Of Material Interest: The Navy Issue Deck Jacket.

There's the pea coat and then there's the oft replicated, iconic Navy issue deck jacket, introduced in the late 40's and refined over the following years to include the storm flap and metal 'lobster clip' for easier closure and resistance to corrosion from the elements that the exposed zipper was prone to. Constructed from a densely woven 13 oz. gros grain deemed 'jungle cloth' or cotton 'bedford' cord and wind-proofed with a layer of organdy between the jungle cloth and wool lining.

Q&A: Studio Visit w/ Dana Lee, NYC.

On a recent Saturday, I paid Dana Lee a visit in her new studio at the enviable south end of Crosby st(nearby is Ted Muehling, Saturdays, Derek Lam, Quality Mending Co. and next door is Tyler Hays' BDDW showroom). She's been there a while, moving studios a few times within the same building. This particular move is up to the top floor, the benefit of which is the presence of the skylights in her new place. Its a big move, bigger space and in a way, represents the large strides she's taken with her collection for FW10. I've always been a fan of hers, first A-Z, and now her eponymous line. With FW10, she's gone for it. All made in North America, one thing about Dana I've always appreciated was her fabric choices and fit. She has a knack for elevating the basics. And as I've taken note of over the past few seasons, outerwear. With this collection, she's been working with Cory Gomberg (of Greige and most recently, Bureau) and the combined talent has resulted in her strongest collection yet. I'm always excited to see what she's up to so I spent some time, looked through the racks, tried a few things on, landed a "modeling gig" and got her to answer some questions. Below, Dana talks about finding inspiration in plates, how FW10 came together and what we might expect for Spring...