When you were a kid, the longer days of spring meant more time to play outside before the sun went down. Emerging line Noble Youth (the name, a reference to "Hamlet") channels this free-as-a-bird feeling in their Spring/Summer 2008 lookbook; a model strolls through a leafy wood, wandering along abandoned train tracks and tripping down inviting paths, like a well-dressed forest nymph. (She obviously doesn't have my strict childhood curfew.)

As fate would have it, Megan Quinn and Ned Shatzer, the Brooklyn-based self-taught design team behind this modern fairy tale met on a train ride from Baltimore to New York City back in 2005. They've named each of the fresh, romantic pieces in their third collection after a different street in their beloved nabe—standouts include the prim Vanderbilt Dress with pin-tuck pleats; the boho chic Wood Point Cape in a warm chestnut brown; and the satiny plum Winthrop Shirt, tricked out with voluminous sleeves and button details.

Like the borough, there's a subtle quirk to the clothing that charms and a fantasy factor that adds an element of fun to getting dressed. Because really, how can you run around in shiny shorts and not be smiling?

Noble Youth is available at Honey Ryder, 564 Hayes Street, (415) 255-6858, or online at www.nobleyouthdesign.com.

-Caroline Stanley

Similar Topics:fashion, shopping, spring 2008

comments (0) : Send to a Friend : Subscribe

:  digg this :  del.icio.us! :