Despite my lack of driving license and my fear of injuring myself and others if I did ever drive (seriously, I'd be a road hazard!), I did really really want a scooter. This was pre-Jamie Oliver years when he was scooting about on his Vespa in front of a super-8 camera I might add. I just never thought that the Vespa would inspire inspire a clothing line. Ga-arde are a New York-based fashion collective (so many new labels launching this season over there...I WILL get myself over there next season for a full on label seeking onslaught...) that launched last season. There are no names mentioned because they are a like-minded group of people and the focus is on the clothes, as it should be. Each season they will introduce a new product category and fabrication and to concentrate on sourcing the right materials as well as reviving traditional artisanal production practises. This is then juxtaposed with a progressive way of design.
From last season's leather, this has evolved for S/S 09 to these "leather shells" that are inspired by vintage Vespas. Less chunky than motorcycle wear, more fitted and therefore taking leather from that bulky familiar form. They have also gone with the idea of the jackets as protective shells so have combined them with softy soft neutral coloured knits. I'm already feeling cosy just thinking about the idea of snuggling into a soft knit long sleeved tee and then shrugging on a soft buttery leather jacket.
