Members Only is a brand that's never been short on irony. The faux-exclusivity of the name alone smacked of it, and only a few ye ars after its 1980 cr eation everyone became a member. However, once a brand hits the top it's typically left with one direction to go-down. And down Members Only gradually went, faltering from mainstream brand status to fashion relic during the 1990s.The story would likely have ended there, were it not for the increasing popularity of vintage clothing and an inevitable '80s revival in the 2000s. In its second moment of irony, a far cry from its father-friendly origins, turn-of-the-century hipsters from L.A. to Tokyo recognized the charm of a jacket whose distinct style is now echoed by many current designers. As a new market for Me mbers Only emerged, quick thinking fashion vet Maureen Regan moved in on the brand, obtaining the rights in 2003. With a new direction, her company has managed, without major corporate backing, to turn a once stagnant brand into an in-touch line, shaking the irony factor in favor of becoming a legitimate player looking to lead, not follow. "Why not have the luxury of designing what we believe in, rather than copying everything and shipping to everyone?"says Regan. With an expanded spring line (expect more than the classic racer) drawing inspiration from the Italian classic bocce ball, a fall palette based on Tibetan monasteries, and an upcoming Alife collaboration (among others), it's apparent that while it's the same club, the members have definitely changed.

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