back in 1975, women's fashion was on a roll, driven by a flourishing yet cautious ready-to-wear industry. smocks, blouses and tunics were all the rage... a flurry of silhouettes that christian restoin introduced men's shirts into women's wardrobes with the launch of his brand equipment - transforming a men's classic into a item of women's clothing with glam appeal. straightforward yet innovative, equipment, characterized by its refined tailoring and timeless appeal, quickly became a recognized name amongst the fashion elite. drawing his inspiration from american films of the 50s, from stars such as katherine hepburn and lauren bacall (who became one of his clients): the menswear inspired shirts became a worldwide success. committed to maintaining the quality and simplicity of the brand, restoin chose to specialize in shirts and nothing but shirts, - letting the product speak for itself rather than laboring under delusions of grandeur. but after enjoying twenty years of the brands success, restoin moved on, wishing to pursue another phase of his career.

Today, serge azria, a visionary and well known name in the industry, who also owns the successful fashion lines joie and current/elliott, is re-launching the illustrious brand as ceo and creative director.

the new collection recalls the classic, minimalistic undertones of the equipment brand, fusing french sophistication with an air of effortlessly chic, laid-back, california style. timeless and innovative, the collection features modern androgynous silhouettes, discreet sexiness, luxe fabrics, unexpected details and feminine riffs on men's shirting. the range of prints, fabrics and silhouettes negotiate the many facets of the equipment woman: she is strong, chic, elegant, adventurous, sexy and is above all, classic.

inspired and manifesting a modern perspective, the collection is infused with a freshness that propels the tried and true classic into the future of fashion. launched for spring 2010, this contemporary approach taken on the signature pieces pays homage to the legacy of the brand while maintaining the perfect balance of cool, understated elegance.