Capretta: New Play on the Classics
Like a pair of blue jeans, the little black dress is said to make an appearance in every woman’s closet. Novice fashion designer Courtney Capretto hopes Capretta, her new Los Angeles–based line, which is spelled with a slight variation on her last name, will be among those little black dresses taking a bow in wardrobes across the world.
Capretta made its debut in July 2009 at veteran Los Angeles boutique Beige. Although the Onyx Collection, her Fall 2010 line, offers 20 pieces, Capretto hopes it will have something for every woman.
The mass appeal might first come from the line’s inspiration from classic fashions. Many pieces in the collection take their cues from 1940s-style silhouettes. Women of all sizes might get a kick out of the dresses, according to Capretto. “Everything is made out of a stretch-rayon blend. It can fit any body type,” she guaranteed.
Capretta’s inspiration from an aesthetic of simple elegance can be found in the monikers of two of the collection’s most popular pieces. There are some added benefits to these simple dresses. “The Pencil” dress obviously was inspired by the perennially popular pencil skirt. The design of the dress also gives the wearer an hourglass figure because the dress’ seams push in at the waist and billow out at the hip, Capretto said. With the dress called “The Simple,” the square neckline also features a seam under the bust, which gives the wearer a fuller-looking chest, Capretto said.
The other looks in Capretta’s Fall 2010 collection feature jumpsuits, one-shouldered dresses with a puff sleeve and a shoulderless black gown with an ankle-length hem.
Capretta’s wholesale price points range from $150 to $200, and Capretto said the classic look of her fashions is intended to look good next season and years from now. The classic inspiration grows from Capretto’s personal style. “I don’t buy trends,” she said. “I buy for longevity.”
For more information, call (310) 696-9100 or e-mail info@capretta.com.—Andrew Asch
