Lafayette 148 NY Resort 2020 Collection
Lafayette 148’s resort collection maintained a notable Seventies character. It’s not surprising as many designers this season have looked back to that era, updating key styles in modern ways. Creative director Emily Smith noted the collection was just as much about transitional holiday attire — adding layers of luxe that take you from desk to dinner, or even a more formal event. There was a good amount of sequins and sparkle: hand-knit sweaters with hand-applied sequins, rhinestone trim along shirts, and detachable embellishments she referred to as “beaded fur” along the cuffs of a chic black top and pant set. Notable day pieces included pleated culottes cut in leather or wovens, and a big cashmere cape that was both comfy and dramatic.
Lafayette 148 NY Resort 2020 Collection
The first impression of Lafayette 148’s fall collection was that of warm, sophisticated clothes meant to be lived in. The brand is known to dress the career woman, which has meant great suiting and men’s wear influences in the past, often with artistic undertones. Creative director Emily Smith has been steering the brand into more alluring territory lately, too, balancing a level of luxe and modernity that has broad appeal.
She eschewed a seasonal inspiration and focused on great design, luxe fabrications and novelty touches. Models roamed around the new showroom in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard in layered looks that highlighted contrasts of structured and fluid, masculine and feminine. A prime example of how she updated workwear beyond basics included a fluid satin suit under an equally elegant melange camel coat, and a mink-accented cashmere sweater styled with a leather midi skirt that amped up the cool factor. A contrast of shapes resulted in a boxy plaid coat over a slim, waist-defining blazer and high-waisted paperbag trousers. A rich palette of camel, rust and grayscale punctuated a polished sensibility.
Lafayette 148 NY Fall 2019 Collection
