I'll admit that, until recently, I've been the first one to associate home shopping networks with frumpy old women wearing chunky sweaters with reindeer designs (like the one Bridget Jones' mother forced her to wear to the dreaded Turkey Curry Buffet). But clearly, these networks have given a long, hard look at their images and made strides to modernize (and, more importantly, rejuvenate) their images. For HSN, it's meant inviting established jewelry and handbag designers, as well as celebrity stylists and models, to create affordable collections exclusive to their network — enter American Glamour by Badgley Mischka, Chi by Falchi, Curations with Stefani Greenfield, and Grayce by Molly Sims, among others. But of course, the HSN gurus know that appealing to a broader audience (i.e. one that incorporates a healthy slice of the 18 to 34-year-old demo) is only partly about inventory -- they key to appealing this evasive, fickle group of consumers is image, it's about how a brand is perceived. So to reposition itself as a cool, hip, current brand, HSN teamed up with Lucky magazine, the popular shopaholic magazine.
Together, Lucky and HSN enlisted a handful of style tastemakers who, in turn, launched limited edition collections for HSN shoppers: Anna Corinna (of Foley + Corinna fame) introduced her F+C by Anna Corinna line of affordable handbags; Thread Social debuted Thread by Thread Social, which offers flirty and versatile basics like simple ruffled dresses; and Pour La Victoire designer David Giordino introduced La Victoire, which features edgy, daring shoes with a bold, urban edge. Jewelry designers Gerard Yosca and Pade Vavre also offered some exclusive pieces to complete the shopping experience. HSN and Lucky magazine's Summer Capsule Collection debuted on Wednesday, May 19th, and the pieces are now available at HSN.com.
As far as the apparel, I can't say anything looked particularly fab (most seemed to fall just one notch above that dumpy, denim-pants-with-an-elastic-waistband sense of style I so dread), but there are some choice finds in terms of the jewelry and footwear offerings (many of which are pictiured here).
My favorite pieces by a landslide are the La Victoire shoes, since they capture the essence of the PLV brand but are a bit more affordable. The Adina Leather Gladiators (pictured at top) feature chic, urban-flavored straps with chic studs and perforations but boast a beach-ready vibe thanks to the rope-covered wedge heel. I also adore the La Victoire Diana Beaded Sandals (pictured third from top), which have a gypsy-meets-Hamptons vibe thanks to the eggshell-colored plastic beads and dark wooden beads.
Also pictured here are some great pieces from Gerard Yosca, such as the multi-stone, four-row necklace (pictured second from top), a statement-making piece featuring thick golden chains, simulated pearls, faceted briolettes, and clear teardrop-shaped stones, and a particularly funky fuchsia F+C handbag (pictured below) featuring a black patent leather trim and a drawstring closure.
Pictured above: La Victoire Adina Leather Gladiator With Rope Wedge, $119; Gerard Yosca Multistone 4-Row Necklace with Crystal Accents, $119.90; La Victoire Diana Beaded Suede Wedge, $159; and Pade Vavra Freeform Simulated Gemstone Necklace, $249. All available at HSN.com
Pictured below: Gerard Yosca 2-Row Stone Necklace, $119; and F + C by Anna Corinna Denver Leather and Patent Demi Bag, $150. All available at HSN.com
