Plaid: Denim of a Different Stripe

For her debut collection, designer Erin McColl whipped up her own versions of classic staples, ranging from T-shirts to the pencil skirt and five-pocket jeans.

“But there’s a twist,” said McColl, who cut her teeth designing denim for brands such as Imitation of Christ, Yanuk and 7 For All Mankind before launching Plaid for Fall 2009. “Instead of a denim and knits line, I wanted to create a line of woven basics.”

For Plaid’s first foray, McColl paired silk charmeuse and chiffon with classic T-shirt silhouettes. “The result is pieces that can be dressed up or dressed down,” McColl said.

Plaid, the print that lends its name to the collection, also features prominently in the label’s offerings. “I’ve always loved plaid. It’s classic, always looks good and is totally versatile—which is what I want my collection to embody,” she said.

Dresses and blouses in McColl’s own custom plaid and plaid fabrics from an eco-friendly Austrian mill range from androgynous to feminine silhouettes. The result is a laid-back chic collection of sportswear that works perfectly with McColl’s denim.

Packed with subtle details, Plaid’s denim is spare and lovely. “To begin with, I wanted to create the most perfect version of the denim staples that every girl wants in her closet,” McColl said.

Made from Italian denim with 2 percent stretch, Plaid’s debut denim collection includes a skinny with a zipper running up the inner calf, two versions of a boot-cut jean, a slim boot and a classic straight jean.

McColl, like any denim head worth her salt, is obsessed with fit, not flash. “It all comes down to fit. That’s my obsession. If I’m going to make a boot cut, it’s going to be the best boot cut,” she said.

Minimally branded, Plaid’s denim features unique design details, including a seamed leg and back pocket McColl promises “gives great butt.” A second-skin pencil skirt and a crisp mini round out Plaid’s denim offerings.

Wholesale prices for Plaid range from $54 to $83 for tops and $58 to $108 for denim.

For more information, call The Ranch showroom at (213) 489-4010.