Michael Stars Stockist Knit Wit on the Label's Big News

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Under the guidance of designer Susan "Pete" Peterson, Michael Stars is branching out from cult favorite tees to a full range of apparel that will hit stores late July. "We started designing dresses, bottoms and jackets. Pete put it together as a collection, adding linens, leather-trimmed sportswear, really just a cooler vibe," label co-founder Suzanne Lerner tells the LA Times.

For now, it seems that Michael Stars' 900 specialty store stockists are on board with the label's new venture, eager to view the 160-piece collection on their shelves. Ann Gitter, whose Philadelphia designer boutique Knit Wit has stocked Michael Stars since the label's inception, has ordered the brand's new sweaters, silks, Tencels for fall—but she'll always have a sweet spot for Stars' tees.

"In the beginning, there were only a few [units] of unisex graphic T-shirts, but he added slowly and soon offered a huge assortment of beautiful colors, so you can always find a home for yourself each season," she says. "Now, there's hardly a category the brand doesn't dabble in. But they still keep it California casual and haven't lost their identity along the way."
· Growing the Michael Stars brand beyond T-shirts [LA Times]
· Knit Wit [Official Site]