The Richard Chai/Filson affair was front and center this morning at Richard Chai’s Autumn/Winter 2012 runway show, part of New York Fashion Week, and not just in accessories (as mentioned earlier in the week, Chai is now creative director of Filson). Fabrics and textiles used throughout Chai’s collection look to be sourced from Filson’s own archive and fashioned in a manner that really does hint as a merging of two styles: the boxy fits – standards in the Filson collection – make their presence on the runway along with more tailored long coats. The inspiration as noted is Richard Chai “in the wood.” It certainly looks to be the case in a positive manner.

Photography: Selectism.com

More looks in our gallery…

A quick preview of what the runway models at Richard Chai’s Autumn/Winter 2012 show will be shuffling in. Chai worked with Palladium Boots, who have outfitted the likes of Neil Barrett runways in the past. Richard Chai chose two Palladium boots, the Pampa Hi and the Pampa Tactical to layer his own custom fabrics on, including corduroy and felted wool, which pull from classic suiting elements. While the Palladium boots will be exclusive to Chai’s runway show, the looks will eventually be offered through boutique. Keep an eye out.

More looks in our gallery…

While it isn’t exactly Lou Reed taking Metallica by the hand, Richard Chai assuming the position of Creative Director at Filson presents a surprising pairing. We’re certainly not predicting a Lulu-esque fiasco, but we can easily picture a younger Reed stumbling confidently down the avenue in Chai’s breezy, androgynous creations. We can also picture James Hetfield pretending to be rugged in a pair of Filson’s hearty overalls. Here’s what Chai is saying: “Our partnership will be rooted in everyday wear—approachable with unexpected fabrications and details that are signature to my collections, all while staying true to the heritage of the Filson Brand.”

Bottom line: this should be interesting, so watch for a full showing this fall that includes a capsule collection of classic Filson jackets dipped in Chai. -jt

Photography: models.com

Richard Chai kicks off his fifth season with Spring/Summer 2012.  Pattern and laying work bring casual feel to the collection. Check the gallery for the multi mixed fabric works against top and bottoms. The dotted print with button line piping in blue is a strong hit as is the patterned shirt above.

Photography: Jacob Breinholt/Selectism.com

More looks after the click.

Richard Chai delivers a new set of custom black leather driving gloves for Acura. They’re inspired by the latest super-hero flick in theaters now (think big hammer). They should be available at ODIN.

More looks after the click.

The ongoing Richard Chai/Original Penguin collab continues this autumn with their recent New York presentation. It’s on the wearable side of things, but that’s no knock. We’re fans of the coats and knits, which we’ll surely be coveting come september.

Take a leap to see the rest of the collection

NYFW continues to roll on. Looks from the forthcoming Fall/Winter 2011 collection by Richard Chai. The tones remain dark but this should not take away from the detail work. The coat in the look, above right, is just one of the pieces to catch our eye.

Photography: Jacob Breinholt for Selectism

More looks after the click.

Continuing coverage of New York Fashion Week, we take a look at Richard Chai for Original Penguin. The relationship between brand and designer kicks off with something of a teaser, just 8 pieces coming for Spring in anticipation of a full 25 piece collection for Autumn 2011. “Richard and Original Penguin share an aesthetic – smart, classic clothes with a touch of modern whimsy,” says Ann Payne, Creative Director of Original Penguin. “Richard is creating for us something totally new, while at the same time staying true to the roots of our heritage brand.”

Many more runway images and the full product discriptions of Richard Chai’s collection for Original Penguin after the jump.

Glimpses of the Richard Chai for PRO-Keds collection made their rounds around NYFW after their debut during the Chai runway show. Today, we’re happy to bring you more detailed photos of the collection which will hit stores sometime around January – just in time for Spring 2010 delivery. A variety of color ways will be available against a low and high top models with zipper and laceless looks that borrow fabrics from Chai’s own collection.

More looks at the Richard Chai for PRO-Keds collection after the jump.