A Bigger Picture
The insider’s go-to for modern clothing that fits an urban lifestyle, designer Nili Lotan broadens her horizons with vacation and eveningwear
When Nili Lotan made the decision to strike out and launch her own label in 2003, her brand philosophy was clear. Years of heading up design teams at Ralph Lauren and Liz Claiborne had established the Israeli designer’s belief that clothes should be clean, sophisticated and functional, and that a woman’s wardrobe should serve as an extension of herself. With that in mind, she set about creating timeless and sophisticated pieces fit for both day and night, that were both elegant and casual. With an emphasis on expert tailoring and luxurious materials, Lotan soon became known for a signature aesthetic that strikes a balance between effortless, powerful, minimal and sexy.
Pared-back and sophisticated, Lotan’s exquisitely tailored collections quietly evolved into a lifestyle brand through the years, all while garnering a coterie of A-list fans including models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Now, SS19 sees the brand continue to branch out into new territories: while Lotan’s previous collections offer a wardrobe fit for both day and evening, the new-season collection extends into other areas of her customer’s lives, comprising pieces for summer vacations and luxurious after-dark events. “As I was designing the SS19 collection, I intended to give my clients the wardrobe that fits luxury travel, celebrations and vacations,” explains Lotan.
“As I was designing the collection, I intended to give my clients the wardrobe that fits luxury travel, celebrations and vacations
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An enduring source of inspiration for the designer, the stark minimalism of the Israeli desert subtly influences the collection, with simple yet elegant nighttime pieces informed by the meditative landscape. Longtime fans of the label will be pleased to know that this season offers the widest range of silk and linen pieces yet, with the fabrics taking shape in pants, dresses, shirts and knits, all of which offer a selection of strong, sensual pieces for nights out, beach getaways, weddings and more. Of course, no Nili Lotan collection would be complete without a variety of easy dresses for day, evening and night, continuing with Lotan’s signature brand of effortlessness.
In addition to her home country’s desert landscapes, this season Lotan was influenced by Italian director Luca Guadagnino’s 2015 movie A Bigger Splash, specifically the wardrobe of Tilda Swinton’s character Marianne. Telling the tale of a rock star (Swinton) on vacation in Italy with her boyfriend, the film masterfully captures the mood of a summer escape amidst the reality of chaotic life back home. By creating the ultimate capsule wardrobe fit for both luxury and relaxation, Lotan hopes to give women the pieces they need to manifest this lifestyle into reality. From languid silk shirts and pants to billowing paisley-print blouses and suede shorts, the collection looks beyond busy day-to-night schedules and embraces dreams of traveling, of time spent with spouses, and celebrating with family and friends – and isn’t that the lifestyle we all hope to achieve?