Woolly days
CALL IT recession-era chic, but fashion is not immune to the current nostalgia for the good ol’ days -- the time, to paraphrase Bill Maher, when America made something. That’s why classic brands such as Red Wing Shoes, Levi’s 501s, Polo Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers are back on the trend map.
Locally, sharp-dressing men can rediscover a classic American label worn by their dads and granddads: Pendleton. The 140-year-old Portland, Ore., maker of wool sportswear, whose shirts have helped to define the style of the Beach Boys, Seattle grunge musicians and even fashion maverick Justin Timberlake, is getting a fresh look here courtesy of L.A. boutique Opening Ceremony.
Opening Ceremony co-owner Humberto Leon says he rediscovered the company when preparing for the store’s current installation by young Japanese designers, who cite Pendleton as a style reference. “Our job at Opening Ceremony is not only to support young designers, but also recognize brands that have a heritage that have influenced many,” Leon adds. “We believe in recognizing the originals.”
Pendleton’s trademark plaid wool shirts are priced from $100 to $190. Another trademark look -- the wool Navajo print jacket that was big in the 1980s -- retails alongside its wool bombers, all priced from $270 to $300. The Navajo print is also found on knapsacks ($130), weekend totes ($210) and baseball caps ($45).
The classics feel comforting at a wild and woolly time for the economy -- and so does buying domestic.
Pendleton at Opening Ceremony, 451 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-1120. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. openingceremony.us; www.pendleton-usa.com.
SALES
FFANY Shoes on Sale Wednesday: Tune in for Fashion Footwear Assn. of New York and QVC’s 15th annual charity shoe sale to raise funds for breast cancer research and education. More than 100,000 pairs of name-brand footwear will be on sale for half-off retail. On offer: brands such as Michael by Michael Kors, Via Spiga, Etienne Aigner, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino, Taryn Rose, Calvin Klein, Coach and Nine West. Shoes on Sale events to date have raised more than $28 million.
(800) 345-1515. 4 to 7 p.m. (PST) broadcast on QVC. www.qvc.com.
OPENINGS
H&M; Thursday: Inland Empire residents, now you can get an H&M; fix closer to home. The new store at Montclair Plaza will stock H&M;’s men’s and women’s fast-fashion collection plus lingerie and children’s apparel. Find women’s high-waisted skirts for $34.90 and men’s skinny ties for $12.90. The first 100 shoppers on opening day will receive H&M; T-shirts and gift cards worth up to $100.
5007 Montclair Plaza Lane, Montclair. (909) 445-9784. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.hm.com.
EVENTS
L.A.M.B. Spring Trunk Show Friday and Saturday: Nordstrom at South Coast Plaza hosts a trunk show of the Spring 2009 L.A.M.B. collection designed by Gwen Stefani. See the line -- from dresses to accessories -- on models, while a representative takes pre-orders.
Nordstrom, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 549-8300, Ext. 1360. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. www.nordstrom.com.
James Galanos lecture Sunday: Designer James Galanos and Times fashion critic and Image section editor Booth Moore compare notes on how Hollywood stars dressed in the era before stylists and other topics, as part of the Annenberg Theater Speaker Series at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The much-honored Galanos, who lives in Palm Springs, dressed style icons such as Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Diana Ross and Ali MacGraw and designed former First Lady Nancy Reagan’s inaugural ball gowns.
101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 322-4800. 4 to 5 p.m., $25 for nonmembers. www.psmuseum.org.
