Lafayette 148’s Fall 2011 collection made a splash last week at the label’s Chinatown showroom and the message was clear, ‘Conservative doesn’t have to be boring.’ The label known for its sensible silhouettes, crisp white button downs, clean lines and office friendly dresses shows off a more exotic side this fall. The collection is inspired by creative director and CFDA member Edward Wilkerson’s travels to India.
Elements of the Orient can be seen in the rich purple and reds, thick coin belts that cinch the waist of unconventional sheath dresses and sari-style dresses. Dresses and trousers get a touch of exoticism with leather paneling. Boardroom ready boucle jackets and matching skirts as well as crisp button down shirts in an array of styles and silhouttes complete the collection. Lafayette 148’s collection appeals to 20-something women just as much as the older generation who prefer smart work attire. The line also makes its collection in petites and plus size and is available nationwide at retailers like Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s.
