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Fashions already focusing on fall

Carolyn Pope
Carolyn Pope/ Vail DailyDebbie Ford King represents the Worth Collection in the valley.
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EAGLE COUNTY ” Despite 90-degree weather, fashion consultants and clothing lines are already looking toward cooler, fall weather.

Two trunk shows, featuring the Worth Collection and WorthWear, end this week, and Carlisle, with its “per se” line, start Friday. I visited with the ladies who sell these lines and viewed the clothes for the upcoming season.

The Worth Collection ” represented by Debbie King Ford ” carries a higher-end line for the fashion-conscious woman, along with clothing by Doncaster, Carlisle and Juliana.



This season’s colors are traditional black and gray, with some rich caramel, winter white, and fun accents of vivid red, chartreuse, plums and soft pinks. Both Worth Collection and WorthWear (Worth’s reasonably priced little sister) have created three distinct themes in their fall line.

The first, Cafe Culture, is inspired by the contemporary cafe phenomenon and captures a rich style combining nostalgic old classics with current retro fashion. As Debbie King Ford put it, “Think Grace Kelly at 25 in the year 2005.”

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Fabrics include glen plaid, mohair tweed and stretch tropical gun check in a wide array of stunning colors. Signature pieces include true men’s wear trousers, slim skirts and a reversible jacquard coat.

The second, the Dressage Code, emulates the privileged, proper look of English aristocracy, from blanket plaid tartans and tweeds in black, red and winter white. The last grouping, Natural Instincts, features a subtle use of snakeskin trims and pebble textured leather.

Prices in the Worth Collection range from $198 to $998, with sizes running from 0-20, and petites in sizes 0-16.

Joan Deck, along with associate Jodi Knight represent WorthWear. The collection carries a similar style to Worth Collection, but the fabrics and styling are directed to a younger, more budget-conscious consumer.

“It’s all about versatility,” says Deck. “We have beautiful fabrics and a range of different looks. Lots of tops and sweaters you can pair with jeans to fairly elegant items for evening wear. There’s something for everyone.”

The collection is aiming towards women 20 and older, with a range of beautiful fabrics at a reasonable price. Deck compared their pricing to Banana Republic and Ann Taylor retail stores. Her show has to be boxed up this Friday at noon, so call soon to check out the WorthWear group.

My can’t-do-without item? A fabulous leather-bomber-type jacket with removable knit collar and cuffs. It’s a great item for colder weather.

The WorthWear collection, the sizes run from 0-14, and prices from $78 to $398.

This weekend, Elaine Kelton will show her Carlisle Collection at her home. She’s been selling the line for five years now and holds four shows every year.

“It’s the design, quality of fabric and the quality of the construction,” said Kelton, explaining what sets Carlisle apart.

“It’s fun and exciting to have a woman have an outfit that I know where she wears them people will stop her and say that she looks fabulous. It makes a woman feel great; it’s about her as a whole, not just what she’s wearing.

“That’s the effect that Carlisle has ” the whole picture,” Kelton said.

She’s in the business to help women achieve the look and feeling that defines her.

Carlisle was founded in 1981 by William Rondina to offer classically tailored collections of beautiful clothing and accessories by private appointment. Based out of New York, the line has more than 1,000 consultants nationwide.

This season, Carlisle has also added a new line, “per se,” which adds a new dimension to the classic original line. “Per se” is edgier, more fashion forward, with fine details and style to attract younger clients. The line should also appeal to the fit, young attitude of women of all ages that’s so predominant here in the Vail Valley.

Both lines are accentuated by classic animal and reptile prints, luxury fabrics such as cashmere and mohair, butter soft leathers and suedes and bright, uplifting colors that were highlighted this summer mix with rich chocolates, grays and black. The price point is similar to Dana Buchman or DKNY. Sizes run from 0 to 18.

Carlisle also sells a designer scarf each season with all of the money going directly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Over the past five years, the program has raised over $700,000.

The piece to die for this season? The copper leather jacket in the per se collection, perfectly paired with jeans or shimmering snakeskin leather pants. Guaranteed to stop traffic!

– To make an appointment with Debbie King Ford, sales associate for the Worth Collection, call her at 970-390-4392. You can also visit http://www.worthny.com.

– The WorthWear trunk show runs until Friday, and you can schedule an appointment by calling Joan Deck at 390-4985. You can also visit http://www.worthwear.com.

– Carlisle Collection will be shown from Friday until August 8. To schedule your appointment, call Elaine Kelton at 476-5411. You can see some of the collection at http://www.carlislecollection.com.

Vail, Colorado


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