JCRT PLAID LISTENING PARTY & POP UP

 Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra at their JCRT Plaid Listening Party Pop Up, 350 Bowery St.

Fashion has its fair share of fair-weather friends and foul mannered fiends. Yet, the attitude and animosity that fuels my decisive exit from the industry is strangely absent from the mien of Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra. From initial encounter, good naturedness and rested acceptance command respect and leave me pining after their strategy for balancing industry survival and success. As the pair embarks on a new adventure, I'm excited to see what's next. The way forward is paired with a look back at musical inspiration. This week and next, JCRT tartan and tunes are packaged in a pristine popup on Bowery. Keep reading for a look inside... 

-WANDERLUST WEDNESDAY-

Costello Tagliapietra SS 2015 at Milk Studios (Teal grain plaid split neck blouse w/ navy back + petrol blue broadcloth pant w/ leather detail)

Late nights at the office leave little time to trot around town this week. In place of the weekly window display, enjoy a few shots of Costello Tagliapietra's Spring 2015 show at Milk Studios. Fortunate to secure a front-row seat, I'm excited at the prospect of resting on the runway. A speedy 7-minute sequence quantifies the many months spent on a single show (generally speaking)… Is it worth it?  

IFB LINKS A LA MODE: WEEK of 8/14

Dressing up can drastically debunk a drab day. Pick up a new pattern or put on a vibrant pair of pumps. Toss aside the tiredness and take transformation to a new level. Fashion fuels confidence and fosters positive feelings... What will you be wearing today? While you're thinking about it, have a look at this week's IFB Top 20 posts--including my interview with the fashionable fellas of Costello Tagliapietra….

Q&A WITH COSTELLO TAGLIAPIETRA

Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra

Apart from their signature "Look" and fresh spin on women's fashion, design duo Costello Tagliapetera share more than a tendency towards plaid and a love of their bulldog Sam. For the two CFDA veterans and award-winning designers, inspiration came by way of their respective grandmothers (both of whom worked for couturier Norman Norell) and grandfathers (from whom came the model of 'dressed up' khakis and plaid). In 1994, a night out at the Sound Factory led to a decade long partnership. Starting with creating custom pieces for clients like Bruce Springsteen, NIN and Madonna, the pair eventually made a pivotal move towards ready-to-wear. In 2003, the Brooklyn based designers created a 12-piece capsule collection for Vogue, which landed an editorial feature in March 2004. Costello Tagliapietra presented their first runway show 6 months later (Sept. 2004) and officially launched the CT label in 2005 with looks made from weightless, wrinkleproof Italian knit jersey. Since then, the success of the brand is evidenced by multiple awards and capsule collaborations, most recently with lifestyle brand Uniqlo. Keep reading for an informative Q&A on success, shared style and special spots...