Pollini's Progression

After & Before

Jonathan Saunders for Pollini - Fall 2010

Rifat Ozbek for Pollini - Spring 2006

The only thing I could bring myself to purchase at Pollini the last time I visited the store in Milan, was a leather-covered, large-linked bracelet. I found the clothes to be too pretty for my taste. I guess I’m just not the “girly girl” type. But, they weren’t the frilly and lacey type of pretty; instead they were just kind of boring -- printed matte jersey dresses, fine gauge shapeless cardigans and the like. I was disappointed. I couldn’t really blame Rifat Ozbek, he had to embrace the Pollini woman and give her what she wanted. But, thank goodness British designer, Jonathan Saunders grabbed hold of the reigns as creative director in 2008 and shook things up! Saunders steered in a different direction and started “speaking” to a younger and edgier clientele. The next time I’m in Milan (God willing it will be soon!) I will definitely run into the Pollini store and pick up a couple of pieces.

After & Before

Jonathan Saunders for Pollini - Fall 2010

Rifat Ozbek for Pollini - Spring 2006

Photo Credits: Firstview

UK is OK

Jonathan Saunders Fall 2010 Collection - London Fashion Week

He is the King of Color Block and the Prince of Print. Scottish born designer, Jonathan Saunders, studied textile printing in Glasgow and went on to earn his MA at London’s Central Saint Martin's. He was honored with the Lancome Colour Award in 2002 (upon graduating), the Fashion Enterprise Award in ’06 and was named the Designer of the Year 2007 by Elle Style Awards.

Jonathan Saunders Fall 2009

Jonathan Saunders - Spring 2009 (left), Fall 2007 (right)

When Topshop opened in SoHo last April, I heard that Saunders had collaborated with them and I battled the crowds to snag an item or two. Sadly, I didn’t purchase anything. The product for Topshop was a far cry from the real deal that I saw in Harrods. It certainly wasn’t Saunders' fault -- the price points and quality of Topshop were to blame. I have yet to see any of his merchandise for Target because I don’t want to be disappointed again. Hey, at least I don’t repeat the same mistakes twice!

Jonathan Saunders - Spring 2008 (left), Fall 2008 (right)

I’ve been following the talented designer since his Spring 2005 collection caught my eye. Suanders has showed mainly in London, but crossed the Atlantic to show in New York for Spring and Fall 2009. I was excited to see him this season, but when I couldn’t find him anywhere on the calendar I got in touch with his “people” and they let me know that Saunders would be back in London for Fall 2010. Oh well. The good news is that the collection will be heading over to the U.S. in April along with some other British labels. I’m looking forward to seeing it in person at that time.

Jonathan Saunders - Spring 2005

Saunders is also the Creative Director for the Italian label Pollini – taking over in 2008 for Rifat Ozbek (I loved him in the Eighties!). Pollini’s Fall 2010 line will be shown in Milan during Fashion Week which just got underway today.

Photo Credits: Firstivew (Style.com)