Suzanne Rae – Round Two

I was hanging out with Seth Friedermann following a fashion presentation at the Russian Consulate when he said he was going to check out a new designer, Suzanne Rae, a few blocks down Fifth Avenue. What I saw when we arrived was a well-edited collection of really beautiful simple vestment-inspired womenswear looks from an apparently talented but still more or less unknown emerging designer. Also on display were almost sleek knitwear looks created in a collaboration with the normally a bit off the wall self-proclaimed “math nerd” designer Lindsay Degen, which were a strong 180 from what she had presented at her own show earlier the same day. This is a strong start for an emerging designer, but something Seth and I both agreed on was that it lacked a distinct signature. Who exactly is Suzanne Rae, and what will the thread be that defines her work season after season? If this label is to survive and expand, she must find that extra bit that leaves a mark in the mind but takes nothing away.

story and photos by Charles Beckwith

I was hanging out with Seth Friedermann following a fashion presentation at the Russian Consulate when he said he was going to check out a new designer, Suzanne Rae, a few blocks down Fifth Avenue. What I saw when we arrived was a well-edited collection of really beautiful simple vestment-inspired womenswear looks from an apparently talented but still more or less unknown emerging designer. Also on display were almost sleek knitwear looks created in a collaboration with the normally a bit off the wall self-proclaimed “math nerd” designer Lindsay Degen, which were a strong 180 from what she had presented at her own show earlier the same day. This is a strong second collection for an emerging designer, but something Seth and I both agreed on was that it lacked a distinct signature. Who exactly is Suzanne Rae, and what will the thread be that defines her work season after season? If this label is to survive and expand, she must find that extra bit that leaves a mark in the mind but takes nothing away. Continue reading “Suzanne Rae – Round Two”

Degen Is Down With Something

What was Lindsay Degen’s inspiration for her Fall 2013 collection? Initial research revealed her usual knitted and crocheted silhouette of crop tops or tunics over leggings were this season embellished with colorful yarn nubs, twigs, pods and jagged strands. Field interviews provided additional data as to the source material for these peculiar and specific decorations, further indicated by the show’s title, “The Doctor,” and the assorted garment names; “Rare Strain Pants,” “Germ Shorts,” “Virus Sweater Dress,” “Platelet T,” and my favorite: “Yuck Sweater.”

story by Lisa Radano
photos by Charles Beckwith

What was Lindsay Degen’s inspiration for her Fall 2013 collection? Initial research revealed her usual knitted and crocheted silhouette of crop tops or tunics over leggings were this season embellished with colorful yarn nubs, twigs, pods and jagged strands. Field interviews provided additional data as to the source material for these peculiar and specific decorations, further indicated by the show’s title, “The Doctor,” and the assorted garment names; “Rare Strain Pants,” “Germ Shorts,” “Virus Sweater Dress,” “Platelet T,” and my favorite: “Yuck Sweater.” Continue reading “Degen Is Down With Something”

Degen – Owning “Crafty” Like A Sexy Sexy Boss

Amid a scattering of tent shaped totems, some reaching for the ceiling of the Industria loft space, Lindsay Degen’s androgynous boys and girls bounded about in her colorful knitwear and platform Converse high tops, like a merry band of urban jesters. The elfin RISD and Central St. Martins-trained designer was disarmingly enthusiastic about her collection, which has doubled in size and gender since her last outing. Understandable, given the arduous row-by-row nature of her craft, and the arithmetic skill it takes to create the patterns.

story by Lisa Radano
photos by Charles Beckwith

Amid a scattering of tent shaped totems, some reaching for the ceiling of the Industria loft space, Lindsay Degen’s androgynous boys and girls bounded about in her colorful knitwear and platform Converse high tops, like a merry band of urban jesters. The elfin RISD and Central St. Martins-trained designer was disarmingly enthusiastic about her collection, which has doubled in size and gender since her last outing. Understandable, given the arduous row-by-row nature of her craft, and the arithmetic skill it takes to create the patterns. Continue reading “Degen – Owning “Crafty” Like A Sexy Sexy Boss”