Rags, Bones, and Outsiders

Every now and then even the primmest, preppiest of folks crave a little dash of edge to their wardrobe. Maybe its the electricity in the air sparked by unseasonably warm days, or the early morning darkness that lingers slightly too long post day light savings, but whatever the cause, I too feel the rocker itch creeping down my back.

Two brands leap to mind when hunting for the perfect mix of masculine, rocker, ready to wear glam: Boy. by Band of Outsiders, and Rag & Bone. Since the founding of Rag & Bone in 2002, designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville have taken their mission to "make clothes that they and their friends would love to wear every day" right to the bank. Rag & Bone was a 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award finalist, and won the prestigious Swarovski Award for emerging talent in menswear in 2007. Their edgy offerings are available at a full array of locations throughout the city. I love the tuxedo jacket pictured at left, and this corset cocktail dress available at Barney's Co-op.

Scott Sternberg of Boy. by Band of Outsiders throws plaids, textures, leathers and denim into the cauldron and out emerges downtown chic pieces that go from the Gallery opening to a fabulous loft party where you might hope to be caught in the background shot of an episode of the City or Kell on Earth. (This striped skirt evokes the nautical bliss of spring without falling overboard into the cliche that other seafaring garb can often drown in.) Their website is reminiscent of an ironic Marc Jacobs Vogue ad, and offers a glimpse into the playful minds of the design genius at the helm of the brand. Enjoy a little edge in your morning coffee.