LAFAYETTE 148 NEW YORK FALL WINTER 2022

This season’s LAFAYETTE 148 collection introduces a joyful dialogue between the House’s signature sartorial precision and the idea of free-spirited bohemia. The resulting garments and accessories confidently explore the line between masculine and feminine, beatnik and boardroom, collegiate and professorial, practical and playful.

LAFAYETTE 148 Creative Director Emily Smith’s design intuitively understands the multi-faceted lives and sartorial needs of the modern woman. And this season the collection consciously evolves to not only satisfy the practical requirements of the accomplishing woman, but also introduce an equally important vernacular to her identity and wardrobe – playfulness.

An off-kilter bohemian spirit prevails throughout, adding touches of nonchalance and tactility. The chic sobriety of a perfect pantsuit is liberated when presented in wisteria and paired with the season’s exuberant accessories. The luxurious long tassels of oversize, richly plied-up scarves, soften the silhouettes. Traditional derby lace-ups, loafers and clutch bags are transformed in long-hair Italian shearling to add a note of unexpected and joyful tactility to the clean lines. And broderie anglaise and lace have been hand-collaged into delicate tapestry.

Alongside these rich textural elements, the collection demonstrates a feminine elevation of the bookish sartorial codes of the beatniks. Men’s overcoats are expertly constructed in classic herringbones using Certified Responsible Wool, yet crafted with cocooned dropped shoulders and gently engineered sleeves. Classic monk-strap loafers incorporate a stack-heel to subtly accentuate proportions. The iconic beret is paired with brocade broaches and ‘found’ pearl jewellery or styled with a cropped tuxedo and confident bare skin. Collegiate boyish blazers are re-sculpted into full-skirted coats or imagined in heritage plaids, teamed with crisply-pleated tunic dresses and organic silk blouses.

Throughout the collection, rich notes of wisteria, tile blue and copper are layered into the neutral tonal palette to add a graphic pop – as total looks, embroidered over plaids, or as tassels on loafers. Inspired by a classic camera bag, the new saddlebag folds out at its sides for ease and volume.

Ultimately, this season’s collection allows the LAFAYETTE 148 woman to express herself with a relaxed and playful confidence, without compromising her desire for flawless quality, luxurious materials, and versatility to her wardrobe – from boardroom to bohemia and back again.