Maine in Manhattan

Maine in Manhattan Maine in Manhattan

yes, there used to be a bar in Berlin called Kennebunkport, where patrons wore blue yes, there used to be a bar in Berlin called Kennebunkport, where patrons wore blue blazers and khakis and drank vodka collinses. But now, the sense of a bizarro maine is blazers and khakis and drank vodka collinses. But now, the sense of a bizarro maine is taking over new york and giving us yet another chance to see ourselves as others see us.taking over new york and giving us yet another chance to see ourselves as others see us.

Top, from left: L.L.Bean Signature line creative director Alex Carleton, chief merchandising operator Fran Philip, and vice president Chris Vickers are flanked by L.L.Bean models at Manhattan’s Hosfelt Gallery for the Spring 2010 collection preview; the lobster & lager reception for the runway show brought out fashionistas in search of the Maine mystique; model displays Carleton’s men’s black and red plaid shirt with dark denim pants. Libations featured Geary’s Pale Ale, Hampshire Ale, and Autumn Ale.

By sean hutcheon

NEW YORK–A good chunk of Manhattan’s West Side of Chelsea and Midtown is dedicated to event spaces and countless galleries. Across the pulsing nightscape, one can roam from art openings to photography shows, absorbing original art and sipping on a glass of red wine–usually free from the gallery of choice. But on a recent Wednesday, I was invited to attend a soirée celebrating a new line of style from L.L.Bean.

The venue in question was one of the three event spaces on the block. It was located in a remote area on the west end of 36th Street, stuck between an auto body shop and an impound lot. I used to work steps from the Hosfelt Gallery, and there are always fashion events going on. On this night, I finally had my chance to check it out.

My expectations of the RSVP-only gathering were fairly high, and I was happily impressed with the layout and the vibe of the space. What did it for me was the worn, wooden floors throughout. They made me feel like I was in a barn or a boat house in the country. The lighting was sparse: small halogens beaming in just the right places. Perfect and settling.

After checking my coat and enjoying some Geary’s Pale Ale with a lobster roll, I was greeted by Chris Vickers, who, I found out later, is L.L.Bean’s vice president. He was inviting and comforting, and he set the tone for the party: to have a great time.

About half an hour into the soirée, the space was filled comfortably to capacity and a line-up of models took the floor, all sporting the new clothing. Everyone was interested, and fans of creative director Alex Carleton’s work at Rogue’s Gallery swarmed him. It was difficult to get a word in. Seeing a hole to Chris Vickers, I grabbed him to ask a couple of questions about Alex and the new line.

So why did you choose Alex to transform the L.L.Bean look?

CHRIS: We’d worked with Alex in the past, and he brings an edge. We want to broaden the wearing occasion by having a wardrobe where one can mix and match the clothes as needed–like wearing the sport jacket with a pair of jeans [vs.] wearing a whole suit for a formal occasion.

Who is your target audience?

CHRIS: Folks who live an active and busy lifestyle. This supplements our existing lines. We want to create an evolution, not a revolution.

After my brief discussion with Chris, I finally had a quick chance to speak to Alex Carleton.

Alex, congratulations on the new line. When will this line launch to the public?

ALEX: Thank you. The line is due to launch March 2010.

Tell me, this isn’t a typical style for L.L.Bean. What were your inspirations when designing this new look?

ALEX: I did lots of research on the archives of L.L.Bean. It’s about keeping L.L.Bean fresh, American, optimistic…nature. This is the next generation of culture. It’s about updating the fit: youthful, modern, versatile–good, American, classic, preppy style. n

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