Rittenhouse Does It Right

As Australia's answer to Opening Ceremony's private label, Rittenhouse is much more than a casual and hip collection of separates. Though the Sydney-based label is known for updating traditional basics, designers Sally McDonald and Micah Hamdorf stay true to their subdued aesthetic with versatile fabrics and prints.

For autumn/winter '08, there’s a "Sleeveless Sonny" stripe dress with a pleated collar and a drawstring waist; a tee dress that’s been transformed into a voluminous "studio smock" made from Bedford cotton; a jersey top with rolled shoulders; and men’s sweaters that look deceptively simple with stripes of varying sizes, double-folded collars and small slices of check inserts.

Though these details are subtle, they make all the difference for Rittenhouse—which is why each piece looks casual to the untrained eye, but is invitingly cozy at the same time. Any way you see it, Rittenhouse's clothes are cunningly cool.

For more information, see www.rittenhouse.com.au.

—Vildana Kurtovic