A tale of two coasts
East meets West in Tory Burch’s Spring/Summer 2017 collection of cool contrasts.
WITH its East Coast preppy cool style and free-spirited vibes from the West Coast and beyond, relaxed and effortless coastal classics with a modern spin is the general feel of the Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2017 collection.
At the media preview in Hong Kong, the collection was displayed among custom-made surfaces of ivory paint and blonde woodgrain that evoked a beachside mood with its abstract take on sand ripples.
Wide-legged, buttoned sailor pants and striking graphic shift dresses will please fans of structured tailoring. Meanwhile, those in favour of softer silhouettes can look West for breezy dresses, eyelet frocks and separates, peasant blouses, embroidered caftans and board shorts.
As a mother, CEO, designer and philanthropist, Tory Burch knows full well that the modern woman wants beautiful, functional fashion that transitions from day to night with poise and polish.
As such, looks are easily dialed up or down, with georgette ruffle tops providing the perfect foil for a tweed jacket and cropped pants, while metallic threadwork and moonstones amp up shimmer and shine.
One embellished dress has a pleasing heft that will drape the wearer’s figure in flattering fashion, further accentuating the waist with a tie-front belt in the same jewelled finish.
Other pieces of note are voluminous, ankle-length hostess skirts paired with crop tops, as well as print pussybow blouses. These can be mixed and layered with contrast trim cardigans, tomboy blazers and crewneck sweaters.
The mix of prints and patterns channel the stylish decades of yesteryear with fresh flair, with the graphic garden motifs, regatta stripes and nautical prints inspired by the East Coast in the seventies.
Patchwork florals and bohemian batik pieces provide an updated take on the SouthEast Asian favourite, with a placed wave print subtly referencing the surf scene of the West Coast sixties.
The colour palette sees preppy pairings of orchid pink and green, orange hues both sunwashed and punchy, as well as nautical ocean blues, bold reds, lush yellows, and periwinkle blues.
Fabrics such as the delicate fil coupe chiffon make for an eye-catching embroidered maxi skirt, while linen burlap, cotton knits and silk shantung are a tactile testament to the collection of cool contrasts.
Fringed macramé is used to sexy, swishy effect in a hip-hugging skirt, while rickrack and appliquéd patches provide added dimension on outerwear, and criss-cross lacing lend a raw and rustic charm to open shoulder dresses.
As for the brand’s timepieces, new for Spring is the Double T Link watch, which is inspired by Tory’s new Gemini Link design motif, and available with a gold-tone link bracelet or reversible double-wrap leather strap in multiple colourways.
With its symmetrical double links, the case design is a graphic abstraction of the iconic Tory Burch logo and a nod to duality. After all, the number two is a significant one for Tory, from her twins to her Gemini zodiac sign.
Other watches with fresh finishes include the popular Sawyer, where the inlaid square case detailed with graphic etching is now complemented by a new reversible leather strap for the Sawyer Twist.
In a nod to Tory’s superstitious side, the watches also feature an octagonal crown for a subtle geometric touch – and many Asian cultures would agree that eight is a lucky number. The jewellery is aquatic inspired, with mismatched fish earrings, a rope necklace with a pink quartz fish pendant, and a charming frog pearl choker holding court alongside a statement choker and drop earrings.
From shoulder to satchel, handbags boast a spectrum of styles, such as the floral needlepoint Bermuda bags oozing old-world charm in a streamlined seventies throwback, while a cut-out crossbody number in modern monochrome, accented with the brand’s signature symmetrical double Ts, would look at home in any decade.
Apart from the embroidered fringe booties, one shoe to look out for is the versatile Tory Sport ruffle sneaker in a soft and smooth leather, that can be worn with everything from cocktail dresses to your favourite athleisure leggings.
The pearl-embellished Tatiana tweed slides with a woven textured heel go from runway to everyday with ease, while feathered earrings ered dreamcatcher bead with a golden wishbone centre impart instant festival chic, underscoring the collection’s relaxed, effortless style.