FIRST LOOK: MISE EN SCENE BY RUFFIAN

Cool Victoriana clothes hit the mall, courtesy of Anthropologie.

Ruffian has made it into the closets of Kirsten Dunst and Kate Moss, but starting this fall, you can find it in a much more accessiblet location: the mall.

The New York City-based label just announced a four season-long partnership with Anthropologie, the sophisticated older sister to Urban Outfitters. The collection, called Mise en Scene by Ruffian, keeps the label’s trademark cool Victoriana look and bespoke details; among the fall ’09 pieces are high-collared ruffle blouses, hand-seamed hosiery, and coats with custom buttons and printed linings.

If the name itself doesn’t hint at Ruffian’s love of theater, the homewares collection will. From Mad Men-ready mirrored martini glasses and cigarette cases to scented candles called “Intermission” and “Dressing Room”, Mise en Scene by Ruffian is practically an ode to performance art.

Which, in many ways, is exactly how you could describe the world of fashion. The only difference here is that you get the look without the wallet drama. To which we say, bravo!
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS

$38-400 at Anthropologie starting November.



This story was published on September 21, 2009.