ALTHOUGH an established and highly visible American lifestyle and accessories brand for some time now, spring/summer 2012 was Tory Burch’s first foray down the runway. Sending out a sophisticated Twenties-inspired collection with a bold Sixties flare for colour and print, the many looks on show were just the thing to please the chic, Tory Burch-donning uptown girls in attendance.
Set to the tune of French artist Camille alongside an organic soundtrack of crashing waves, Burch’s brand of relaxed, effortless luxury was particularly sweet and sassy this season, the opening looks a girlish raspberry and ivory polka dot silk jacquard dress, followed by yellow and tamarind floral print collared shirt, red and white white striped jersey shirt and beach-y crocheted Bermuda shorts.
At home as easily in The Hamptons as in Manhattan, Burch’s demi-formal sportswear struck all the right chords for spring – as well as focusing on the key trends – most noticeably the modish Sixties aesthetic and optimistic summer coral and pastel blue and mint hues we've been seeing so much of.
There was also a lot of playfully chic pattern mixing and embellishment going on, firmly rooting the collection in the now, while two silk chiffon floor-length dresses in blush and pale blue were throwbacks to classic glamour showcasing Burch’s ability to transcend both styles and age demographics. A visible focus on accessories was evident, which makes sense for a brand so hugely successful for its footwear and leather goods, as brightly coloured multiple strands of beads, fringed handbags and backpacks and super-sweet marigold Mary Jane flats and edgy two-tone brogues were paired with every other look. There’s no question that Burch excels in the accessories department, but with womenswear this increasingly accessible, it won’t be long before she is known for a lot more than her ubiquitous monogrammed shoes and bags.
SEE THE TORY BURCH SHOW ARCHIVE