Camp Reunion

REVISITING AN 80S FASHION FAVORITE

Fiorucci. Jordache. Sergio Valente. Vidal Sassoon. Will the 80s never die? The decade's latest incarnation is the newly resurrected Camp Beverly Hills, the famously neon-intensive clothing line that was kitschy even back then, with its palm-tree logos and oversize Crockett and Tubbs-style loungewear. The C.B.H. relaunch has been nothing if not timely, with firstyear sales expected to hit $6 million—and that's before the cast of The O.C. gets wind of it. From those with fond recollections of the colorful tracksuits, classic totes, and sassy prep-school gym shorts that were worn more as a fashion statement than as part of an athletic uniform, praise goes to chirpy best friends Adina Levin and Raquel Krouse, both 33, who met in high school. "One day we were sitting in Adina's parents' house rifling through stuff, and we found this old Camp Beverly Hills T-shirt," says Krouse. "We looked at each other and had this moment. It sparked this total nostalgia. Like a smell, it brought us back to that time."

The two girls bought the label and joined forces with designer Linda Meltzer, who invented the classic baby T, and brand consultant Lisa Shaller, whose clients include Juicy Couture and Hard Candy, to update the line, which is now available at Scoop, in New York, Ron Herman, in Los Angeles, and Neiman Marcus and Saks nationwide. But, Levin says, not too trendy. This time around, we want it to stand the test of time."

Will it last? Only the fickle consumer can tell. But nostalgia certainly seems to be paying off. Pretty in Pink, anyone?

DANY LEVY