Palmer Harding

“It all started with this idea of a postmodern house in a wet, dark forest—maybe somewhere in the Pacific Northwest,” said Palmer Harding’s Matthew Harding of the label’s Spring launchpad. “It became a sort of imagined cinematic thriller that we wanted to explore,” Levi Palmer, the brand’s other half, added. “It’s definitely a bit more aggressive.”

The known Palmer Harding maxim is more aligned with a softer verve and an easier drape, and one that’s focused mainly on shirting (this is now expanding, however, into other verticals). How, then, did the antipodal tone manifest in their aesthetic? Through splashes that still kept airs of subtlety while also departing from the norm: a thriller-red shirt and flowing-trouser combo; red latex gloves (likely as close as Palmer and Harding have ever gotten to kinky); splatter-paint prints; and hints of harnessing that were intended as “camouflage,” said Palmer. “An undertone to the subversion of this woman’s character.”

It was encouraging to see some risk taking, and a broadening—while using shirting as a pylon—of the Palmer Harding wardrobe. The risk didn’t necessarily pay off with some components, like what appeared to be an abstract noir and green palm frond motif that found its way onto certain separates, or a muted gold billowy top over a dulled copper button dress. But looking past that, what was memorable was the revved-up attitude—see: sharp, reflective earrings that almost recalled the angular top of London’s Shard skyscraper. “She’s definitely a bit more of a twisted sister,” concluded Harding.