Foundational dressing was the theme at Chadwick Bell today, and the collection centered around clean, sculptural basics that could be styled in endless combinations. Inspired by Whitewash, Nicholas Alan Cope s book of stark black-and-white photographs of modern Los Angeles architecture, Bell incorporated bold contrasts (primarily in black and white), away-from-the-body shapes, and touchable fabrics. "It s just about pieces you can easily wear," Bell said. "I like to design clothes you don t have to fuss with. It s throw-on-and-go." A floor-sweeping, backless crepe and satin gown with a wraparound waist may not be completely fuss-free, but styled with flat sandals it was the picture of modern party dressing. That same gown was repeated later in the show under a white satin blouse, then again with a pink suede belt. Layering was key for every piece—models wore pleated dresses under V-neck sheaths, pencil skirts over cropped trousers, and cocoon sweaters over button-downs.
Those minimal looks progressed into "something a bit more native," as Bell put it. Fringe trim and wide leather faja belts added a far-flung element. "There s something really worldly about this woman. She isn t just sitting all the time. She travels, she has collectibles…. I like the idea of keepsakes." A cognac leather bolero, a dusty pink pleated dress, and an embroidered teal gilet fit in nicely with the more pared-back separates. You could picture that well-traveled woman tossing a few pieces in her bag and coming up with a week s worth of chic, unfussy outfits.
