THE WORD ON WHATS’ HIP AND WHAT’S HYPE
Shoe Stopper
Mossimo has collaborated with Van’s to put some sole into its popular sportswear collection with a line of urban deck shoes. If they look familiar that’s because they’re a knock-off of the legendary Jack Purcell model. “A great old classic and a very hip shoe,” admits Mossimo Giannulli. The Irvine designer updated it with an industrial feel, adding a logo badge, ionized loop holes and, on some, a black rubber bumper. There’s also a wider selection of colors and patterns, matching the season’s clothing line. Canvas, cotton and suede styles ($45-$60) debut for a “quick tease” at select outlets in mid-November before going mass market in the spring.
All Choked Up
At the Jean Paul Gaultier show in Los Angeles last month, chokers made a big showing among stylish attendees. Women and men alike wrapped their necks for romantic allure or a rock ‘n’ roll appeal. The most prevalent? Black velvet bands detailed with jeweled hearts, iron crosses or retro cameos. Get the look for pocket change by hitting the local craft store for wide ribbon and Velcro closures. Add your favorite ornament and voila! Tres chic.
American to a T
Collectors call it the most famous T-shirt in America. And some of them are so crazy to have every one of the domestic Hard Rock Cafe shirts they travel to Maui, Honolulu, Aspen, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston, San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles to buy them. Well, now collectors can claim a new one. Come Nov. 9, the Hard Rock Cafe Newport Beach T-shirt, at $14.50, will be available to the public at the new Fashion Island club. Wear it with jeans or with a tux, and don’t forget to rock hard. Community pride, you know.
If the Suit Fits
The menswear trend is no drag to smart gals raiding men’s discount shops for suits that are authentic and inexpensive. “More ladies have been coming in here lately,” says a salesman for Designer Labels for Less in Santa Ana. He’s observed that budget-conscious trendies are not coming in for their husbands or boyfriends. “They’ve been buying up all the smaller sizes for themselves.”
