"Hanne Gaby Odiele has this sunny, exuberant personality and a relaxed and cool sense of style," Derek Lam said. "Over the years, she has become sort of a muse for me." She has retained that role for the designer s new 10 Crosby line. After starring in and helping style the first lookbook, Odiele made an encore appearance for Spring. And while 10 Crosby is only in its second season, a few things have already become clear about Lam s latest project: He means business (the company expects 10 Crosby to soon eclipse the main collection, in both sales and scope), and he isn t cutting any corners. The design team puts a premium on the quality of its materials, using only the crispest of poplins, painted linens that hold their shape, and waxed cotton that looks like leather.
There was a bold playfulness to the bright, diamond-print separates here, as well as the Saint James-esque striped pants. One of the coolest looks in the lineup was the graphic, color-blocked tunic worn over a pencil skirt. Lam calls it "the new suit." It should transition easily from day to night—ideal for his customer, who presumably has a calendar jam-packed with both work and social functions.
