If Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan’s pre-fall collection could talk, it would speak with an English accent—and not just because the look book was shot in the regal environs of Hampton Court. There was, for starters, a touch of ’80s Laura Ashley to the cropped, square-cut blazers; a rugby shirt and dress made in a silky material rather than jersey added an element of prep, which has roots in the British public school system; and, while unintentional, the recurring use of blue and white could serve as a reminder that Britain was a sea power at the time the palace was built. Accommodating the rain were a series of Sea-ified ponchos. One had cutwork, another featured appliqués inspired by vintage tobacco labels, still another was embroidered with buttons referencing the tradition of Pearly kings and queens.
On another note, Paolini expanded on the lingerie theme she introduced last season. These silky and seductive pieces hold space alongside garments that are more sports oriented (see the nylon track pants with lacy cutouts at the side seams). This dance between innerwear and activewear is one that we see being choreographed on a wider scale throughout the industry.
