Designer of the Week: Costello Tagliapietra

Costello Tagliapietra is composed of the well-matched yet unlikely (for the industry) duo of Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra. The pair are nearly as well known for their lumberjack-like appearances as they are for their dreamy high-end pieces.

Eye It: Spring 2009

Asymmetric Details

Beautiful asymmetrical pleating details make a chicly simple dress interesting. The styling for the runway is great, too: I am always a fan of pairing a leather belt with an otherwise feminine silk dress, as it adds an adventuress vibe to the overall ensemble.

A kimono-inspired shape and bold fuchsia color give this dress a natural insouciant sexiness.

Geometric Prints

The mod pattern, demure front, and draped back give this dress a very “1960s Italian film star on holiday” feel.

A long shape is unexpected but delightful.

Ladylike Two Pieces

Faux lapels, a deep V back, and unusual color pairing of metal and light yellow elevate this ensemble beyond the ordinary.

A meeting of asymmetrical details at the front and a surprise splash of green at the back.

Plasticine

The gorgeous peachy pearl color of this dress make it more John Currin muse, less Judy Jetson.

Overlapping fabric creates a trompe l’oeil V neckline.

Buy It: Costello Tagliapietra Online

Sadly, there is not a lot of Costello Tagliapietra to be found on the WWW. You can always wander into your local Barney’s and hope for the best (I have also seen them featured on Gilt Group), but as with many things, your best bet online (and price-wise) is Ebay. The current offerings:

A classic brown piece listed at $149.99.

A slinky silvery green dress for a mere $84.99.