Pre-Fall 2020 Presentation
Pre-Fall 2020 is inspired by Istanbul, a city of empires and a trove of
historical wonders and glittering artistic feats.
The celebrated Hagia Sophia boasts Byzantine and Ottoman swagger.
Its lavish details, anchored in antiquity, influence surface treatments
and dark, moody prints. Sequin-laden embroideries mimic the sinuous
carvings found on wooden doors with gold and silver inlays. The trims
—tonal and discreet—reflect the geometric ornamentation found on
every curve, twist, and line. It’s a place that reveals the legacy of
empire, and a place that is steeped in spellbound beauty.
Inside, sunlight streams through the windows encircling the dome and
washes the interior in gold. Incense smolders, creating tiny motes that
float in the shafts of light, which cast a delicate haze beneath the
mosaic-encrusted domes. This semi-transparency inspires silhouettes
that play with sheerness and illusion. On a lace gown, a tulle overlay
sweeps over the shoulders, twists at the waist, then falls into a soft,
billowy drape.
The collection’s proportions are informed by the architecture, where
endless arches are paired with structural pillars to create commanding
dimension. Elegance is emphasized by styles cut to fit close to the
body. Dresses graze instead of cling, and intricate draping
accentuates curves. A softened masculinity adds allure to the feminine
cuts; a tuxedo jumpsuit is defined by a nearly seamless wrapping at
the waist.
Across a crowded Istanbul square from the Hagia Sophia, stands the
Blue Mosque—the jewel of Istanbul. Its stained-glass windows inspire
ombré lace gowns that mix see-through light with color. Ceramic
glazes, stained glass, and gilded and enameled icons—remnants of
the old Constantinople—create the season’s palette.
From Byzantine ornateness to Ottoman splendor, the Istanbul born of
the past continues to captivate our imagination today.