For any style maven who’s tried to make Blackbird boutique’s edgy, urban menswear work for her, Belltown-based designer Jennifer Charkow is a godsend. Her new Stone Crow Designs women’s wear line combines the drama of Alexander McQueen with the showstopping edginess of Rick Owens.
“I want to take the avant-garde or over-the-top and make it understandable,” says the 34-year-old Charkow. “I use it as a starting-off point. It’s [about] maintaining the idea and then making it work within your real-life designs.”
The result: an eco-conscious selection (organic cottons and recycled scrap leathers) of city-smart separates that appeal to the motorcycle chic in even the most conventional lady. Unapologetic edge exudes from a smoky couture evening gown made from a surplus parachute and topped with a high-neck leather collar; cotton-jersey-draped tanks with open backs or side cowls; and the classic black legging toughened up with leather kneepads and stitched detailing. Prices range from $30 for tanks to $450 for leather jackets; available at stonecrowdesigns.com.
