What does the Nili Lotan customer wear for New Year’s Eve? The designer thinks a tailored military coat, perfectly slouchy jeans, and a pointy-toe Western boot will do.
Lotan is largely unconcerned with occasionwear. “Normally I would think, ‘What am I wearing to New Year’s?’” she explained at her Tribeca showroom. “I phased out of it a long time ago, but in this collection even more so. This time, I’m just doing looks that I love.”
That said, while she isn’t fashioning spangly New Year’s Eve dresses, this season still features Lotan’s own version of occasionwear—the highlight of which was a red velvet Jagger-esque blazer with a floppy black flower brooch. “As far as I’m concerned, I can wear it to work every day, or I can wear it to dinner,” she said.
Lotan’s uniform-inspired military dressing was the main event in this offering. While past seasons have leaned heavily on camouflage fatigues, Lotan turned to the top brass this time, bringing pops of red, tailcoats, and brass embellishments into the mix.
But by relying on her well-established house codes, Lotan ensured that the trendy military jacket was more Jimi Hendrix than 1870s general. In her world, these austere, embellished coats live in concert with corduroy trousers, preppy collegiate pullovers, tuxedo shirts, and oversized Western belt buckles. The breadth of inspiration ensured that the offering remained removed from costumey, but, instead, was a true reflection of Lotan’s unerringly consistent, wide-reaching interests. “Mixing it with a washed corduroy takes it out of the context,” the designer said of the military jackets. “Western boots and the rock ‘n’ roll tie it all together.” In other words, perfect for New Year’s.
