Blue Notes

When founders Nathan Bogle and Marcus Wainwright lamented the difficulty of finding day-to-day clothing to match their laid-back style, they decided to make their own. Seeking to produce contemporary, well-tailored clothes in superior fabrics, the duo started with the basics: jeans. "We didn't want to be a denim label—we always had visions of collections," says Bogle. "But they were a great place to start technically, and they represented a lot of what Rag & Bone stands for, namely authenticity, history and timelessness. "

Launched in spring 2004, the first collection included men's jeans, pants, and printed shirts, which sold in a few select stores in New York and London. Now, the team produces both men's and women's wear (new for spring 2006 and something they're decidedly "very excited about") that goes beyond the original basic aesthetics to sell in over 140 stores around the globe.

"The spring collections stay true to our original concept of classics, but we have introduced a lot more shirts, jackets, and new styles of jeans," says Bogle. "The colors are soft and muted—grays, pinks, creams, camels, blacks—and the overall tone is about function and wearability." R&B's brand of wearability translates to trim charcoal twills, streamlined blazers, and crisp white shirts for men, plus dark, modern denim, tailored jackets, and perfect-fit tees (featuring a flock of feathered friends) for women.

"We feel people are starting to want a more refined wardrobe," explains Bogle, "and we hope our collections communicate and deliver that."

Rag & Bone is available at Steven Alan, Opening Ceremony, Famous Friend, and Oak.

Burgeoning UK label Rag & Bone is the current frontrunner in the realm of chic everyday-wear, and with their indigo mix of classic tailoring and timeless style, dressing down never looked so good.