The Recessionista Reviews Kinder Agguini for Macy’s

Pictured: My favorite dress from Kinder Agguini for Macy’s

I’ve been checking out the Kinder Agguini collection at Macy’s for the last two weeks in search of the above purple dress with floral panel down the front.  Today I found it and I have to say, it’s pretty fabuless.   The Kinder Agguini for Macy’s Impulse collection launched about two weeks ago, and it’s selling briskly.  In fact many of the dresses, including the one pictured about are already sold out online. But as some of the pieces sell out, new pieces are still being added to the collection.   This week a Victorian inspired print top with tie back has been added.  I just saw Kinder Agguin’s London Fashion Week collection online and it’s true that the Macy’s Impulse collection does contain his signature touches: lush draping, lovely prints, kimono sleeves and tailored jackets.  Most of the pieces are true Misses sizing, but a few items like the leather and boucle jackets run smaller and are more junior sized.  The collection is priced on average from $40-$140 US, with specialty pieces selling up to $300.00 US. The line features jackets, knitwear, dresses, shorts and even a romper.  My favorite pieces in the collection are the dresses with the colorful prints.  They skim the figure in a flattering way are will travel well without wrinkling.  There are long sleeved dresses with floral prints at the top, or panels on the skirt, as well as faux wrap dresses with flutter sleeves that are surprisingly flattering. I also adore the cute cardigan sweater with the puff sleeves and polka dot trim around the collar and sleeves.  There’s also a great black vintage looking rain coat/trench with red flowers along the hem for $119.00 US.  As always, there are some items I’m not so crazy about : the satin disco like shorts and ruffled Swiss dot shirt.  For the prices, those are a big pass.

Although Kinder Agguini is much better known in Europe than the states, a few Macy’s shoppers may recognize his name.  He’s worked with upscale British fashion houses like Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith. “When I was approached by Macy’s, I thought they were going to ask me to be in the Thanksgiving Day Parade,” Aggugini said in a press statement. “Imagine my surprise when I heard they wanted me to design a line for their stores all over the U.S. So I thought, ‘A designer known for handcrafted luxury aimed to the fashion elite, to create a contemporary line for the kids of America? Oh yeah, sounds great! Let’s do it!’ And we can make it different. Let’s design it as if it was a runway collection, make this line about silhouettes, colors, draping and structure. The idea is to give it a chic look, that feels sexy and edgy and best of all, you can afford it.”

I would say this collection is a success and is better made and tailored than anything Target Go has brought to market. One reason is, it is not made in only small sizes that are best suited for tweens (think William Rast for Target). While it’s selling quickly, Kinder Agguini  for Macy’s Impulse is certainly much more accessible that a limited collection H&M designer offering.  You won’t have to get up at 5 a.m. and wait in line to shop Kinder Agguini  for Macy’s. It’s also available at Macys.com, but unfortunately you can’t use a coupon or Macy’s Passport coupon to get a discount. So far, there are no discounts on Kinder at Macy’s. But believe me, I’m watching for any reductions or sales on this collection.