THE WORD ON WHAT’S HIP AND WHAT’S HYPE
Life Saver
Is this a ‘90s idea or what? Figuring that jewelry is the last thing shed before hitting the pillow, Steve Cohen of Rendez-vous, a mail-order company based in Sherman Oaks, has designed a line of unisex bracelets, necklaces and key chains that stylishly conceal a condom. Cohen says the jewelry is not only practical but serves as “a conversation piece that makes protection less stigmatized.” You can also use them as pillboxes, and New Yorkers are using them to hold transit tokens. Available in sterling silver or plated gold, $25 to $37.
Petticoat Function
Storybook Heirlooms in San Francisco has been marketing traditional apparel for years, but it’s scoring a surprising coup with its unusual tea-length pettiblouse ($32). With long-puffed sleeves and rounded eyelet collar, the pettiblouse has proved a favorite, especially with young girls who refuse to hide it and use it instead as outerwear. The item made its debut last fall, and so far “several thousand” have been sold through the mail, says co-owner Deborah Machado.
Clog Stoppers
With platforms back as the must-have footwear this season, many designers and customers are stepping into clogs. Those wooden-sole slippers reminiscent of Dutch girls fit the look perfectly. L.A.-based Two Lips has a glamorous version for $50 that keeps walking out the door at Bullock’s. The clogs have three-inch heels and double leather straps in red, brown, black, gold and leopard--this season’s hottest print.
The Great Equalizer
In the midst of a denim revival, jeans giants Gap and Miller’s Outpost dropped their prices $10. Will others follow? Levi Strauss says no. Basic jeans are selling well at regular prices, and even designers such as Quiksilver and Versace are doing the blues. “People are rediscovering the basics because of the economy,” says a Newport Beach retailer. Those who are money-lite appreciate denim’s endurance. Those with heavy money wear jeans to camouflage their wealth. Whatever happens with the dollar, fashion analysts expect denim to influence casual and formal wear through ’93.
