DNR Magazine

House of Carrington

If the studied aristo-porn of Polo Ralph Lauren isn't literal enough for you, consider the stable brands from the House of Carrington, which makes its debut at The Collective. Borrowing a page from the Trovata playbook, the House of Carrington's collections are structured around meticulously thought-out tales of fictional, monied swells who lived in the early 20th century. Their English estate is the backdrop for posh misbehavior and, of course, beautiful clothes.

The highbrow bent is no accident. Carrington president, Andy Bell and vice-president of sales and merchandising Lael Wheeler are both Polo veterans, though Bell says the Carrington lines were conceived specifically with specialty accounts-not department stores-in mind.

The dressier of the four sub-labels, called Andrew Carrington, includes tailored suits and trousers along with sports shirts made from Italian fabrics. Designed for men ages 35 to 55, the line is cut more fully than current collections, and the label's wool gabardine trousers feature Old World details such as double-forward pleats. Retail price-point ranges are $135 to $185 for shirts, $245 to $325 for trousers, and $795 to $1,995 for jackets and blazers.

The other Carrington label at the show is BlackSheep, inspired by Liam, the car-and motorbike-obsessed younger brother of scion Andrew. Bell says that BlackSheep is more fashion-oriented, and includes signature pieces with an edge. As an example, the McQueen is a slim-cut, waist-length lambskin jacket, with plenty of zippers. The collection also includes premium denim, cashmere blazers and other gear for the younger man of means.

House of Carrington's other two labels, the gold-oriented Legend collection and the women's Isabelle line, will debut at later dates.

-Lee Bailey