The much-anticipated capsule collection for Theory by Olivier Theyskens—he of the long black hair, broodingly gothic romanticism and buckets of talent—finally launched this weekend online at the label's Gansevoort Street shop.
And it's exactly what the Belgium wunderkid and former creative director for Rochas and then Nina Ricci promised: essentials that are relevant to women today. "What I would wear if I were a girl," Olivier repeated to the press in recent months since the announcement of his new gig with Theory was announced, which involves designing the higher-priced namesake capsule as well as serving as the $500-million brand's new artistic director.
It's also a chestnut we snacked on over steaks sometime in mid-December at the Sunset Tower. Arianne Phillips, his first champion when she dressed Madonna in one of then-unknown Olivier's leather dresses for the Academy Awards (which made headlines worldwide for both the young rising star designer and established superstar) gathered an intimate handful of pals to sup with her old friend during his quick stop in L.A.
What a delicious evening! Besides Ari, Olivier and his right hand Samantha, there was photographer Lisa Eisner, mid-century preservationist Mark Haddawy, girl-about Liberty Ross, actress Tracee Ellis Ross, fashion editor/stylist Simon Robins, and another delightful Simon who was in from London where he works on the design team for Tom Ford's menswear collection. The conversation was dominated by baby talk—Olivier's new nephew, Simon's new son and my new daughter—as well as L.A. architecture, copper, shoppig the Rose Bowl Flea Market (most of them were rising at some ungodly time the next morning to shop it)...but not a peep if any of the fashion biz.
Love these. They actually take me back to a favorite pair of high, high heels resembling these that my mother owned and that were labeled Nina Ricci. I teetered around in them finally when I was all of 15.
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