luisa Via Roma. In Style Showroom, 20159 Milan/Italy, T 0039.02.6683397, laura@instyleshowroom.com, www.kovaandt.com
Misty Clouds: If you think this motto means Humanoid's head designer Cecile Bleijenberg had her head in the clouds when designing the latest collection, you'd be mistaken. For the 2010/2011 autumn/winter season, Bleijenberg has continued the line of the label founded by Sandra Harmsen and Hans Boelens in Arnheim in 1981: Simple, flowing, feminine fits, soft materials and natural colours dominate the collection of alpaca knit jackets, bouclĂŠ miniskirts and suede capes. Accents include small shoulder pads and matching accessories such as narrow belts and shoes made of naturally tanned leather. Humanoid brings out two collections per year, consisting of womenswear, shoes and accessories. Retail prices range from 80 to 400 euros for womenswear and from 50 to 500 euros for shoes and accessories. Sales and distribution within Europe are coordinated by Imago S.R.L. of Milan via various showrooms. The order dates coincide with important fair dates, such as cpd in DĂźsseldorf, Tranoi in Paris and CPH Vision in Copenhagen. Imago S.R.L., Luisa Rigamonti, 20137 Milan/Italy, T 0039.02.5517049, luisa@imagomilano.com, www.imagomilano.com, www.humanoid.nl
warm-e
Deluxe Hats and Caps
Mostly handmade, the caps from warm-e are produced in Nepal and Austria.
A market niche and an opportunity: In Christian Obojes' opinion, there isn't really a sophisticated and fashionable hat and cap brand on the market. For him that's reason enough to take the initiative. With the support of the designer Sabina Peskoller, he has developed a small but complete collection. "We are focusing on authentic and attractive styles with a top quality finish. The hats and caps are mostly handmade in Nepal and Austria," he says. Of course, highquality materials such as cashmere and fine wool are used. warm-e hopes to attract premium sportswear and fashion shops as their customers. warm-e's products retail from 129 to 249 euros. The new brand also hopes to score with its service: "In addition to the pre-order collection, there will be a between season collection." Christian Obojes' agency room with a view, which is based in Salzburg and Zurich, will be responsible for the distribution in German-speaking countries. room with a view, 5020 Salzburg/Austria, T 0043.662.875651, office@roomwithaview.at, www.roomwithaview.at; room with a view, 8045 Zurich/Schwitzerland, T 0041.43.9609811, schweiz@roomwithaview.at, www.roomwithaview.at
Natural colours dominate the newest collection from Humanoid.
style in progress