If presenting at storied downtown eatery Raoul's seems an unlikely move for a fashion brand, let alone one in its debut season, then chalk that up to the driving spirit behind Cinq à Sept. The line, a new move from Jane Siskin—industry vet and a vital player in the successes of 7 For All Mankind and Elizabeth and James—strives to fill what Siskin perceives as a major gap in the contemporary market: styles for what she’s dubbed “special moments” of all sorts. Whether it’s for brunch with friends, a wedding, or a night on the town, the line aims to offer its clientele (aged largely 24–34, Siskin anticipates, but with plenty of spillover on either side) “conscientiously priced” pieces that are more considered and luxe than many of its price-range peers.
Consider the tattoo-like embroidery on a bandeau built into one louche, asymmetric slip dress, or a gorgeous cropped black vest with ivory ruffles peeking out from underneath. All looks were styled back to brogues to emphasize their day-to-night appeal—though the matter of how to wear these clothes won’t take much in the way of agonizing. Siskin and her team have done lots of the legwork for their customer in pre-styling pieces to create a nice off-handed look. Case in point: that aforementioned built-in bandeau, or party dresses already belted to rakish, low-slung effect.
Bearing a youthful clientele in mind, the offering came up strong on modish touches, like utilitarian hardware, head-to-toe prints, slip-dressing, loose ruffles, and trailing scarves. One of the best looks of the lot, a beautiful cream lace turtleneck and matching trouser, came topped off with a generous fox stole—an anachronistic piece lately enjoying plenty of limelight on the catwalks.
Siskin’s keen eye for pieces that will perform smashingly at a retail level surely isn’t lost on the industry. Cinq à Sept should make quite the splash when Pre-Fall hits stores next year, counting Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom among its many already-confirmed doors.
