Ujein: Back Again

After a twoseason hiatus, Los Angeles–based architect-turned-designer Eugene Ong is relaunching Ujein, his high-end knits line, for Fall 2007. Now, the entire collection is made from a special yarn Ong developed with business partner Luciana Brancorsini.

“We just couldn’t find the right yarn to get the perfect mix of raw and refined. And we wanted one yarn to use every season on every piece,” Brancorsini said. The duo spent nearly a year researching yarn all over the world before developing their own llama- and natural silk–blended yarn in Argentina. “The result is a beautiful, lightweight quality that is warm without a sense of heaviness. The new yarn lets Eugene achieve a look that is both art and fashion,” Brancorsini said.

KEY LOOKS: Versatility is key. A long marled coat can be flipped and worn as a cardigan with an oversized collar. A cowl-neck sweater can be flipped and worn as a slinky long-sleeve dress. Other key looks for Fall 2007 are a one-piece shrug with serpentine bands, a bat-wing sweater dress, and slim tank dresses with fishtail skirts. —Erin Barajas.

WHOLESALE PRICE POINTS: $250–$680.

CONTACT: (213) 892-8583