With breezy turquoise pants, slinky tank dresses and citrus-colored jackets it appears Rag & Bone designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville had sunny Miami on their minds when creating their Spring 2012 collection. In Florida to launch their new shop-in-shop at Saks Bal Harbour, Wainwright says of the collection, “This particular group is pertinent to Miami — just look around at all the bright colors!”
Self described (by Wainwright) as “two British lads on a mission to create the perfect pair of jeans,” it is evident their scope of work has surpassed this goal. In 2010, they snagged the coveted CFDA Menswear Designers of the Year award and have since become a cult classic amongst celebrities (LeAnn Rimes! Blake Lively! Miranda Kerr!) and discerning denim devotees alike.
During their whirlwind stay in Miami, SaksPOV Miami shadowed the twosome as they started their day with a personal appearance at the Bal Harbour store’s new Rag & Bone shop. Replete with industrial fixtures and contemporary furnishings, the designers mingled with customers seeking new threads. “This collection, in particular, was inspired by Burning Man and surfer culture,” says Wainwright. As for the future he adds, “ We would like for Rag & Bone to be the next successful influential brand on a global scale.”
That same balmy Thursday evening, Saks Fifth Avenue and Ocean Drive Magazine produced a fashion presentation at swanky Soho Beach House. For the first time ever, the House’s pool was transformed into a full-scale catwalk. Hosts Suzy Buckley, Rebecca Gentry, Jillian Jacobson, Cory Papunen, DJ Rascal, Alan Roth, Nikki Simkins, Deborah Slack and Josh Wagner brought swarms of people (300 guests!) to the poolside fashion show.
“You can expect plenty of music by Radiohead,” Wainwright promises of their fashion shows. Beats by Thom Yorke, bites by Cecconi’s and sips by Grey Goose Vodka were aplenty. Bloggers Angeles Almuna, Maria Tettamanti, Ginger Harris, Annie Vazquez, Erika Thomas and Ria Michelle also came along for show brimming with skinny jeans, palazzo pants, swimwear, shoes and blazers in blues, neons and yellows.
“My favorite look was the turquoise pant with orange blazer,” Wainwright says of the evening’s event. Neville’s take on his first-in-Florida foray? A cheek-to-cheek smile and high-energy, “We did it!” Yes they did, indeed.
