New York Fashion Week: Derek Lam S/S’14
Even though winter has barely begun, Derek Lam’s spring/summer 2014 collection has us dreaming of fresh spring days and outings in the park. The basic colour palette of navy and greys was brought to life with a splash of yellow, an amazing array of fabulous fringing and semi-transparent textures dotted throughout the collection. Now in his tenth year on the runway, he most certainly shows no sign of slowing down with this perfectly chic collection.
The show started with a focus on oversized gingham prints, a definite terrycloth picnic blanket feel with a fun twist. The focus on the boxy short sleeves and deep plunging necklines added an edge of sophistication to the fun fabrics. Teamed with cute gingham turbans and extra wide waist belts Lam succeeded in creating an effortlessly stylish look.
“Design-wise, my tendency is to look at clothes in a minute way. The challenge was to allow playfulness.” (Post Show – Derek Lam)
As the collection moved on we saw a beautiful variety of textures worked in, low slung raffia skirts were certainly a signature look for the show. Teamed with nipped in grey jackets, oversized lapels and boxy blouses the attention to detail to create this was appealingly minimalistic look. The introduction to heavily fringed edges added to the lovely textural feeling running throughout. Slung loosely around the waist the fringing added an edge of effortless glamour to a basic shape.
Finishing with a colour blocked yellow strapless dress to pull in the splashes through the collection; Derek’s vision of creating a playful yet minimal collection was truly achieved.
Feature: Robyn Egerton