Be Closed Minded

Though it’s been around since the 1970s, the German-based clothing brand Closed has in recent years really begun to make its mark on the upscale casualwear market for women, men and children.

Sold in more than 30 countries, the line has recently been making a huge splash in the States, being picked up by such heady stores as Atrium, Max, Ron Herman, Elyse Walker, American Rag and Barneys. “Closed is a 30-year-old brand that is new to the American market. [It offers] classics with a twist, European design influences, new fabric technologies [and] casual sophistication,” says Nina Zyweitz, the brand’s spokesperson for the U.S. market.

Its newest capsule collection called Flash is for Spring/Summer 2011 and it’s a colorful, cheery and bright collection of clothes that simply screams summer vacation. Full of hot pinks, neons and yummy sorbet colors, the woman’s capsule collection is comprised of five essential pants—biker jeans and four chinos—as well as vintage jersey t-shirts (including two Michael Poliza prints), tank tops, and cap-sleeve and long-sleeve tees perfect for layering. Plus, the pink boyfriend tuxedo jeans with the satin band are simply to-die-for.

The men’s collection has a similar aesthetic, showing four relaxed chinos in bright summery colors, as well as matching t-shirts and long-sleeve cotton jerseys.

No, the collection doesn’t come cheap (bottoms range in price from $198 to $249 while tops and dresses are $79 to $298) but the line’s renowned attention to detail and the quality of the workmanship make it well worth it.

Check out closed.com for more information about the brand.

By Marni Manko.