Designer Dish. Cynthia Steffe Is Back.

Cynthia Steffe

After a five-year absence, designer Cynthia Steffe is back with a new label, Cluny.
Steffe and her husband, Rick Roberts, left Bernard Chaus Inc. back 2006 over a contract dispute, and her namesake label remained with Chaus, which continues to offer a Cynthia Steffe collection (that we often see during Fashion Week), designed by creative director Shaun Kearney.

Now Steffe will introduce a premiere contemporary collection this month, aimed at stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.“We left Cynthia Steffe with every intention of starting a business, but then came 2008 and 2009, and the sky was falling in this industry. We decided it wasn’t a good time,” Steffe told WWD. About eight months ago, they were approached by investor August Silk, which has extensive manufacturing facilities in China, and they decided to launch the Cluny division.

Leather and fur jacket from Cluny

According to Steffe, Cluny will be merchandised within the contemporary price point. The collection will consist of easy dressing with an edge, incorporating lots of streetwear references such as leather leggings, oversize knits and jackets. The name, Cluny, is a type of lace so the collection will reportedly feature several versions of lace and crochet accents.

Crocheted maxi dress from Cluny

Steffe said she plans to market the line with personal appearances at the stores, as well as advertising, blogs and Twitter and will eventually launch an e-cmmerce site. Welcome back Cynthia!

-Alia Rajput

Article and Photo Source: WWD