NEW YORK — As one of the foremost advocates of clothing made in the New York Garment District, Nanette Lepore centered her fall collection around the local artisans who continue to handcraft items in the heart of Manhattan. The collection, which emphasizes the fall color of the season — radiant orchid in various hues described as bordeaux, smoky rose and cassis, is a bit toned down compared to some of Lepore's previous efforts. She led off with a simple V-neck dress and featured fitted jackets with matching slacks as wardrobe staples.
The intricacies of the handiwork shine through in terrific beaded tops, alpaca turtlenecks and a cardigan dripping in gold embroidery.
But upon closer inspection, the intricacies of the handiwork shine through in terrific beaded tops, distinctive wide belts, shaggy alpaca turtlenecks, "carpet print" dresses and a cardigan dripping in gold embroidery. Outerwear stands out, too, particularly a violet shearling coat with black sleeves, a felt-and-feathered coat and a leather and wool coat adorned with zippers.
At the end of the show, Lepore took her runway bow with her teenage daughter Violet, who wore a print dress from the collection, which seemed only fitting as there's plenty for any mother and daughter to covet amid all the skirts, tops, dresses, sweaters and other separate pieces from the catwalk that can be mixed and matched with a current wardrobe.
Lepore, who dressed New York City first lady Cirlane McCray and daughter Chiara de Blasio for the inauguration of Mayor Bill de Blasio in January, will showcase the fall collection in Houston on Wednesday (March 26) at the Recipe for Success Dress for Dinner event at Neiman Marcus.
Nanette Lepore, left, and daughter Violet share the runway after the designer's New York show.
