Simply Vera Now on eBay
Renowned designer Vera Wang’s budget-minded apparel collection landed in Kohl’s stores Sept. 9, and already the shelves and racks are looking bare.
So, is anyone surprised to learn that some of the more popular and difficult-to-find pieces are commanding over-the-top prices on eBay? Didn’t think so.
According to eBay’s Marketplace Research Tool, the highest selling price for the Simply Vera pintuck dress was $249. No where else can you find a Vera Wang dress any cheaper — well, except Kohl’s. The dress retails for $138, but is sold out at Kohl’s online and at many stores.
An eBay shopper loved the Simply Vera ruffle blouse so much that $99 seemed a worthy price, even though the blouse retails for $58.
At last count, eBay had more than 400 active listings for Simply Vera items. Wang is best known for simply gorgeous bridal gowns and red carpet creations, but she also has a ready-to-wear collection. Now she’s ready to dress the everyday woman.
Let the bidding war begin.
Valentino resigns
After dressing royalty, Hollywood stars and the international jet set for 45 years, Italian designer Valentino has announced his resignation as head designer of the Valentino fashion house.
Valentino Garavani, 75, known for his red couture gowns, said he would show his last ready-to-wear collection in Paris in October and his couture collection there in January.
His successor is Alessandra Facchinetti, a rising star of Italian couture and one of its most promising talents, according to news reports. She previously worked at Gucci, where she took over from Tom Ford. Her first collection for Valentino will be presented in March.
Valentino said he had decided the time was right after he celebrated 45 years in fashion with a star-studded extravaganza in Rome in July.
“It would be impossible to equal the emotion and joy over the friendship and consideration that the world showed me on that occasion,” he said. “As such, I have decided that this is the perfect moment to say ‘addio’ (farewell) to the fashion world.”
Valentino said he was certain the Valentino house would change, but that he hoped that the team he had put in place “would know how to continue my work in a way that would make me proud.”
More celebs dish up cheap chic
Sarah Jessica Parker is getting some company at Steve & Barry’s.
Actress Amanda Bynes, who starred as Penny Pingleton in “Hairspray,” and tennis star Venus Williams are launching fashion collections at the budget-minded retailer.
Bynes, 21, said she has loved fashion all her life. Her new collection, called dear by Amanda Bynes, is targeted to young women. The line includes casual pants, dresses, fitted polos, jeans and accessories, including jewelry, shoes, hats, bags and belts.
Parker and Bynes won’t have the store to themselves for long. Williams’ 120-piece collection, called EleVen, hits the shelves in November. Look for athletic wear, casual wear and footwear.
All items at Steve & Barry’s retail for $19.98 or less. Steve & Barry’s stores are nationwide, with stores in Crossroads Mall and Enid. The retailer also sells NBA All-star Stephen Marbury’s Starbury shoes for $14.98.
It was Parker’s collaboration though that brought Steve & Barry’s to the fashion forefront. She introduced her first collection, called Bitten, in June, sharing her fashion philosophy with such phrases as “Fashion is not a luxury, it’s a right” and “Clothing should not cost more than your groceries.”
Her fall collection is massive with 500 pieces. Sizes range from XS to XXL in tops, 0 to 22 in bottoms and 5 to 11 in shoes. Pieces worth a second look include the wide-leg, dark-wash suspender jeans, a black and white houndstooth coat pictured here and a turtleneck sweater dress.
Steve & Barry’s seems to be rolling out the celebrity welcome mat. Who’ll come knocking next?
