It doesn t get more current than the opening look of the latest 10 Crosby Derek Lam lineup: a suede wrap skirt edged in fringe, which was paired with a crisp, draped poplin blouse and a sharp, menswear-ish coat. The outfit ticked off several trends that have been in the air for Pre-Fall, but it came together in a natural way that felt true to the diffusion brand s evolving message. At a preview of the new collection, 10 C s design director, Elizabeth Giardina, said she referenced minimalist Palm Springs architecture for the clean silhouettes, and then introduced texture in the form of tassels found on a tapestry-like pencil skirt and a shaggy pullover. Giardina went on to explain that fabric development is a continued focus each season. "In the contemporary market, you don t see a lot of textile experimentation, and I think that is one thing that sets us apart," she said. Some of the tactile highlights here included a soft mohair that resembled real fur, which was combined with scratchy linen or bonded crepe (on a cool sweatshirt and topper, respectively), as well as nubby sweaters woven with thin strips of pliable leather. Updated basics such as polished, pin-striped denim separates and patchwork intarsia-knit track pants rounded out the refined, everyday mix.
