Line We Love: Lou Doillon for Lee Cooper
We are always enamored with the ensembles that Lou Doillon wears, so it's no shock that we're drawn to her latest designs for Lee Cooper. The swell collaboration started last year, when the storied denim company (they've been producing sturdy work wear, like overalls and jeans, for 100 years!), sought out a muse who would add an element of effortless cool to their worldwide brand. They found what they were looking for in Doillon, in fact, they hit the nail on the head, if we do say so ourselves. She is a marvel, with a notable sense of personal style (think: bohemian meets sexy tomboy). Not only are we smitten with Doillon's current offerings, but we are elated to know she's on board to design sixteen pieces every season for the next three years. That's right, dear readers, there is much more to come!
Unlike many celebrity-endorsed collections, Doillon assumes a very hands-on approach when constructing pieces for Lee Cooper. In fact, the free rein Lee Cooper offered is what appealed to Doillon in the first place (she also liked that the brand was originally made for workers, before it was something fashionable). For her fall compilation, she aimed to create clothes for girls with reckless abandon and derived inspiration from Charlie Chaplin's, The Kid, as well as the French film, Jules et Jim. Doillon accomplished her vision by constructing oversized trousers, tiny t-shirts, denim vests, and more. She also resolved that each garment be straightforward enough so as to leave room for the wearer to add whatever they want on top of it. (The perfect ode to her own individual panache!) In other words, she wants you to wear the clothes, rather than the other way around. Doillon succeeded in her intentions, so we chose a few favorites for you to get your hands on!—Jessica Amento, additional reporting by Roxanna Khamneipur
1. Skull Shirt ($63)
A 3/4 length button-up top is a great piece to use for fall's layered looks and we are particularly fond of this one. The top hat-wearing skull in the corner adds a very Doillon touch to a traditional piece. Wear this with a white pocket tank, a pair of black tapered jeans, and a fedora.
2. Linda Oversize V Neck Knitwear ($102)
Finding a v-neck sweater that is just right (not too short, not too long) is not as easy a task as one might think, but we are very pleased with the shape and shade of this one. Plus, it is made with a hint of cashmere, so it's pleasing to the touch! We picture Doillon throwing it on with a pair of leather pants and leopard flats—plus her signature bright red lipstick and unkempt hair, too, of course!
3. Catherine Long Knit Coat ($190)
This knit sweater jacket is very inviting and the ideal piece of outerwear to get cozy in all winter. Style it with Cheap Monday Jeans
($65), black wedge boots, and an of-the-moment bag.
4. Johnny Denim Biker Jacket ($283)
This asymmetrical coat is an awesome denim interpretation of the season's must-have motorcycle jackets. Try wearing the denim piece over a simple white or gray fitted dress and over-the-knee boots.
5. Jules Oversized Boyfriend Shirt ($95)
We come across a fair amount of boyfriend shirts in our workplace and this one is currently in our top five. We'd like to see this multi-colored plaid top worn somewhat unexpectedly, like with the sleeves rolled up and buttons undone over a black tank, and paired with a black fitted miniskirt, Wolford tights
($50), and chic ankle booties.
6. Cocos Oxford Baggy Pants ($142)
We can see how Charlie Chaplin could have served as inspiration for these tentlike pants. Our advice? Go for a full-on Little Tramp ensemble by tucking a white top into the trousers and finish the look with suspenders.
7. Denim Waistcoat ($71)
A denim vest is a simple way to add a little warmth and a lot of style to an otherwise basic fall outfit. We would like to see this over a thin turtleneck with a flowy skirt, and a plethora of thoughtfully-chosen bangles.
Photo of Lou Doillon, WENN.
Unlike many celebrity-endorsed collections, Doillon assumes a very hands-on approach when constructing pieces for Lee Cooper. In fact, the free rein Lee Cooper offered is what appealed to Doillon in the first place (she also liked that the brand was originally made for workers, before it was something fashionable). For her fall compilation, she aimed to create clothes for girls with reckless abandon and derived inspiration from Charlie Chaplin's, The Kid, as well as the French film, Jules et Jim. Doillon accomplished her vision by constructing oversized trousers, tiny t-shirts, denim vests, and more. She also resolved that each garment be straightforward enough so as to leave room for the wearer to add whatever they want on top of it. (The perfect ode to her own individual panache!) In other words, she wants you to wear the clothes, rather than the other way around. Doillon succeeded in her intentions, so we chose a few favorites for you to get your hands on!—Jessica Amento, additional reporting by Roxanna Khamneipur
1. Skull Shirt ($63)
A 3/4 length button-up top is a great piece to use for fall's layered looks and we are particularly fond of this one. The top hat-wearing skull in the corner adds a very Doillon touch to a traditional piece. Wear this with a white pocket tank, a pair of black tapered jeans, and a fedora.
2. Linda Oversize V Neck Knitwear ($102)
Finding a v-neck sweater that is just right (not too short, not too long) is not as easy a task as one might think, but we are very pleased with the shape and shade of this one. Plus, it is made with a hint of cashmere, so it's pleasing to the touch! We picture Doillon throwing it on with a pair of leather pants and leopard flats—plus her signature bright red lipstick and unkempt hair, too, of course!
3. Catherine Long Knit Coat ($190)
This knit sweater jacket is very inviting and the ideal piece of outerwear to get cozy in all winter. Style it with Cheap Monday Jeans
4. Johnny Denim Biker Jacket ($283)
This asymmetrical coat is an awesome denim interpretation of the season's must-have motorcycle jackets. Try wearing the denim piece over a simple white or gray fitted dress and over-the-knee boots.
5. Jules Oversized Boyfriend Shirt ($95)
We come across a fair amount of boyfriend shirts in our workplace and this one is currently in our top five. We'd like to see this multi-colored plaid top worn somewhat unexpectedly, like with the sleeves rolled up and buttons undone over a black tank, and paired with a black fitted miniskirt, Wolford tights
6. Cocos Oxford Baggy Pants ($142)
We can see how Charlie Chaplin could have served as inspiration for these tentlike pants. Our advice? Go for a full-on Little Tramp ensemble by tucking a white top into the trousers and finish the look with suspenders.
7. Denim Waistcoat ($71)
A denim vest is a simple way to add a little warmth and a lot of style to an otherwise basic fall outfit. We would like to see this over a thin turtleneck with a flowy skirt, and a plethora of thoughtfully-chosen bangles.
Photo of Lou Doillon, WENN.
lou's look in the clipping in all Givenchy with the exception of the tee and the trainers. the shot is from their show, i know since i saw her there. i would kill for the leather pants but cannot afford the heavy price tag. lee cooper should show a clipping of her wearing something from the boring collection. maybe that would give the looks some life?!!
Posted by: gwen | 2009-01-23 21:39:52
Just a heads up on Lou's collection. The web site sale has just started at www.leecooper-online.com and it has 30% off roughly. The site operates in £stirling so a great time to buy as the pound is very week, like getting an extra25% off on top.
Posted by: steve | 2009-01-10 05:47:12
The new Lou range is mega, real wearable cloths that look great and super design. I love the jumpers especially the lave coloured charlotte. they have just added a dodger skirt in 80s used broken and a pencil skirt that is pure parisien glamour. The Kid trousers in pure wool have just gone on the site, in Cosmo next month. Also for the wise there is a 10% discount code LCNOV that can be used until the end of the month.
Posted by: steve | 2008-11-14 13:42:49
the skull shirt is great :) http://fashion--now.blogspot.com
Posted by: melmo | 2008-11-09 05:58:04
I love the plaid shirt and the vest they are amazing! Kudos to her!
Posted by: Amber | 2008-11-08 19:50:15
oh i love her right now, new it girl. great lee cooper line too
Posted by: AusAnna | 2008-11-08 05:08:09
You know what would be even better? Lou Doillon and Alice Cooper. I would wear all of it.
Posted by: Val | 2008-11-07 18:38:04
Lous Doillon has such great style but I'm not sure if I like the line. exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com
Posted by: Hadley | 2008-11-07 14:56:48
I love her style but this line is boring.
Posted by: erin | 2008-11-07 14:28:58
mmmmmm I want the v neck and plaid shirt. theres also some really cute pieces on sale on the site
Posted by: LovesGemma | 2008-11-07 13:31:53
i just dont see anything inspiring or original i love her style but this is just blah
Posted by: sophia | 2008-11-07 13:25:43
We love Lou Doillon for Lee Cooper! see how one sweater can be worn 3 different ways to maximize the life of your new Lee Cooper piece at www.camillesaid.com
Posted by: C A M I L L E S | 2008-11-07 12:38:06
ewwwww. all of this stuff is sooo gross. and WAY too expensive for Lee Cooper. bish, please. I would maybe get the plaid shirt (at value village)
Posted by: bryanna | 2008-11-07 12:31:06
well said, Stephanie. Lou's outfit in the candid totally rocks...so Patti Smith. Produce the stencil tee, blazer and black trainers and yoiu might be on to something.
Posted by: melanie | 2008-11-07 12:25:55
I agree with almost everyone who has responded to this post so far. Why anyone would pay that amount of money for such unflattering, not very special pieces is beyond me. And right on, you could find all these things at a discount price at other stores, like many of you have already mentioned.
Posted by: fashi0nlover | 2008-11-07 11:50:12
I'm not crazy about this, especially with the prices. You could pick up this stuff at H&M, Zara, Topshop... nothing special.
Posted by: aimy | 2008-11-07 10:26:32
Out of all the peices, I think I would only wear two of them, the rest you can throw away. http://www.cforchic.blogspot.com
Posted by: Champagne | 2008-11-07 09:47:46
I love her, thanks for posting. Although, I am not immediately drawn to these pieces, I am sure we will all totally understand them in a few months.
Posted by: Megan | 2008-11-07 09:18:06
I would never pay this much for clothing "designed" by a celebrity that does not have some form of fashion design degree. Please. Paying for a name?
Posted by: Aitch | 2008-11-07 09:14:10
I don't understand why the prices in the graphic don't match the prices in the copy? What am I missing here???
Posted by: MEP | 2008-11-07 08:16:52
wtf? boring as hell.
Posted by: chloe | 2008-11-07 07:33:50
i am disappointed. i really like her style and think she is forward thinking. but these pieces leave a lot to be desired and they look from the pictures as though they are very cheaply made.
Posted by: jebrew | 2008-11-07 07:21:25
EDIT Ms Doillon. (that was really bothering me :-))
Posted by: stephanie | 2008-11-07 06:58:45
Ms Douillon's a cool girl, but I don't think I'd buy any one of these pieces. I would however buy everything she's wearing in the candid! I love the denim vest, but in my experience you have to have a MINI frame to pull them off in an of-the-moment way.
Posted by: stephanie Borid | 2008-11-07 06:55:22
I don't like it... at all..
Posted by: Lo | 2008-11-07 06:49:50