Alex Carleton and L.L.Bean

Two weeks ago in Hells Kitchen (art gallery, wine, Anderson Cooper) L.L. Bean showed off a glimpse of their next generation: LL Bean Signature. The collection, which launches in March, is a full line including 200 pieces ranging from evening attire to requisite buffalo plaid shirts, camp dresses and Maine-ified sailboat or buoy patterned pieces. Nothing exceeding $150. The new collection is being compared against J.Crew and Rugby and is headed up by creative director Alex Carleton— the man behind Rogues Gallery, our other favorite Maine-based clothier. Their long term goal: free-standing stores.



Photo of Alex Carleton by Jennifer S. Altman for The Boston Globe