Payless x Silvia Tcherassi Collaboration

Payless is going international with it’s next collaboration after a series of successful collaborations with American designers like Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Isabel Toledo and Abaete.  They’ve chosen Columbian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi to create a line of handbags and footwear over the next 2 years that will begin hitting Payless stores in May 2011.

The collection will be priced affordably from between $40-70.   The designer tells WWD that “…the spring-summer season this includes many important silhouettes like wedges, flats, strappy heels and thong sandals with key trend details like bright colorblocking, unique mesh uppers and satin ribbon details and ties.”

Tcherassi’s collection also marks an important moment for Payless stores across Latin America as this will be the first designer collaboration to be available outside the USA.

The first look that we have of the shoe is a sexy strappy number with a  killer heel and distinctive platform in 2 color combinations.  This particular pair will set you back about $70.  I personally am a fan of both colorways and can’t wait to see them more of the collection.  What do you think?

Runway Review: Christian Siriano Fall 2010

(images from Style.com)

Last week while Erin was checking out Cynthia Rowley at Gotham Hall, I was at the Bryant Park tents for Christian Siriano's show, his fourth collection since winning Project Runway.

Before I get into the clothes I want to start by saying his presentation, as in presentation theater, was fantastic. The fog and electro remixes by boyfriend Brad Walsh added to the drama and definitely got people excited.
Siriano's collection this season was much more wearable than previous collections. Though in toning down the glam, I feel like he lost a little bit of his voice - not to say I didn't enjoy the collection, because I did! There were some great pieces that I would love to have in my personal collection one day.
The collection started off with a palette of black and grays and eventually moved into dark blues, deep purples and a surprising fuschia. There were a handful of fierce power bitch suits and jackets - some more exciting than others. My favorite pieces from the collection came later in the presentation. The cocktail dresses and flowy evening gowns, this is where Christian Siriano really shines.

I love what Christian Sirano can do with silk and chiffon. The last number was absolutely stunning, so stunning everyone applauded the moment the model stepped out. But right as the applause started to build up, the model tripped! She didn't fall down, but there was a clear stumble in her walk. True to the spirit of Siriano, she kept walking and it was fierce.

While we're on the topic of Siriano, his Payless collaboration is in stores now, and there's an awesome pair of printed heels! They're also available online at payless.com for an affordable price of $34.99.

dupli-CAUGHT: Alice+Olivia for Payless vrs Marc by Marc Jacobs

Alice + Olivia for Payless Fall 2009

I usually love designer collaborations because it's a great opportunity to support real design talent at a price point I can afford. It still credits the designer therefore is different from a knock-off item that copies a design without giving any credit where credit is due.

Unfortunately this time around while perusing the Payless Fall 2009 I was sorely disappointed to discover that Stacey Bendet for Alice + Olivia, took the easy way out by copying the very recognizable and very wanted Marc by Marc Jacobs Bump Toe Buckle Boots from Fall 2008 (that have sold out on shopbop! Barney's and more). This bothers me because this designer that was paid a sizable royalty to design a capsule collection but she did not design much.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2008

There are slight adjustments, the Alice + Olivia are shinier black leather while the Marc by Marc's are a softer matte black. The Alice + Olivia has a with a black lacquer platform wedge bottom the Marc by Marc's have a rounded heel that slightly cones. But the inspiration is clear, the to shape and even the number of buckles to the tab on the back of the boot are identical. I suppose the Alice + Olivia version come around a full year after the Marc versions were in stores and the originals are almost impossible to get a hold of, but there are other options to get the buckle boot look for less. Like these Palladium's I recently ordered on Solestruck.com, I can't wait to get them! They have a slightly more rugged feel, but I have a feeling the contrast with spring dresses will be great! They are out of this style right now but here's another similar option.

Christian Siriano for Payless

New York Post reports that Project Runway winner Christian Siriano has cut a deal with Payless ShoeSource to distribute a line of low-price shoes and handbags at the discount footwear chain next fall. Siriano's Payless line, which will debut at New York Fashion Week in February, will be sold at about 400 (about one-tenth of) Payless stores.

This will be good for Christian! I love his high end collection, but really, most of his fans are young and can't afford it. It was only a matter of time before he realized he needed to do something for the masses.

Eco-friendly Payless Coming Spring

Model and activist Summer Rayne Oakes will be working with Payless shoes to develop a new line of affordable, sustainable footwear! The collection will be sold in 500 Payless locations starting in April 2000. Just in time for Earth Day!

The shoes will use sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as organic cottons and linen, natural hemp and recycled outsoles and still average under $30. That’s an incredible accomplishment for an industry where green can mean spending more at checkout.

“We are also trying to source more locally, because that decreases transportation,” said Oakes. “With the economy the way that it is now, many people think [green products] are that much more inaccessible, so this line is coming at the right time. Part of this is to inspire and lead by example. You have to set the bar higher in this day and age.”

Eventually, Payless hopes to expand the green brand to over 1,000 locations — as well as cross-over the sustainability initiatives into other brands. For more info, click here to read the official press release.