Camaieu
Camaieu
Well-known for its numerous boutiques (almost 600 worldwide), leading French brand Camaieu has been offering a large range of fashion options for young women seeking a European look and quite affordable prices since 1984.
Following fashionable trends, the company makes plain clothes for all occasions. When first entering Camaieu at Chervonoarmiyska to check out its latest autumn collection, nothing caught my eye except ordinary-looking grey-colored and unpretentiously cut clothes that looked as if they were designed for an office mouse. But after I took a closer look at the place, and explored both its first and underground floors, I quickly changed my opinion. There were some nice garments indeed, and even the grey-colored ones could work fine, if properly combined.
This fall Camaieu is offering several collections:
“College Years” is designed as student fashion, with various striped shirts and plisse skirts, college jackets and jumpers; “Ballade Folk” is full of checkered materials, country-style shirts and jeans of grey and ground colors; “Autumn Impressions” makes a hippie flashback with a range of transparent chiffon dresses, blouses and tunics with bright flowery patterns, which perfectly combine with wide belts with massive buckles, to be worn around the hips; the name “Scottish Defile” speaks for itself – famous Scottish plaid patterns are to be found everywhere – on dresses, plisse skirts and jackets; and finally, for special occasions, check out the elegant line “Private Evening” made up of white blouses, feminine suits, classic little black dresses and double-breasted coats – austere and romantic at the same time.
Camaieu’s store has two floors with four halls overall, spacious fitting rooms and friendly staff. The assortment includes everything from clothes to bags and accessories. Collections are updated twice a week, and come with attractive prices and wearable original designs in a wide range of colors. There are a lot of knitted clothes, which are duplicated in different colors. The wide size-ruler and the prices are pleasing as well: t-shirts for Hr 69 to Hr 139, blouses for Hr 139 to Hr 319, and jumpers for Hr 179 to Hr 369. The light overcoat will cost you Hr 899 and jeans – Hr 269.
One big counter right next to the cash desk is filled with various earrings, beads, scarves, gloves, belts, etc. With only Hr 100 in your pocket, you can buy lovely brightly-colored beads, a pair of hair bands or colored gloves. One of their good trumps is stocking goods manufactured in Spain. High-quality tights and leggings are priced for Hr 50. So far, there are two Camaieu stores in Kyiv. The opening of the third boutique is planned for the beginning of October on 1 Prospect Myru in Darnytsya district.
Cop. Copine
The Parisian line for saucy girls, Cop. Copine, in contrast to Camaieu, has been around in Kyiv for several years. Previously, you could only find select items from Cop. Copine collections in some multi-brand stores, if you got lucky. But finally their mono-brand store was opened at Bilshovyk shopping center. Cop. Copine, created by designer Leon Nedelian, has been quietly creative and prolific for more than 20 years now. In earlier days, the label was called Copain Copine, French for “boyfriend girlfriend,” but later was slightly shortened. Innovative fabrics, textures, asymmetrical shapes and unusual embellishment techniques are compelling forces behind each Cop. Copine garment, sustaining the enthusiasm of their fans. If you enjoy exploring dynamic, idiosyncratic styles, you should pay close attention to the brand. Their latest autumn collection is already hanging on the racks in the store. The collection is all about deep colors, rich fabrics, luxurious knitwear and sophisticated, feminine design. There is denim, shoes, bags and other accessories. Those who are already familiar with the brand know that their charm isn’t about the color palette, but the fabulous cut line. Their monochrome (one of this season’s main trends) tunic with a stylish cut and relaxed ease will give you an interesting visual flair without overdoing the funky element. Combine it with metallic jewelry, leggings and jeans for varied looks. Woolen coats are offered for about Hr 1,400, and the average price for various vests, shirts, jumpers, and skirts fluctuates at Hr 600. A seasonal sale comes to Cop. Copine, too. But to my regret, most remaining cool items are presented in one size only – mostly too big for me. All collections are divided not by types and design of the clothes but by sizes – from 36 to 42. Each of the four racks holds items of only one size, which considerably simplifies sorting out what to try on. Take note that all their original stuff is protected by a rubber orange label logo — a figure of a little man with lifted hands. That way you always know it’s not fake.
Camaieu (23 Chervonoarmiyska, 234-8924; 15A Moskovskiy Prospect,
hypermarket Auchan, metro Petrovka);
Cop. Copine:
Bilshovyk shopping center (6 Hetmana, metro Shulyavska, 228-2259);
Metrograd shopping center (Ploshcha Lva Tolstoho – Besarabska Ploshcha, boutiques section and clothing section).
