Always well dressed, but never well behaved.
IF you have ever visited the L. L. Bean store in Freeport, Me., which is open around the clock, you are aware that there is more to this company than the backpacks, canvas totes and rubber-bottom boots that have been signifiers of a certain chic-but-plain-and-simple New Englander life for nearly a century. Part of the charm is that nothing seems to change about the products, even though these days you can also buy a cappuccino or a personal flotation device for your dog at 3 a.m.
But as camping has come into vogue (see the Dsquared spring 2010 men’s collection), or at least is promoted as an inexpensive vacation option, it now happens that L. L. Bean, like other outdoor companies, is planning an updated look with a collection called L. L. Bean Signature. The company has hired a name designer, Alex Carleton, the founder of Rogues Gallery, as its creative director. In March, it will introduce the line, including tailored linen blazers and buffalo plaid shirts for men and camp jackets and a madras shirtdress for women.
(Via NYT)
