Designer John Bartlett is known for bringing sexy back to American menswear–but his price points meant his collections were available to the select few. That should change with the launch of Claiborne, his menswear line for Liz Claiborne (which tapped Isaac Mizrahi to breathe new life into its women’s collection). The debut collection combines the slim cuts of the Mad Men era with classic preppy pieces–narrow polos and cardigans, bermuda shorts in madras, and two-button jackets.
Bartlett and Project Runway style czar Tim Gunn will present the collection this Wednesday Thursday at 6 PM at Carson Pirie Scott in Norridge (4300 N. Harlem, 708-453-1053).