Today's Elie Tahari show, the designer would like you to know, is brought to you by the letter L. "Lots of Ls," he said backstage, when asked for a summation of the season. "L for love, L for luxe, L for luscious, L for layering, leather, lace, leopard, longer lengths."
It's also brought to you by the good old letter D—for drama. Tahari's business is predicated on office-ready separates, but he seems to be making a play for the limelight, too. How else to explain the onslaught of oversize floral lace, chiffon bell sleeves, and all the fur that strutted down his runway today? "It's a smart and hot line," Tahari said. Smart is offering a classed-up twist on what he's already known for, in a palette of black, white, taupe, and burgundy: a trench in a smoky ombré leopard print, or a great white suit with long, flared trousers and a razor-sharp little jacket. And hot is Tahari's new chosen temperature. Some of the evening looks he showed read a little bit precious and princess-y, but for the girls upgrading for a night out, perhaps that's even a plus. There's certainly no mistaking those pieces for cubicle casual.
