California Apparel News

Designer Zachariah Bryant came back to Los Angeles after living in New York and Australia with the urge to create a line of casually luxe classics. The result, his self-named contemporary line debuting for Spring 2008, is an 18-piece collection of unexpectedly wearable, totally quirky separates.

Created in partnership with David Dartnell, the former head of Kellwood Co.’s upscale“carpool couture” line, David Dart, Zachariah Bryant is a mix of Bryant’s forward aesthetic and Dartnell’s manufacturing know-how. “David knows about comfort and fabrics women like to wear. I’m more about pretty things you can wear in the evening. We balance each other out,” Bryant said. “His experience helps so much, and I bring a new point of view.”

Using natural terry, hopsack linen, silk organza, jersey, leather and washed taffeta, the line is “very structured but delicate with a ’70s Australian vibe,” Bryant said.

“My girl is always cute in a downtown-casual way. She’s active, running from work to dinner and then the club, so I have to keep the look chic and comfortable,” he said. That means plenty of neutral tones, draped silhouettes and easy pieces, including a “hippie” vest, a three-quarter-sleeve Henley, pull-on dresses and high-waist shorts. An oversize hoodie with wide cuffs was designed by Dartnell and Bryant with California girls in mind. A miniskirt is big-event ready with a built-in cummerbund. The pair has also revived a classic jumper from the David Dart line. With the fit modified for today’s contemporary customer and spiced up with leather piping, the jumper is “essentially the same jumper from 20 years ago,” Bryant said.

With wholesale price points ranging from $78 to $148, Bryant and Dartnell are targeting better department stores and specialty stores, including Barneys Co-Op, Madison, Milk, Fred Segal and Nordstrom. For more information, visit the Laurie Hasson Showroom in suite 700 of The New Mart, or call (213) 229-8700. —Erin Barajas