New York Fashion Week: Unconditional

Hurricane Hanna screamed loud and clear this weekend that she has no regard for fashion, and Fashion Week fought back determinedly to stay on schedule. So it’s no surprise that Philip Stephens bravely faced the gloomy residue Saturday morning when he presented his Spring and Summer ’09 collections on the rooftop of the Maritime Hotel.

The wet, downtown trek to Chelsea definitely proved worthwhile. The theme of the show was “Bed Peace,” a nod to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 “Bed In” peace protest. Stephens’ presentation was set in the living room and bedroom of the penthouse where models lounged casually, their clothes and soft expressions echoing the theme’s celestial mood.

The clothes are demure and simple: an array of neutrals and soft, moving fabrics. For the women, there are ruffled high-waist minis, luxe gray cardigans with intricate beading, layered flowy dresses in peony and white with ribbon sashes. For the men, there are deconstructed blazers, cutoff shorts, light hoodies, loose gray slacks with high-waist button detailing, and sheer tees that say “Bed Peace” and “Hair Peace” in block letters. We especially loved the little accents, like the knit cap with dog-ears and the laced work boots for the men, the high-necked ruffles and velvet-flowers accessories for women.

Unconditional has always been about simplicity and wearable, urban chic, and Stephen’s latest collections bring his signature London style to New York with ease and understated flair. The line already boasts a devoted cult following, including celebrities like Madonna, Cameron Diaz, David Beckham and Jude Law.

Definitely an up-and-coming designer to watch! Unconditional sells in over 100 boutiques worldwide. Visit www.unconditional.co.uk for more information.
-Grace Bahk