–Published in The Los Angeles Times on February 4, 2011–
Chloe did it with See By Chloe and Marc Jacobs did it with Marc. Now L.A.-based Le Petit Petit, which we introduced here awhile back, is doing it as well.
The brand’s Malibu Native — a less expensive, more casual sister line — will hit PacSun stores in February, starting with a promotion party Saturday at The Grove.
“We are very excited to grow with PacSun because of their strong ties to core surf brands,” co-designer Logan Weinsieder said. “We feel like we can bring something new to the table in terms of fashion design and lifestyle branding.”
Drawing from the surf heritage of the West Coast, Malibu Native gets its inspiration from nature-loving fashionistas such as models Erin Wasson and Chase Cohl, and surfer Chandler Parr. Malibu Native is more laid back than Le Petit Petit’s main line, a bit more retro and a lot less boho. But despite these differences, the label’s characteristic Parisian streak is still evident, such as when tiny black Eiffel Towers pop up on mint-colored bikinis.
Right now the label is focusing on tees, swimwear, and jewelry but they have plans to design sweatshirts and fleecewear in the near future. The tees come in a number of styles — sleeveless, asymmetrical, crop top, drapey — in baby-bottom-soft cotton with whimsical hand-drawn graphics, such as “Malibu is Home XOXO” inscribed inside a heart-shaped dream catcher. Bandeaus, nautical stripes, ruffles and string bikinis are among the choices available for swimwear. The jewelry, designed by Nola Singer, looks like something from a swap meet or your grandma’s closet, minus the cheap plastic, broken clasp and unknown person’s cooties. Our favorite is the chunky, yet delicate gold-dipped rose pendant necklace.
The launch event will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the PacSun store at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. There will be giveaways — T-shirts, stickers, posters — and a chance to meet the designers and model Kendall Jenner, who will be wearing the brand’s clothing.
Tees range from $24.50 to $36.50; swim tops from $32.50 to $52; swim bottoms from $32.50 to $52; and jewelry from $28.50 to $100.
Malibu Native is available in Pac Sun stores nationwide and at pacsun.com.