A few months ago I was shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue with my mother and we decided to grab a frozen yogurt for lunch on the contemporary floor. On our way out my mother noticed a line of clothing that caught her eye and she immediately bee-lined over. “Lauren,” she said “these clothes would look great on you.” It was Helmut Lang. Funny, I had remembered the minimalist line from the late ’80s, but didn’t think it was still around. Or maybe I just hadn’t noticed. I left with a great top (thanks Mom) and the resolve to research what had been going on with the line and why suddenly it seemed to be back.
My research found Austrian designer Helmut Lang who created his eponymous the label in 1986, left it in 2005. The line was acquired by Prada in 2004 who in turn sold it to Link Theory (yes, Theory) of Japan in 2006. In 2007 Helmut Lang was relaunched under the creative direction of Michael and Nicole Colovos (who co-founded denim label Habitual). Since then, the husband and wife duo have reinvigorated the brand’s edgy take on elegance combined with minimalism with its beautifully draped silk dresses and tops, stretch-leather leggings, leather jackets and refined denim. The current prices are also slightly below those of the original Helmut Lang (when adjusted for inflation). Be on the lookout for the line and your favorite department stores, Shopbop, Net-A-Porter and at Helmut Lang shops conveniently located next to Theory stores.
Here are some of the current Helmut Lang pieces I am loving right now (including the grey draped top I now own and adore):
Helmut Lang Supple Leather Jacket, $1390
Helmut Lang Cicadae Print Maxi Dress, $395
Helmut Lang Slack Asymmetrical Skirt, $195
Helmut Lang Shale Draped Satin-Jersey Dress, $380
Helmut Lang Embossed Stretch-Leather Leggings, $594
Helmut Lang ‘Helios’ Drape Sleeve Top, $174
– Lauren Dimet Waters
