As we mentioned, Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos have a string of worthy (non-designer) collaborators for their brand: Jane Birkin, Julianne Moore, Natalia Vodianova, we could go on. Now, the socially conscious designers behind Lutz & Patmos have tapped Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu to design a limited-edition jumper for the coming season.
Tutu, the South African activist who helped lead the fight against apartheid, AIDS and poverty, seems a surprising choice for a fashion collaboration, but it seems he was game. Tutu helped created a short-sleeved, scoop-neck top with vestment-inspired band collar, according to Refinery29. The Hillcrest AIDS Center Trust made a detachable beaded necklace for the top, which comes in eggshell, black and Tutu's signature colour, purple-magenta. His jumper and necklace sets will sell for $425 apiece, which $40 of each top's price dedicated to the Desmond Tutu Peace Center, and $30 from each necklace going to the Hillcrest AIDS Center Trust. Now, someone needs to snap up Nelson Mandela for a capsule collection.
What do Christy Turlington, Jane Birkin and Sofia Coppola have in common? They've all guest-designed for the ever-luxe brand Lutz & Patmos, established in 2000 by Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos, two former designers of Barneys' private label who find five-minute trends unsavoury. The duo earned their name for clever knitwear, with some of the best cashmere work we've seen. (Time magazine even named Lutz & Patmos' Teflon-coated cashmere one of the "Coolest Inventions of 2002.") And the best part of the label, which recently moved from knitwear-only ranges to full collections? All the styles are ecofriendly, and at least one design per season is dedicated to charity.
This week, the designers invite you to New York's Meatpacking District for a look into their lives at work.
Relaxed cuts and special touches that add richness to each and every piece? Combine those two things, and we’re sold – especially after New York’s recent snowstorm reminded us that being warm, comfortable and put-together can be a hard look to pull off. Lutz & Patmos’ Autumn ’10 collection had offerings for both the urban snow bunny and those lucky enough to be in a slightly warmer climate, and all in a colour palette that blends in with the rest of our closets: lots of black and grey.
We're talking about Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos here, so of course the knitwear come off seamlessly. We were particularly drawn to the fur-detail armwarmers and scarves, though, so perhaps we're in an accessories state of mind. In any case, the designers have given us yet another reason to rely on them for fall. We'll be sticking around for the next winter wonderland and would advise you to do the same.
