"I started off wanting to evoke a posh environment…a private women s club for women pushing the envelope and supporting each other," said Nanette Lepore after her show, where Arianna Huffington and SNL s Vanessa Bayer sat front-row. "I played into this fantasy of a fun girls club where they re rebels, being the heads of government and industry. But keeping it fun."
While it s more likely said leaders wore these flared miniskirts and printed sheaths during college and early professional careers, the collection did bring home a subtle military-meets-bohemian vibe, working in clubby (as in members-only) prints and patterns. The feel of rebellion was delivered in the form of Sperry boat shoes reimagined as platforms in leopard-print pony hair or by tweaking the watermelon pink and green prep standard a few degrees to a salmon and teal, best seen in a silk pleated top and wool sailor pants. It was earnest rebellion. With wool military capes, lace or brocade dresses, and a handful of crafty crochet and cable-knit sweaters that flirted with a 60s vibe, the collection landed nicely in Lepore s contemporary sweet spot.
