Edward Wilkerson, Lafayette 148 New York Fashion Director, will appear at Neiman Marcus, Thursday, March 10, to share the line’s Spring 2016 collection, including Neiman Marcus exclusives.
Founded in 1996, Lafayette 148 New York is known for beautifully crafted clothing in classic silhouettes and fine fabrics with an emphasis on lean architecture. Pieces can cost from about $200 for a simple T-shirt to about $1,300 (and more) for a lambskin vest.
Wilkerson took time out of his busy schedule — in his position Wilkerson travels the world gathering inspiration and sharing his expertise and point of view — to talk to SWL about spring, Lafayette’s elegant aesthetic and more …
SWL: Lafayette’s Spring 2016 collection is very clean with a mostly neutral palette and simple, elegant silhouettes. What was the inspiration or story behind that?
E.W.: Lafayette finds inspiration with leisurely terrace parties and the views beyond. The collection embodies a fresh approach to modernity with clean silhouettes and a zen organic feel.
SWL: Lots of fashion these days emphasizes “ease” which translates into “casual,” but Lafayette is dressier, more elegant. Where does that aesthetic come from?
E.W.: Our world-class fabric and expert craftsmanship add a certain amount of polish to every style – even to weekend-ready track pants and our more casual linen shirts. For us, the ease of dressing is about the overall comfort and fit of a silhouette.
SWL: Who is the Lafayette woman? How does she live?
E.W.: Our woman is multi-faceted – modern, confident, smart, and well-traveled. She’s a CEO, a business woman, a law student. She’s a mother, a wife, a single woman in the city. She’s inspired by fashion, art and modern architecture, and truly values quality over quantity. More and more we find that our woman is multi-generational, and hear stories of daughters borrowing our pieces from their mothers’ closets, and vice versa.
SWL: Are you going to be giving style tips at the Neiman Marcus Fashion Island event? If so can you share a few with us here?
E.W.: Of course! The presentation will feature 24 looks that highlight the season’s top trends from all white, sheer elements, and long vests, to awning stripes and so much more. You’ll see how to wear the season’s latest wide-leg pants including the Eldridge – a new favorite with a sleek front-wrap panel that ties on the side.
SWL: Are there any NM/Lafayette exclusives coming up?
E.W.: Yes, there are some really beautiful, luxe pieces. Two of my favorites are outfit-defining leather styles including a rock colored vest that ties at the waist ($798) and a bronzed-brushed jacket ($1,298) that looks like python, but is actually created with snake-inspired perforations on lambskin. Simply divine.
SWL: Can you give us a sneak peek at Fall 2016? How is it different from Spring? What can we expect?
E.W.: In celebration of our 20th anniversary, inspiration for our Fall 2016 Collection was drawn from the time when our brand launched – during the powerful cleansing moment of the ‘90s – and are simultaneously by the mesmerizing curvature of the artist Richard Serra. New edge comes with tied up and mock necks, by focusing on sleek, sinuous lines, and with a renewed appreciation of the shoulder. Bell sleeves, velvet, lace, and indulgent painterly paisleys add a touch of romance and provide balance for the more fuzzy textures and Double Face styles. Larger coats, longer skirts, and menswear-inspired pants anchor the collection, while precious cashmere and gorgeous fur accents elevate every look. In other words – it’s good, real good.
If you go:
What: Lafayette 148 New York fashion show
Who: Edward Wilkerson, Fashion Director of Lafayette 148 New York
When: 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, March 10
Where: Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island, 601 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach; (949) 759-1900
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