This 36-year old American designer has been making a name for himself since he launched his first collection at New York’s Fashion Week in August 2007, and subsequently landed the cover of Women’s Wear Daily. So why doesn’t every fashionista around town know this man’s name? That, I cannot answer.
Here are the basics: Born in Buffalo, New York in 1972, Lippes “attended the Nichols school in Buffalo and studied Psychology at Cornell.” He then went on to study art history and architecture at the American University in Paris. After completing a year in Paris, he moved back to New York and began his career at Polo Ralph Lauren before moving onto Oscar de la Renta. Not a bad resume!
Once Lippes settled into de la Renta “he was quickly promoted to Global Creative Director, becoming one of the youngest to hold this position in the luxury fashion world. From 1996-2003, Adam worked closely with Mr. de la Renta on every aspect of the brand, including design, marketing and new business development.”
His first collection, under the name adampluseve, was a complete collection of cotton basics that was quickly picked up at Saks and named one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” which resulted in winning O’s “Real World Style Awards” (who knew Oprah has her own style awards! What does the woman NOT have?!). Seeing the success of this collection, Lippes grew his collection into a full sportswear line for men and women, and changed the labels name to ADAM.
Adam was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in August 2007, named one of the “most important young designers” in Vanity Fair’s “The Next Establishment” by October 2007, and launched his first boutique in Manhattan’s meatpacking district in December of that same year. He has since opened stores in Buffalo, New York and Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
His collections are tres, tres chic without trying too hard. His pieces fit perfectly between luxury and casual and would be appropriate in any setting. Many of his pieces are perfect "go-to outfits" for many occasions. For stores and shopping, go to www.shopadam.com. You can also check out his runway shows and behind the scenes footage.
ADAM is our latest love and we definitely think he is the BEST new designer you DON'T know about but should!...so spread the word and show off in front of your fashionista wannabe friends.
Heather Kilpatrick
