ALL GROWN UP
New York: Elizabeth and James is the playful little sister of Mary Kate and Ashley Olson’s The Row, but this season the label seems to have grown up. Could it have been the twins’ big CFDA win that inspired the shift to a more serious attitude? There was an Asian element to the minimalist designs, which included long, lightweight jackets that resembled kimonos and cropped, wide-leg trousers that could have been inspired by karate pants. Blazers were boxy and oversized and featured a single button on the left side, for a touch of asymmetry. The palette of copper, orchid, lilac and cerulean complemented the lustrous taffetas and jacquards. Overall, the new sophisticated shift worked well, but one wonders how the twins will now differentiate Elizabeth and James from The Row. If fashion followers weren’t already waiting with baited breath to see that collection later on this week, they certainly are now. –Joanna Manganaro
Silhouette: Asymmetrical / Cylindrical / Relaxed
Color: Copper / Caramel / Blush / Cerulean / Orchid / Magenta / Ivory / Black
Key Items: Cropped wide-leg pants / Oversized blazers / Drape-y dresses
Materials: Jacquard / Taffeta / Linen / Washed silk / Chiffon / Metallic cotton
Print + Pattern: Tonal damask (for jacquards)
Details + Trim: Asymmetric buttons / Self-belts / Front creases / Draping / Keyhole neckline
Accessories + Footwear: Tortoise cat eye sunglasses / Stacked wooden bangles / Disc necklaces / Painted bone earrings / Flat multi-strap sandals
