New York Fashion Week Spring '09: Band of Outsiders/Boy
NEW YORK—Scott Sternberg is known for his unorthodox approach to fashion and the Los Angeles designer didn’t disappoint this go-round. The designer, who makes classic American sportswear for the hipster set, opted to create an installation to show his Spring ’09 collection on Sept. 6 during New York Fashion Week.
He used the video installation to translate the energy and excitement of a runway show into an interactive experience within the four walls of the studio. Actors, including Kirsten Dunst, who was cast as the star of Sternberg’s video and lookbook, brought the collection to life on the video screen. Guests mingled and got to view the collection, which hung on racks on one side of the room.
Sony sponsored the show which utilized high-tech projectors, digital-photo frames and screens to display shoes and accessories. Sternberg said he constantly challenges himself to re-approach things and applies that same theory to his clothes. “I think every season I’m trying to evolve and try new ideas,” he said. “Always with an eye though on making great clothes that people can live in.”
For his men’s line Band of Outsiders, Sternberg stuck to similar fits and bodies for his hip shirts, ties and suits and played with the palette to change the look. This season, he was inspired by old Coast Guard uniforms and added cheerful yellow and contrasting red and plaid fabrics to the palette. He made Top-Sider-like shoes in rubber fabrics and yellow hooded parkas inspired by the look.
For Boy, his women’s collection, he expanded beyond the tomboy suit he is known for. It was ’80s-meets-prep with off-the-shoulder sweaters, tuxedo-style blazers and paper-bag waists. The palette in khaki, navy, red, yellow and white had a nautical feel. Some of the best looks included chic blazer and short ensembles and trench coats that layered over little sheath dresses. Sternberg experimented with fabrics making a chic cocktail dress out of a cotton piqueacute; shirting fabric and a skirt out of nylon suspenders. —N. Jayne Seward
