Coming up with 20 unique takes on the classic shirtdress each season requires a well-trained imagination. At the NAHM Spring presentation this morning, designers Ally Hilfiger and Nary Manivong proved they have plenty of creative ideas when it comes to tackling their self-imposed challenge. Innocent, white cotton frocks with delicate broderie trim could have been pulled from a blushing bride s trousseau. The collection didn t shy away from prints, featuring several traditional Asian patterns. (The duo was inspired by Parisian expats in Laos during the sixties and seventies.) One interesting motif, which looked in a way like a music equalizer, came on a wide-legged jumpsuit (a somewhat loose interpretation of the shirtdress theme, admittedly). It also appeared on the skirt of what Hilfiger called their "Woo-hoo dress"—wearing it reportedly causes the designer to shimmy and twirl around the room. Pamela Love created the jewelry for today s showing, which was a definite highlight. The necklaces had a modern witchcraft vibe and looked particularly cool with the buttoned-up collars here.
Next week, Hilfiger and Manivong are taking their shirtdresses on the road to London, where NAHM will launch a capsule collection at the Shop at Bluebird. Hilfiger summed things up, saying, "We re excited to keep growing the brand organically."
