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Break “Free”
It seems like every season we’re always being told about
what will be the “new black.” However, brothers Cederic
and Yves Benaroch have their own fashion statement to make:
sweatshirts and related athletic will continue their reign as “the
new jeans.” The creators of the nearly four year-old 2 B Free
speak with authority on the subject, since they come from a family
steeped in fashion. One of their uncles developed Canadian label
Buffalo Jeans, while another made his mark with BCBG Menswear.
However, the first thing you notice when you explore a rack of
2 B Free pieces is the way the Benaroch boys blend
some of the sexiest, softest athletic wear fabrics, vibrant colors
and intricate embroidery treatments with curve-conscious styling
and some very streetwise accents for both women and men. Even if
you are in a quiet frame of mind (the writer uses hers for her yoga
practice), the royal fleur-de-lys, tattoo floral motifs, graffiti
strokes and bold iconography will do some of the talking for you.
“Many people don’t want to choose between comfort
and style,” affirms Yves. “When we create a
pair of sweats, we want to take them beyond basic with the kind
of detailing that catches people’s eye. Additionally, they
will hug the body the way a pair of jeans or fitted slacks would
and really complement most body types. We take pride in all the
work we put into our garments. Though a lot of (other companies)
may be doing interesting things with sweats, we always try to add
our own little twist with the motifs and colors we use and the way
we combine different ideas.”
Adds Cederic, “Based on the colors we use, from pastels to
tropical brights to earthy hues, the line as a whole needs to be
merchandised well. The way we approach the line is to always have
a tank top or hoodie that works perfectly with a specific bottom.
However, if a customer’s tastes run a bit more conservative,
they can pair one of our things with something they like and still
have a look that will be interesting and different.”
The Benaroch boys’ latest pride and joy is the addition of
denims and twill pants that, like their sweatpants, hit the body
in all the right places without fitting skin tight. The distinctive
fleur de lys hallmark does not only appear in pocket stitching but
on the knees of several styles as well. Sexy goth-inspired silver
buttons complete the look. “We wanted to create a jean to
complete the collection, but the jeans took a while to develop because
we wanted them to work harmoniously with other parts of our line,”
says Cederic. “Based on the reactions at our show, it was
a challenge that has paid off so far.”
2 B Free’s sweats and jeans are available at Kitson,
Fred Segal Santa Monica, M. Frederic
and H. Lorenzo. In order “2 B” cool
and very up-to-the-minute, The Book L.A. has 2
sweatsuits just waiting to be won.
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