Guest Editor Chelsea – Loving Sjobeck

 

60 years after his family stepped foot on the Malibu sand, founder Garrett, taking inspiration from his great grandmother, wanted to showcase his Malibu heritage through clothing design.  His grandmother, a fashionista clad in high heels and accustomed to a socialite lifestyle, surrounded by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Clark Gable, founded the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Getting his start by designing uniforms for the ranch employees, Garrett found he could create “wearable art.” While co-founder Jesse Ray, originally on the track to law school, found his call to fashion when he learned the process behind production. Although he describes himself as a “bookworm,” his excitement in discovering that fashion was a new form of expression was vital to the brand’s success.

Sjobeck is a collaborative expression of Garrett and Jesse Ray’s love of both the arts and the entrepreneurial spirit. Their innovative designs never follow the trends and stand on their own through their unique screen-printing techniques and their willingness to push the envelope. The line works however, because there truly is a piece in the collection for everyone. As a buyer looking at the line for my store I found myself intrigued and in awe of many of the designs that were too risky for my Brentwood clientele…like art, many of the designs either speak to you or do not. At the end of the day, I respect smaller lines (like Sjobeck) that have solid vision and values and can stand on their own next to the DVF’s and Joie’s of the world.

Clockwise from top left: Side Button Sweater $235, BF Tee $125, Collared Sweater $245, Cold Shoulder $198, Boatneck Pullover $238 and Shell Cardigan $298.

Sjobeck is available at Chelsea Brentwood 11704 Barrington Court, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310)71-4770 www.chelseabrentwood.com.

Designer Profile: Raquel Allegra

Raquel Allegra, a Los Angeles based designer, working at Barneys New York as a sale assistant, says it was her clients constantly “harassing” her with compliments about her d-i-y shirts which motivated her to venture out into the world of design. In 2006 Raquel became famous for turning reclaimed L.A. County Jail tees into one-of-a-kind shirts with her signature shredding and tie-dye technique. A following of celebrities ensued — Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Penelope Cruz – who were obsessed with her uber soft deconstructed tees worn with their skinny jeans. It made for the perfect marriage of urban edge and sexiness.

Raquel has built her t-shirt phenomenon into a full-scale clothing line with editors, stylists and savvy consumers admiring the ethereal and informal beauty of the pieces. She can now be found in Barneys New York, Fred Segal and Maxfields in Los Angeles. Abroad, Liberty of London and Harvey Nichols carry the line. Recently, she has launched an e-commerce store with much success.

For spring 2012, her collection is more refined and grown-up than ever while maintaining its bohemian roots.  Although her t-shirts are still a mainstay, Raquel has broadened the line with blazers, skirts, and stretch-lace tops that border on provocative.  In general, her silhouettes are dressed up in earthy shades with touches of bold cobalt, retro-red, black and white, which might work in some office atmospheres but are perfect for an after work martini. Raquel’s new prints were created by photographing her archives of tie-dies, and reconfiguring them. The effect is tribal-meets-Op Art, which emblazons breezy shirt dresses, tees and jersey jumpers, as well as Raquel’s more structured blazers and shorts.

Having already sold out at Net-A-Porter, you can bet Barney’s will likely do the same!

Clockwise from top left: Stretch-lace Top $465.00 www.netaporter.com, Shredded Oversized Jersey Dress $380.00 www.netaporter.com, Cropped Angora-Blend Boucle & Leather Jacket $ 1, 030 www.netaporter.com, Asymmetric Shred Top $282 on sale for $109.00 www.barneys.com.

 

Designer Profile: Rachel Pally

Rachel Pally has introduced a uniquely vibrant yet casual elegance to Los Angeles fashion. After studying cultural geography and dance at UC Berkeley, Rachel began what started as a small contemporary line and has since developed into Rachel Pally, Inc. Rachel’s love of dance cultivated her desire to convey the fluidity of movement and the beauty of the human form in each garment produced. 

Rachel Pally has been hailed as Los Angeles “Jersey Girl” since founding her line in 2002. Rachel has overseen the company’s design direction and led its extraordinary expansion since the very beginning. From the classic ballet tee to the ever popular caftan dress, Rachel Pally has prevailed in the jersey arena with her innovative designs and the ability to mesh simplicity with glamour.