As a big fan of designers such as
Marni and
Ter et Bantine, I've always wished that someone would take the deceptively simple cuts and understated artistry of both brands and apply it to casual sportswear. So it was kismet when, a few weeks ago, I was introduced to
Evenagamba, a sublime line of sweatshirts by fashion industry veterans
Juan Carlos Anglero and
Henric Olsson. After stints at
Chloe,
Emporio Armani,
Pamela Dennis, and
Kate Spade, among others, the two friends paired up in 2007 to create this sumptuous casual line that represents the sum of their experiences through extensive travel, personal interests, and a love for fashion. Evenagamba takes its name from a Spanish slang term--"gamba"--for a fashion poser, or someone who follows the masses instead of developing their own personal style, something no one will accuse these pieces of lacking. I visited their showroom last week, where I viewed the line personally and was duly floored by both the quality of the pieces and commitment to social responsibility and activism the designers have incorporated into the brand. Each shirt is cut from the finest Pima cotton and comes in rich earth tones; Napa leather accents and seamlessly hidden iPod compartments give the collection a modern, edgy tone; and every piece includes eye-catching lining that is imprinted with a narrative and an image that highlights a current cultural issue. Juan Carlos and Henric are also committed to developing relationships with their suppliers, such as cotton growers in Peru, that extend beyond just a typical exchange of goods and services, and include initiatives to invest in the community as a whole. As Juan Carlos shared, "The lure of doing something for society was just as crucial as creating the line." A stylish, refreshingly original line that "even a gamba" (wink, wink) would wear. Check out the slideshow for Evenagamba's inaugural collection, and visit them online at
www.evenagamba.com to shop and for retail locations!
