Alex & Eli’s Fall Line Is Bad-Ass Boardroom

If you've been reading Refinery29 lately, you can tell we've sorta been all about sexed-up menswear, which is why we're hyped about Alex & Eli's fall '10 collection. Designers Aja Singer, a former Zac Posen pattern-maker, and Anna Zeman, an ex-intern from Rodarte, met at Parsons, drawn together by their shared love of suiting. But lest you be visualizing a Melanie Griffith '80s shoulder-padded power-suit, slow your roll: These chicks have updated the look with fresh, distinctive tailoring and impeccable construction. Plus their sharp lookbook was shot by one of our fave photogs, Tina Tyrell. This season, their inspirations run the gamut from motocross racing gear to classic fox-hunting attire, with jackets and pants that are fierce and functional--think reinforced seams in the knees, shoulders, and elbows, tough hardware, and classic quilt-top stitching. We're especially digging the gunpowder gray and onyx fitted Fox Hunt blazer and the super slim Easy Rider pants. And even if you don't like to suit-it-up, the cropped blouses and biker-chic dresses work for an interview and an Interview party. So, pull a Donald Trump in the morning, then slip off the top or bottom to be Melania at night.

Alex & Eli's fall collection (from $180 for tops, $300 for dresses and pants, $500-$600 for jackets) will be available at Maryam Nassir Zadeh in mid-August. Maryam Nassir Zadeh, 123 Norfolk Street (at Rivington Street); 212-673-6405.