Pool Pairs Kennington's Walters With Martin and Martin
Edgy, yet sophisticated, Los Angeles–based Pool is a new understated contemporary line for the mature woman who is looking for fashion.
Pool is backed by the industry experience of its founder and designer, Alan Walters, chief operating officer of Kennington Ltd. Inc. of Van Nuys, Calif. While the new line is a separate entity from Kennington, Walters has drawn on his background with the 50-year-old men’s shirt and private-label manufacturer, which has an annual sales volume of more than $12 million.
Walters said the idea for the new line was to “pool” energies to find the best way of making things—through construction, print direction and creativity. Walters has pooled his ability with fabrics and design with the creative efforts of Eric Martin and Diane Moss-Martin, the husband-and-wife design team behind Los Angeles label MartinMartin. The Martins are the creative consultants for Pool’s women’s line.
Walters is looking to attract a broad audience in the 35 and above age group by making wearable pieces with a hip, edgy sophistication. The Martins’ design inspiration can be seen in each garment’s quality construction and special details, which include bodysculpting darts, elongated sleeve plackets, zippers and decorative openings. “Everything has to have something special about it to justify it, or it doesn’t make sense,” Walters said.
Walters explained that while women want to have more fun dressing today, they also expect a certain quality and construction in their clothing. Pool delivers, he said, with high-quality fabrics and construction that includes clean finishes and French seams.
Walters also develops his own special prints, which he said are understated but unique.
Pool is currently carried in It’s For Her in Dana Point, Calif. Wholesale prices are $32 to $40 for knit tops; $32 to $65 for woven blouses in white Egyptian cotton, Clifton silk and printed cotton; $65 to $72 for printed cotton and cotton/nylon skirts and pants; $38 to $85 for dresses; and $95 for cotton/nylon jackets. For more information, call (818) 947-4379.
Walters said he plans to launch a men’s line for Spring 2005. —N. Jayne Seward
