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Katie Holmes Presents Holmes & Yang Line

Women's Wear Daily
2/11/10

With a very well-behaved Suri Cruise on her lap, Katie Holmes, along with her stylist-design partner Jeanne Yang, discussed their Holmes & Yang sophomore collection, offering Holmes’ love of dance as a reference point for the clothes. “We were inspired by the colors of a traditional ballet” — the lineup is all creams and black and pale, pale pinks — “and the lives of all our friends,” she said, pointing to a series of easy silk blouses and shirtdresses, leather jackets and a few sexier lace frocks. Those friends may include Victoria Beckham, but both Holmes and Yang insist their collection, which includes children’s clothing, is meant for a range of body types (though perhaps not bank accounts — a snug nude-colored suede motorcycle jacket has a suggested retail price of $3,688; if you want a Suri-approved crepe de chine number for your little one, be prepared to spend about $500 and up).

“The clothes are romantic but also tough, because we wanted to give a wardrobe to that smart, strong woman,” Holmes said. Yang added the price points are a direct result of the pair’s commitment to producing in New York’s garment district as well as to luxury materials. “We’re not making fussy clothes, but we’re fussy about the details,” she said. The fabrics are indeed lovely: crepe de chine, Chantilly lace and silk jacquard, finished with such details as grosgrain piping and silk-covered buttons. And while Holmes noted the pair is open to more retail outlets — currently the line is available exclusively at Maxfield in Los Angeles — their focus is growing the line with an eye on quality, not trends. “I’ve gained an appreciation for the craftsmanship, what goes into making a piece,” Holmes said. And in keeping things family and friends oriented, Holmes’ mother, a knitter, does the chic alpaca beanies the pair is going to introduce.

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