DALLAS, Dec 9, 2008 / FW/ — Shaun Kearney took over the creative helm at Cynthia Steffe in early 2008 and has had two collections under his belt for the brand. The transition from Ms. Steffe to Mr. Kearney was so seamless that Anne Hathaway, a devoted fan of the brand did not hesitate wearing a Shaun Kearney creation for Cynthia Steffe during the premier of her movie Rachel Getting Married.
“It’s really about looking at the DNA of the brand and giving the consumer what she wants: novelty details, fabric dimension, and a fun, modern sensibility,” says Kearney, explaining how in a short span of time he has fully embraced the brand’s signatures: modern femininity, special details, and rich, luxurious fabrics.
Trained in New York and London, Kearney is well known among the fashion set having previously held major design positions at Kenneth Cole New York, Donna Karan, MaxMara, Laundry by Shelli Segal and Randolph Duke.
Since its founding in 1989, Cynthia Steffe is synonymous with contemporary chic. A leader in the upscale women’s wear market, the brand is known for exquisite basics in sumptuous colors and fabrics, as well as stunning, even whimsical, statement pieces.
Catering to the youth market since the beginning, the look is fresh, polished, and luxurious – always with a youthful bent. Shaun Kearney is expanding the brand’s original clientele of mid-teens to mid-twenties to the thirty-something realm.
“It’s not about age, it’s a state of mind, and a very youthful one, too,” says Kearney who recognizes the current zeitgeist of being forever young. Putting that philosophy into reality, Kearney proposes an ultra modern wardrobe for Cynthia Steffe fans for Spring 2009.
A strapless cocktail dress in black that hugs the body and defines the figure at the same time; a ruched leather jacket with a shawl neckline; layered chiffon skirt in blue and black prints; Capri pants pleated in front to give it a comfy yet sophisticated look – these are pieces that fashionistas who had turned recessionistas could not resist.
The collection is available in fine department and specialty stores worldwide, as well as online with luxury department stores Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.
[MARI DAVIS]
Photos courtesy of Cynthia Steffe
Cynthia Steffe Spring 2009 by Shaun Kearney
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