The Battalion Is Chic-ly Here to Stay

Posted by gabriellenp in Fashion, Fashion Tips, Featured, Interviews | 2 comments

I had the unique privilege of speaking with Linda Wong, the designer behind the eco luxury brand, The Battalion. Linda along with her sister, Chrys Wong, creates lovely and fashion-forward collections that are both earth friendly and trendsetting. I absolutely adore the fact that their collections are inspired by past eras in time and beloved scenes or quotes from a favorite book or movie. I didn’t have to think too hard or long as to why The Battalion is worn by such fashionistas as Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ashley Olsen…and will soon be worn by yours truly. The Battalion website states that the goal for the brand “is to be the modern purveyor of green luxury.” This goal is surely one that has been met.

If only someone could have viewed my face prior to the interview with Linda; you would have thought I was a teenage girl about to speak to a crush for the first time over the phone. As I sat all smiles and wide-eyed, I reviewed the Fall/Winter 2009 collection on the site for the fourth time taking more notes on the common thread I noticed throughout the collection. Usually when a collection gives me more butterflies than hearing “I love you” for the first time from a boyfriend I have dated for a year, I know the designer is a keeper. The inspiration of the fall and winter collection was “The Age of Discovery.” Lynda states that the collection was inspired by “the new world, the Louis and Clark expedition, and the state of current…this is a time of change.” Among the materials and techniques used were “hand smocking, faux fur…and veggie friendly faux leather,” says Lynda. I chose three of the hottest pieces (this was really hard to do!) from the collection that every tastemaker should have in her fall wardrobe:

The Bondage Dress – This sexy silhouette is perfect for the night out on the town with the girls. This is easily a classic piece that can be worn year round. Pair with a bootie in the fall and a stiletto sandal in the spring.

The Bondage Dress II

The Slash Back Tee – Rips and tears are THE must-have for this coming season. This tee is perfect because it is a great layering piece for fall when paired with a tank and a sultry tee in the summer when paired with a bikini top underneath.

Veggie Leather Ankle Zip Leggings – This is certainly the staple to have. Every femme fatale should have a classic black legging, a cable knit legging, a legging with funky patterns, and a leather legging. These are great because they are veggie leather which means no animal was sacrificed in order for you to be ahead of the fashion curve. Pair these hotties with a tunic. I will be sporting a pair in the tents during Fashion Week for sure.

Simply because I love sneak peeks, I was able to get Linda to give me a brief overview of what we can expect to see in the spring and summer collection. The collection in inspired by dances and ballet. Linda aptly describes the collection as “romantic” and says it is the “post-performance ballerina after the adrenaline of being on stage.” I look forward to being mesmerized yet again.

I always love to get the definition of what fashion is from various individuals because you get such a colorful array of answers. Linda’s is by far among one of my favorite viewpoints. “It is a form of expression and gives people identity,” says Wong. “Fashion is supposed to be exciting.” The Battalion is certainly the personification of excitement.

Check out the collections at www.thebattalionclothing.com