Echo is honored to have our Soft Woven Pineapple Pleat Wrap (in Hot Viola!) featured on the cover of the September 2010 issue. Thanks Real Simple! 

One of the great trends right now for summer is a military or utilitarian look.  Echo's Imperial Safari collection takes that look and updates it with inspiration from African and Colonial India. Elements of this style can be integrated into any outfit without looking overly military or as if you were actually on safari.  Think: casual world traveler meets crafty elements of the exotic bazaars and caravans of decorative pillows, spices and jewels.  

This look contrasts touches of military influence and soft femininity while pulling inspiration from the luscious patterns and textures of these distinct cultures. Contrasting khakis and earth tones are punctuated with pretty intricate beads, and animal and black prints on delicate fabrics.  Metallic effects on fabrics, delicately powdered with gold and silver give accessories fluidity and femininity. Colors range from earthen neutrals in browns and sand to sun bleached corals, chartreuse greens and watery blues. Animal prints like cheetah and snakeskin are great patterns on lightweight scarves perfect for summer. Organic fabrics like raffia, linen, hemp and ramie become utterly chic in this summer trend because of their versatile, breathable and sustainable qualities.

So you can update your summer wardrobe easily - and quickly - by adding a few key accessories from this trend.   A simple white tee, khaki capris and a passport are your starting point. Add gladiator sandals, bold chunky rings and a beautiful ikat pattern wrap.  Life is an adventure and you are a world traveler - unique and exotic. Take a little bit of the luxury of each country with you as you experience all this world offers.

When we tell people we work in fashion they often assume that we live glamorous, exciting lives.  Sure this is a somewhat skewed perception, but every now and then they would be right. Most recently, a group of Echoans took time out from day-to-day operations in Manhattan to experience one of our most vibrant markets, Tokyo, Japan.

If you were to read anything about Tokyo before you visit, you’ll likely hear it described as the definition of foreign – another world. We didn’t find that to be fully accurate.  Tokyo is an exciting city with many diverse neighborhoods each with a unique feel, similar to New York or London.  One striking feature was the contrast between new and old; the vibrant neon modernity versus the rich cultural architecture of centuries past.  A short walk through the city’s center provides incredibly modern buildings along side ancient temples.  The photo below is of the acclaimed and almost futuristic Prada building in Aoyama, only a few minutes walk from an urban temple tucked in among retail shops.

 Architecture isn’t the only contrast evident in Tokyo. The push and pull between modern and traditional is evident in cuisine, culture, and social interaction.  McDonald’s stands only a few feet from a traditional soba noodle house while a traditional kimono shop could be only steps from modern Japanese designers like Tsumori Chisato and Yohji Yamamoto, not to mention American standbys like The Gap or Ralph Lauren.

 The most exciting thing about our trip to Japan?  Visiting the specialty stores that carry Echo products.  Beams, héliopôle, and Free’s Shop are just a few places you can find Echo products in Japan. 

What’s hot in Japan? Here are just a few of the Echo styles that are flying off the shelves at Beams: our medallion print butterfly dress, terry handheld tote, strapless knit pantsuit, and the smocked spectator dress. 

For a list of countries where you can find Echo products, check out the “international” link at the bottom of the Echo Design website.

PS – Concerned about what to wear on the 13 hour trip from New York to Tokyo? Start with a wrap that will keep you warm (or cool) on the plane and on the street. I didn’t make it past ticketing before I started fielding compliments about my Echo rainbow stripe wrap.

A perfectly planned beach bag is the key to a successful summer day. The walk from the villa down to the cove may be shaded by palm trees, or may take you past the pool, but the point is, in order to be prepared for anything you need the right accessories at your fingertips.  First choose a simple bag of washable light fabric, something flexible and large enough for all the essentials.  A good bag to travel with in general are those that you can fold up small or double as a carry-on bag full of lotion, books and sleepshades in first class.  (We talked about tips on strategic packing in a previous post here.)  Fill the bag with a pair of beautiful sunglasses, a great paraben free sunscreen with a high SPF, a non-plastic water reusable water bottle and your favorite big soft beach towel.  You can also toss in a neat little bikini bag if you're going to change out of your bathing suit before dinner and need somewhere to stow the wet suit without getting everything else in your bag soaked.

In order to cut down on carrying too much you can choose items that are easily adaptable such as a pareo and wear them to the beach.  A pareo is essentially a large lightweight wrap - but with an endless list of possible ways to wear it. You can wrap it around your waist for the walks along the boardwalk or you can toss it over your shoulders while enjoying the breezes on the yachts while island-hopping.  It can even be wrapped and twisted into a unique halter top.  A beach tunic or coverup is also great for the same reasons but the tunic will easily provide an evening option simply by adding your favorite capris, a tank top and some jewelry. Don't forget a light, wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from too much sun.  Of course the blackberry or iPhone and headphones will need a spot in the bag - in the zipper pocket to protect it from sand. But keep in mind, this is your vacation so skip the work emails and only answer the ones with details about this afternoon's lawn party!  So here's hoping that a cool drink and ocean breezes are in your near future. If they are, be prepared to be cool - and stay cool.

Minnow Bikini Bag; Wide-brimmed braided floppy hat; Short solid butterfly beach dress; Indigo Chevron Ikat Beach Towel

The bag's already there - where are you??

While on a recent whirlwind trip to Paris (whirlwind = last minute, 3 day weekend) I learned the value of packing strategically.  I had no time for baggage claim nor the desire to waste energy on carrying serious luggage around the city.  Only a carry-on bag and a handbag would do. So first order of business was to find a compact carry-on and a handbag large enough for all the necessities.  I have a small rolling half suitcase with a retractable handle so that was perfect as an overnighter (or overseas-er) then I grabbed a large, neutral beach bag - they're the perfect size and squishable and very durable - for the immediate items.    I packed a dress that doesn't wrinkle and decided knee high, flat boots were the way to go.  I had to consider how I could repurpose items I wore on the plane into other outfits later in the trip - so layering was the best approach.   The key to looking fresh after 7 hours sitting up in a small seat, overnight, is all cosmetic.  A small pouch of facial cleansing wipes, deodorant and toothbrush works for me. Also, there might be some value to all those shots of celebrities at airports: did you ever notice that most are wearing a hat and / or a scarf? Definitely sunglasses - that's a given. But the scarf and hat really do more than just merely point out that 'hey I'm a celebrity hiding under here.'  They hide airplane-seat head. And bloodshot eyes.  My ultimate travel item was a scarf. I worked it into every outfit.   I draped it around my neck during the flight to ward off the cool drafts.  When I landed, I stopped in at Charles DeGaulles' beautiful bathrooms (why has the U.S. not figured this out?)  and by simply flattening and folding the scarf lengthwise several times, I wrapped my hair up in a headband and voila! a new look!  The third look came later that evening. I refreshed my look by putting my hair up in a strategically messy chignon, wrapping the scarf around like a headband, leaving a bow tied in the back.  We ate chocolate and hazelnut crepes in a plaza in old Tours. I loved that I could blend in with the locals.  I tried this look also in Rome and Florence.  I must have sufficienctly blended in there too - enough where people asked me for directions- in Italian!  Voila!  3 different looks - one scarf and one small strategically packed handbag.

Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel has become an expert on packing the perfect travel wardrobe.  Among the things she recommends is picking one color for your wardrobe such as a neutral and adding color with a scarf or a belt.  She also recommends bringing a sweater and a book everywhere you go.  I like wearing a wrap - since they are larger, they can be casual or elegant depending on your situation.  Sarah, one of the designers at Echo, says to choose a dress or other items made of jersey because it won't wrinkle and she likes to bring a few, favorite chunky necklaces as easy statement pieces for her travel wardrobe.  In the video below, Samantha's stylist,Cristina, talks about fashion tips from Paris and what makes all those women so beautiful.  One point she makes is the prevalent use of the right accessories - one of them being a scarf.  And shoes.  She said French women walk a lot but they wear heels. And that the French can spot American tourists by their sneakers. I think that's a overgeneralization. Has she seen us fashionable American ladies lately? She must be thinking of that horrible '80s trend - the Reeboks with the skirt suit. But not anymore. The right espadrille or strappy sandal can be quite comfortable and fashionable. They'd better look again, because that beautiful lady strolling by the river Seine might just be an American! An American who knows how to pack a bag for a great trip to Paris!

One of Echo's designers, Sarah, went to Paris recently and came back with notes on what styles are in Paris stores and what they're wearing on the streets. 
She said Paris was only half ready for spring this season.  The major department stores still had a lot of dark winter clothes   Yet, there were a lot of beautiful spring clothes.  Most of the stand alone shops on the left bank were in full spring mode. Overall, the clothes and accessories were very pretty and wearable with great attention to detail.

As always, the French are obsessed with all things nautical and there was more of this theme this year than ever.  Every designer had their knit stripe sailor tee but the newness was in the unexpected color and details - such as ruching, piecing and the use of different scale stripes in the same garment.  There were whimsical additions such as hot pink palettes sewn into little flower shapes atop a pink and white striped sweater at Sonia Rykiel; silver chains applied to a draped boat neck at Kookai;  wide studded belts wrapped around gondolier tops at Victoire. Paul Smith and Claudie Perlot had applied fabric bows on shirts, dresses and pants.

Nautical stripes are a great addition to your wardrobe for spring - in a scarf, dress, umbrella or a cardigan. These are easy, simple pieces that can be the statement in your ensemble without making you look like a sailor on the high seas. Unless of course, you want that. Pirates are all the rage right now. 

Striped cardigan;  striped scarf ring; bold stripe umbrella; one shoulder sailor striped dress; striped t-shirt dress with cut out

This spring season we see interest shifting from couture to the culture of art and design.  There has been a revival of the avant garde in textiles. Designers are rethinking their components of design and fashion is taking its cue from animation, illustration, paintings and craft. The result is an exciting eclectic mix of watercolor brights - and it's fun and easy to integrate this into any wardrobe.

Whatever your favorite color is, this season’s explosive new shades pack a powerful punch and there is a lot to choose from. Tangerines, citrines and dynamic neons make for a tangy combination and these bold strokes of color light up fashion that can easily translate from day outfits into night.  Spring’s kaleidoscope of colors and artistic patterns range from florals to geometrics to fearless graffiti scribbling – the effect is exhilarating, unexpected and inspiring. Breezy layers of sheer cotton, chiffons, or organzas – modernly overlay atop colorful wovens or color block knits. Florals get a bold makeover in disorienting proportions and in abstracting crude painted techniques. It’s a joyful manic artistic movement where flowers, stripes, dots and abstract geometrics float on washed, breezy and crinkled surfaces. Electrifying color, freedom of imagination and limitless artistic inspiration…the outlook is optimistically bright for Spring.

The best thing about spring's bright colors is that it's easy to be on trend with your existing wardrobe.  By simply adding a splash of color to a neutral outfit like khakis, camouflage green, greys and denim blues you can update your wardrobe and create a fresh new look.  Happy Spring!

"It often seems to me that the night is much more alive and richly colored than the day." Van Gogh said this September 8, 1888, right before he painted his famous 'The Starry Night.' Van Gogh was fascinated with using color to portray darkness and the night sky but painting at night wasn't particularly easy to do in the late 19th century. So he relied on his memory and his imagination. "The Starry Night" was loosely based on Saint Remy and the Alpilles mountain range but the sky itself is all imagination. From MOMA, "In the open skies Van Gogh perceived formidable forces in nature capable of providing consulation amid life's daily adversities and evoking eternity." Van Gogh said "I have a tremendous need for... religion, so I go outside to paint the stars. " So it's easy to understand why his ability to finally portray what he saw in his mind's eye became truly one of the most important works of art. The Museum of Modern Art currently has an exhibit called "Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night" that explores his letters and his favorite literary works that gave him inspiration for his paintings. They also have an interesting interactive overview on the website.

Nighttime technically is the opposite of day but beyond that, nightfall does cast a bit of an interesting twist to things doesn't it? Things are a bit more exciting and mysterious because of the dark sky and shadows - and let's admit, who doesn't look good in candlelight? Much of the '40s noir genre films were shot at night - in the rain - with a siren wailing in the distance - or a single, mournful saxophone .... and the soft, eerie, drifting, silent smoke from a long cigarette..... . Anyhow, whether you're waiting on the tarmac for a plane to somewhere else or "...of all the bars she had to walk into this one, " here are a few Starry Night suggestions for your ... starry nights. Here's lookin' at you, kid.

Encrusted Collar;  Ombre Square with Coins Scarf;  High Shine Metallic Wrap; Topstitched driver gloves; Cascade Ruffle Vest

Have you been noticing the resurgence of lace in fashion this winter? First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted recently in a great 3/4 length sleeve walking coat with lace overlay. Stella McCartney was seen in a full lace bodysuit. Designers Fall / Winter 2009/2010 collections used lace as well as brocades, stones and sequins.  Other Winter 09/10 trends include the layering of lace and sheer fabrics in moody blacks, inky blues, rich berry and oxidized metallics - ranging from onyx to silver- copper to pewter under and over opaque wools and furs for a mesmerizing effect.

Leathers also took on a new look - they can be metallicized and ruffled or laser cut and pleated. Peek-a-boo laces got modernized with metallic finishes or overstitched with chunky wools and the otherwise simple boyfriend jacket gets a hint of sparkle with embellished lapels or encrusted epaulets.  Vintage shops are perfect for finding that great sequined jacket to pair with jeans and booties.

Investing in a few of these important pieces will take you through to the rest of this season. And you don't have to do it in a full lace body suit - you can integrate a few key pieces to stay on trend. Try a lace wrap tucked around a black turtleneck and jeans with knee high boots. Or layer a 3/4 length sleeve faux fur with our metallic leather gloves and ankle booties.  It's Luxury but understated - and definitely not out of reach. Cheers!

Ask A Designer Question: Help! I lost my most treasured Echo cold weather wrap. It was smart and interesting in an understated way and kept me warm and stylish up here in Montreal. I would be most grateful for any help you can offer in replacing it. Please see photo - it was a wool blend, garter stitch and had rounded ends with a microfiber trimmed hole through which an end could be threaded. Winter 08 or 09. Thanks for your time and for designing such beautiful things, Meghan   From: Meghan Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 10:08 PM Email: meghan****@********.com

Ask A Designer Reply: On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 AskADesigner(at)echodesign(dot)com wrote: Hi there Meghan, So sorry to hear about your wrap. I'd love to help you find another! If Montreal is anywhere near as cold as NYC we better make it fast! I'll show the picture to our designers and see if we can find it for you. I'll get back to you asap! - Jennifer

On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 , AskADesigner(at)echodesign(dot)com wrote: Hi Meghan! Success! I found this same style - I believe the price is $98 - but it's on sale now for $69! The style # is 374467 and it's called the Downtown Wrap. If you want to order one right away feel free to call our customer service reps at 1-800-327-3896 and they will take care of you. Or I you can follow this link to see it on the site. Let me know what you think or if you have any other questions! :) Thanks again for writing in - so glad we could help! -Jennifer

Ask A Designer Final: Wow Jennifer you are a star! Thank you so much for your help. I will have a look at the website in a couple days and order then. Have a great day - you've made mine, Meghan              From: Meghan Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 3:31 PM To: AskADesigner Subject: Re: Echo cold weather wrap