LIGHT UP MY LIFE
New York: Richard Chai’s one-word description of his inspiration this season — “light” — is brief but concisely accurate; S/S 13 offerings were airy in hue and weight, and the show’s mood was carefree. Chai revisited last Spring’s active influences — zippered shirts and outerwear were cut from sheer nylons, pullovers came in neoprene, and racing stripes made even suiting sporty — and rumpled cottons fell in line with the designer’s trademark casual-cool aesthetic. While fabrics and details ensured comfort and functionality, tailored silhouettes, monochromatic styling and polished side-slicked manes kept looks ultra-clean. —Whitney Kessler
Silhouette: Relaxed / Tailored / Boxy
Color: Periwinkle / Chalky whites / Chartreuse / Royal blue / Indigo / Silver / Buff / Khaki / Graphite / Slate / Charcoal
Key Items: Zip-front shirt / Carpenter pant / Neoprene sweatshirt / Nylon polo / Wide-leg short / “Tech” trouser / Pieced blouson / Long gilet / Sporty suit / Denim Balmacaan
Materials: Sheer nylon / Woven cottons – some treated for a crinkled effect / Neoprene / Denim / Jersey
Print + Pattern: Digital gingham / Racing stripes
Details + Trim: Zipper closures / Raglan sleeves / Drawstrings / Storm flaps / Pieced constructions / Utility pockets / Band collars
Accessories + Footwear: Simple oxfords / Palladium high-tops / Sheer ribbed trouser socks
