I was first introduced to Elie Tahari right after high school graduation before going to Spelman College. In my acceptance letter, it stated that there were a few items that we would need before arriving at college. One of those items was a professional suit or ensemble that we were to wear to job fairs and interviews. As my mother and I went shopping looking for professional quality wears, I knew that I needed an ensemble that was sophisticated yet stylish. This was quite an important time in my life as I would make that transition from low-cost H&M and EXPRESS blazers to my first Elie Tahari garment. I was initiated into this familial right of passage as both my mother and sister are long-time wearers of Elie Tahari. Needless to say, I was more than thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with the man behind some of my favorite ensembles.
The famed designer recently stopped by Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue to give fans of his collection an exclusive preview of what we can expect this Spring. As the presentation began, Elie Tahari transported us to the scene of a shipwreck. In the words of Tahari himself, a shipwreck sets the overall theme and tone one may witness when viewing his collection.
Now, imagine yourself being stranded on an island. The sun is shining brightly as it gently bleaches the white of your Elie Tahari ensemble. There’s a cool breeze flowing through your perforated blouse. The fact that you are clothed in the finest Elie Tahari garments would make the fact that you are stranded all the more bearable. Of course, this is an exaggeration but the ensembles really do make Tahari’s vision of a shipwreck seem much more glamorous.
As were immersed into the beachy vibe of the island from Tahari’s vision, various beach ready looks were paraded down the runway. Perforations, loungewear couture and a constant flow of fringe were staples throughout the collection. It was quite evident that Tahari let his imagination run wild as he gave admirers of his designs a little bit of everything.
When a ship wrecks, you can’t predict what is going to happen next and the same goes for the surprise elements of the Spring collection. It is the full embodiment of a shipwreck in that it just goes with the flow. And according to Tahari, this is purposeful as he was going for a disorganized look. The a wide array of looks like a form fitting leather fringed jacket and loose-fitting billowy ensembles, initially don’t seem like they go together. However, they seem to work quite well within the designers shipwrecked vision.
Due to the disorganization, the collection is able to appeal to a wide range of women. For the edgy woman, she has her choice of daring and fringe filled ensembles. For the conservative woman, she can don a form fitting floral dress. And for our sporty woman, she has her choice of an incredibly stylish hoodie that redefines sporty chic. The Tahari woman can essentially be any type of woman, which is why my Mom, myself and my older sister are able to find something that appeals to our preferences.
One thing that is certain, is that the Elie Tahari woman according to Tahari is “A smart and elegant lady” He states that she’s smart “because she’s buying the best fitting design and best clothes of value that she can get”
While there is a variety of looks one can go for in the collection, one thing that remains consistent in this world of shipwrecked disarray is the fit. Each garment is made impeccably and embodied what I perceived to be signature Tahari. In my experience, Tahari garments just have that absolute perfect fit. However according to Tahari “It’s not about the brand but about the clothes” The Elie Tahari brand is simply more than a famous name, but rather a powerhouse that can guarantee the finest garment with an equally exceptional fit. When one makes the decision to wear Tahari, one can be assured that they are wearing a quality garment. One can also feel confident knowing that Elie Tahari himself would probably consider you intelligent for making the choice of going with Tahari.
The Spring/Summer 2015 Collection of Elie Tahari is yet another collection that I’m sure will stand the test of time. If this is what Elie Tahari considers disorganized and in disarray, one can be certain that this designer will never cease to amaze us for seasons to come.
