Old School

While other designers experiment with see-now-by-now, social media and other direct to customer initiative Johnson Hartig, the brain behind the LA based brand Libertine is standing firm with keeping things traditional. “No, never” Hartig sharply responded when asked if he would consider doing a direct to sale collection. “I’m not interested at all. I’m not interested in social media I’m not interested in any of that. I’m old school; I have a dial phone, and I think it’s something elegant in keeping it old school.” Some of his peers agree as the switch to showing spring in spring and fall in fall has yet to grow on most brands who still show collections six months ahead of schedule.

Burn Baby Burn

As usual, Libertine’s Spring 2017 collection is busy. Everything was trimmed in embellishments. The standouts include a rose cover green coat, the portrait covered cropped pantsuit with a matching button down, and Queen Elizabeth sweatshirts, cardigans and outerwear. The clothes were fun, and his customers love that from the brand. “Our customers appreciate the whimsy, they appreciate the one-of-a-kind appeal, and they appreciate that we don’t take ourselves to seriously and that they are getting something they can tell a lot of love went into it” Hartig shared. His statement was spot on; show guests were decked out in Libertine, and they will buy this Spring 2017 collection, especially the stoners. The Bob Marley face and marijuana leaves printed on zip-up hoodies and mesh basketball will give Hartig cannabis smoking customers something festive to light up in.