I am very excited to be able to add two items from Preen by Thornton Bregazzi’s Star Wars collection to my wardrobe. The first I’ll review is their ‘Padme’ shirt, featuring the Darth Vader print. I purchased my shirts directly from Preen via their website, with shipping direct from London via UPS. The value of these items will exceed customs limits in many countries, incurring additional charges of tax/duty if shopping from overseas. There are other fashion websites that stock Preen, but when making purchases of this value, I prefer to buy direct from the designer. The price of the Padme’ shirt was £355 – which converts to approximately US$560.
After careful consideration of the sizing chart, I ordered the shirts in size xs. The sizing chart is accurate, I was a little worried about ordering the smallest size, but these shirts aren’t designed to be close fitted. They arrived in a gorgeous black box, featuring the designer’s name on the lid – the box has a lovely suede feel. Inside the shirts were wrapped in branded tissue paper, as expected.
The Padme’ shirt is made from 100% silk, with Preen’s Darth Vader image printed on the front, together with the geometric pattern that features throughout the collection. The print has so much detail in it, with various vehicles around the familiar helmet – I love the image of Luke Skywalker reflected in Vader’s lens. The sleeves are sheer, the cuffs closing with Preen’s distinctive ‘screw head’ style buttons. The shirt opens at the back with a small keyhole and button loop, and the front has small darts in the bust.
The garment tag has the Star Wars logo, carefully hand sewn in – the price tags also feature the logo and Lucasfilm copyright. The sewing on the shirt is what you would expect from a designer garment, the lower hems all turned over neatly to hide the overlocking/serging. It measures approximately 20.5″ across the chest, and 20″ across the lower hem.
It is one of my favourite pieces from Preen’s collection. I love their dresses, but I felt that shirts would be more versatile, and they were a more attainable price point for me. It is so very exciting to own a piece from a Fashion Week runway show collection, and for me the shirt is worth the price I paid. Of course these shirts aren’t something I can afford very often, but it is amazing to own Star Wars fashion of this level, a refreshing change from common t-shirts.
