To highlight the clothes currently inhabiting our fantasy wardrobe, we've teamed up with vitaminwater and asked The FADER's extended family of photographers, stylists and models to pool their talents and showcase some of the best threads around. Each Styled by FADER will feature a different brand's collection of the season that sits at the top of our most-wanted list. This week, we bring you Christian Wijnants. Click through the slideshow to see more photos from the shoot and to read our thoughts about the brand.
Antwerp-based Christian Wijnants has been bubbling around the fashion world for some time, but his line has always been more of a cult favorite in the U.S. than a heavy hitter. He's been an insider's designer for a while, lauded endlessly by the industry, winning prize after prize (like the Swiss Textiles Award back in 2005 and the Andam Prize in 2006) and putting out collections since 2003, an eternity in fashion dog years. And, now, thanks to some great New York boutiques like Project No. 8 and Creatures of Comfort stocking his collection, Wijnants has finally been getting some much-deserved and very public attention stateside.
Click through for more story.
>
The trick to Wijnants' understated longevity might just be in the fit of his clothes, expertly tailored, no-nonsense separates that look instantly good on a body without lots of extra work. They feel right on most everyone and with most everything. Wijnants stays away from stylistic pyrotechnics, choosing instead a palate of relevant and subtle design elements like snake skin prints and vibrant but minimal looks in royal blue. It's the cut, though, that makes him a master. Full, long skirts seem as simple and wearable as a pair of blue jeans, and lush, chunky sweaters feel like curling up in a comforter. It's that kind of healthy, happy approach to clothes that guarantees adoration for years to come.
Click through for more story.
Check out behind-the-scenes footage of stylist Abdoul Diallo, photographer Christelle de Castro and model Dana Almada as they ventured from our Chelsea offices to Central Park for the shoot.
Photography Christelle De Castro. Styling Abdoul Diallo. Model Dana Almada at Re:Quest Models. Make-up by Georgina Urena using M.A.C. All clothes by Christian Winjants except black sheer shirt by Lover, shoes by Rachel Comey.