Deconstructed Preppy: He said...

Before discussing the topic of the hour, I just wanted to say a little something... You know, if asked to do so, I would find it inordinately difficult to enumerate the reasons I honestly appreciate the weird, almost organic, synergy Betsy and I have. It's been happening since day one (ugh, the laughter just did not stop during those car pools to and from our fusion jazz class at McDowell, remember, Bets? When that girl did that thing and then rrrrrrip and then Jaleesa was so pissed because it was, like, right there... oh, good times), and it seems like every day, we have a revelation that really secures our friendship. It's ridiculous that all of the friends we individually have almost immediately understand that, if you're friends with one, leave space at the table for the other. No, not like a romantic relationship... more like what Ben Stiller hoped his relationship with Tom Cruise would be during that stunt double skit at the VMA's. It's deep and it's real.

That being said, as Bets brought up, we have come to one of our most relevant conclusions (when it comes to all those superficial things we can't help but care about) about a trend that is defining next seasons fashion, not only for high fashion and couture, but also for accessible trends that we all are ready to embrace. We're ready to embrace it because it's easy for everyone, it's affordable, and we're all familiar with it... of course, this also means that if people we know have at least the most basic level of style, there's no excuse for doing it wrong. We call this "Deconstructed Preppy." Now, Bets has a way with describing fashion trends (being in the industry and all), but I'll just tell you how I see it. (Of course, if I WERE to talk high fashion, I would show you this Dolce and Gabbana... thing:

and then I would talk about the literal deconstruction of classic "preppy" elements in vaguely contrasting neutral tones. I would say that, while not necessarily applicable to the everyman, it does show what one can expect, piecemeal, from the general direction of men's fashion. I would, for example, note the double cuff accents, and subsequently affirm that repetition of something so structured tends to add symmetry to the entire piece, and how the branch/leaf pattern on the body of the jacket is welcome, though not surprising, as we've seen that motif in other areas of design for the past two or three seasons. I would also note, if I were to discuss this, that neutral tones create a clean palette on which to work with creative, but not visually overwhelming, design. Maybe then I would suggest that such literal translation of deconstructed, as in, slim pants destroyed by vultures and paparazzi, or, you know, whatever, is not such a good idea. You might have nice legs, but we don't want to see all of them on the corner of 23rd St. & Broadway. But I won't talk about that.)

We all have our own opinions, revolving around something similar, when we think of "preppy." Now, when we think "deconstructed," we think of that in two ways:

a) The separate pieces are actually being physically deconstructed in some way (like those pants above, but quite a bit less so) and then either left that way or reassembled with an extra element. (Note how the word "distressed" has become such a prevalent term when it comes to casual wear. Have we really been asking for clothes that already seem like they've been worn just under TOO MUCH? Yes, and gladly. Thanks for asking.) As for reassembled pieces, you've been seeing (and you will be seeing) a lot of subtle detail added to pockets, cuffs and emblems. Hopefully, this won't appear in applique form (thank you, 7th grade Home-Ec), but it will appear in the form of varying patterns and complimenting textures. Don't hate when you first see them... it's a welcome change.

b) We also think that "preppy" is being deconstructed conceptually. Fashion houses from Galliano to G-Star, Louis Vuitton to LRG, are taking the idea of "preppy" and adapting its general qualities (clean lines, versatile pieces, somewhat timeless edge), to current and future designs.

In the near future, Betsy (are we at "nickname" phase for our pseudonyms? B-Tizz? No. My bad), we'll be discussing elements that are happening basically everywhere (think stripes, think flannel, think outdoors brought indoors), and hopefully giving you the know-how as to balance your own personal style with what's going to be insanely prevalent everywhere... You know, within reason. Get ready for us to have a really good time. Really.