Fall / Winter 2008 Fashion Collection: Rag & Bone

Rag & Bone began creating clothing in 2001, for the same reason many designers started. The designers wanted to make clothing they would wear themselves. They began with denim, and used a very natural, craftsman-like approach. They use designers that are very experienced, but they also keep a close eye on making sure that the process is environmentally friendly. This is reflected in their choice of name. A "rag and bone man" is the name for mean who used to walk through the streets, collecting old pots and pans, furniture, and wood. These items would then be recycled or refurbished. To use the name for a clothing line suggests a very eco-friendly method of clothing design, that firmly acknowledges the past.

In their Fall/Winter 2008 collection, Rag & Bone uses simple lines and colors, but adds interesting details that make their collection stand out. For example, many of the pieces have the tops of the hosiery visible. This gives it a bit of an edge, without crossing the line into vulgarity. Brass buttons and studs are used throughout the collection, and they are used in a very traditional way. Also, many of the outfits have a panel on the inside thigh. These design elements are unusual, and one of the weaker aspects of the collection. It adds nothing to the look, and makes it appear as though the garment needed reinforcing along the thigh.

One thing that is instantly recognizable in a Rag & Bone collection is the fabric. It has a very old-fashioned look, as though they found a warehouse full of wool and tweed fabrics that hadn't been touched in years. So much so that one dress in particular, a pinkish-brown wool dress, looks as though it's from the 1930's. When they use newer fabrics with more of a shine, they really stand out in comparison, because most of the clothing is so drab. However, this is one collection where the word drab is not an insult. All of the clothing has a classic look, and it's very hard to nail down a specific time period where most of the garments would seem to fit. These are pieces that will look good this season, and continue to be wearable for decades to come. This is not a claim that most designers can make.

Rag & Bone has only made clothing for seven years, but in that time, they have managed to do what some designers struggle with their entire career. They have found a niche in fashion that works for them and produced a recognizable look. Their pieces are not radically different from one season to the next, yet they always have enough modern details that it fits within the trends for that season. They are modern, but also historical. And it's very refreshing to see designers with such a strong point of view.