April 1, 2014

The CUSP Event

Designer Paige Adams-Geller made a special appearance in the CUSP department at Neiman Marcus on March 23. The occasion was a runway/shopping experience among the relaxed casual fashions that CUSP comprises. The PAIGE Spring 2014 provided a special finale to the presentation.

Former fit model Adams-Geller is the first and only woman founder in premium denim. Her collection, PAIGE, which launched in 2004, became instantly popular with fashionistas young and old. In addition to fashions for women, including petites and maternity, the collection features menswear. This year, devotees will be able to dress head-to-toe in PAIGE, as she has added knits, silk and leather to the collection.

During her years as a fit model after she graduated from USC, Adams-Geller began to think about denim as an iconic piece in everyone’s closets. “What would I want if I lived in denim all the time?” she asked herself.

The question gave her direction. For one thing, she wanted all of her friends to be able to wear PAIGE. She says there’s something flattering for every body type, and mothers and daughters can shop together. Even the daughters appreciate that, says Adams-Geller – anything to keep Mom out of mom jeans!

Not a proponent of one shape fits all, Adams-Geller suggests there is no universal silhouette that suits everyone. To her, it’s all about proportion. No one needs to be pigeonholed into one style for her body type.

She also emphasizes trust and quality. If one size fits a customer, that size should fit the customer throughout the line. And the denim should stand the test of time, maintaining its shape washing after washing and not stretching out with wear.

“Some designers are just interested in making a great pair of jeans,” she says. “I think it goes beyond that. My customer is worldly, curious, strong and effortlessly chic, someone who likes to take risks, but still feel confident.”