Tory Burch continues to reign as one of the fastest-growing luxury brands. A quick study of this collection made it easy to understand why. These looks had a very inviting sense of ease, and the shapes were all familiar, flattering, and accessible. So far, so safe. But if Tory Burch, the person, isn t out to challenge with her clothes, she s nevertheless devoted to making them feel special. The specialness here was in the fabrications and appliqués—a floral parka, for instance, was made from dévoré nylon, while a pretty white maxi dress was embroidered in handkerchief-inspired abstract flowers. Elsewhere, there was patchworked nubuck suede, laser-cut bonded cotton, lacquered guipure lace. There was a lot going on, in other words, but it was handled with a nice sense of restraint. Burch has pulled back quite a bit on her brand s urban-boho vibe, replacing it with a more appealing mix of matter-of-factness and romance. All the looks here—bar the odd exception, like that maxi dress—are perfectly suited to the office. It s difficult to introduce atmospheres of comfort, romance, and uniqueness into clothes for the cubicle. Burch deserves ample credit.
