Boston - September 15, 2006

Critical Thinking

Society for Rational Dress

Oh, sure. You can wax academic about the iconic significance of Balenciaga’s latest with the best of them. But when all is said and done, you shoot from the hip and dress from the gut.

Better brace both sides of your brain for Society for Rational Dress, the fledgling label that just landed on shelves at Stel’s.

The collection is as smart as it is creative — the materials are luxurious, the shapes are innovative.

Low-slung, satiny skirts and billowy bow-tied pants evoke eveningwear but look ever so casual. Flowing taupe dresses and midnight-black capes may as well have taken a page from a Victorian novel. Kimono-inspired wraps and hooded tunics will have you blessing the glory of fall.

Your left brain says: The standout designs are woven with centuries of fashion references. Your right brain: It all looks totally killer.

Can both sides rationalize buying lots and lots of it?

Don’t give it a second thought.

Available at Stel’s, 334 Newbury Street, Back Bay (617-262-3348). To see styles, go to societyforrationaldress.com.