Konnichiwa! Ni hao! On the yearlong theme of “places to go and people to see,” Kate Spade takes her New York-based brand on an Asian-inspired design ride for fall 2014 to the region’s two most famous fashionable cities: Tokyo and Shanghai.
First stop, of course, is New York, the brand’s provenance or place of birth, with the “Alice Street” collection of pebbled leather top-handled satchels in two shapes: the Adrianna and small Adrianna with cross body strap in neutral hues of warm putty and color-blocked pebble and black. Made with travel and utility in mind, these bags in luxe Italian hair-calf with large buckle detail bring a level of modernity and flair that have become essential to any voyage, near or far.
The bestselling “Cedar Street” collection makes a comeback with modern updates, including prints and graphic color blocking. The patent leather line includes sleek bags in a variety of shapes and sizes in dynasty red, black and rosewater. The dot-themed pieces come in classic small Harmony, Margot and Pearl style, the new standout silhouette of the season.
Next up is Tokyo, the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun. Revved up by the city’s high-speed flashes of intoxicating colors — electric and emperor blue, shocking pink, vivid snapdragon and metropolis green — popping out against gray, black and porcelain, the collection masterfully captures the vibe of the capital that is Tokyo, where the fast pace means exciting new technologies, innovative and trendsetting designs coexist with ancient traditions.
The “Tokyo” collection in bright and vibrant hues features easy silhouettes that include comfy oversized cardigans, full skirts, slouchy sweaters and punchy coats. A graphic cyber cheetah print is applied to the Avery pants, Feti coat, box-pleat skirt and sweatshirt. Made for the woman on the go, the pieces make mixing, matching and layering fun, ideal for seasonal wardrobe transition and the expression of one’s individual fashion style.
The “Hello Tokyo” line of novel bags and clutches in the lucky cat, Zena and bento box styles are delightfully cheeky and surprisingly chic.
From Tokyo, Kate Spade heads to the bustling, elegant city of Shanghai, known for its skyscrapers as well as its European architecture-inspired landmarks and structures — relics from a bygone era in shades of beige, rose and orient red infused with a smattering of art-deco details in glorious metallics.
The “Shanghai” collection offers delicate, feminine pieces with ornate details like the soft rose print on the China watercolor Coby dress and Kaci skirt, a recurring theme seen in the city’s pockets of quietly elegant landscapes. The collection’s palette includes a range of blush and “stoneware” tones mixed with cream and bursts of navy, black and dynasty red. The coats, in a variety of styles from the Daphne coat in camel to the Rossalyn coat in beige leopard and the wool Capelette in dynasty red, reign supreme, while the dresses, coats and pants take on a new youthful flavor, particularly with the deco dot design, a playful interpretation of the polka dot. Tops in delicate scallop lace embroidery round off the collection’s polished look.
The “Hello Shanghai” bag designs in patent leather are whimsical, flirty and downright brilliant. The scalloped fan clutch, the Milan, the Chinese takeout box, the Cruz, the Pollie and the birdcage bag in luxe textured suede are certified fashion conversation pieces and attention-grabbing arm candies.
No journey to the Orient is complete without a trip on the lavish Transcontinental Express, the epitome of old-world train travel. Here, Kate Spade takes inspiration from the prints and color palette of the dining cars, telegrams, luggage bags and scenery that flash by on the long, lazy days and nights spent staring up at the sky through the window of the rushing train. The “Transcontinental Express” collection is a myriad of pieces that takes us back to the glamour of the distant past — the Jacques coat, an oversized, boxy double-breasted wool coat; the Genni sweater with leather detailing on the shoulder; the Aura sweater with zipped sides and the Alpaca double leather pocket sweater. Created in nighttime-inspired blurred hues of rich navy and deco beige coupled with a signature leopard print and blue check, these are among the season’s essentials, must-haves for the brisk fall days. The slouchy silk blouse in either navy or cream adds versatility to the lineup, a dress-up or dress-down piece for any occasion.
The “All Aboard” bags in a clock cross body, train clutch and Emanuelle box clutch design with gold detailing is reminiscent of the resplendent Transcontinental Express experience.
The Kate Spade escapade comes to a heady end with the jewelry and footwear collection that brings together all the exciting elements of this whirlwind travel. The “Bright Lights” designs of statement earrings, bracelet and necklace come in sparkly multi-glass stones. “Songbird” features drop earrings, a charm bangle and pendant necklace in birdcage designs made from glass stones and gold-plated metals. The “Boxcar Chain” in thick gold-plated metal woven together and emblazoned with pavé crystals available in mini necklace, bracelet and necklace is the piece de resistance among all the bling. Finally, there are “Parlour Pearls,” strands of pearls woven together to create the perfect accessory for a dress-to-impress occasion.
For fall 2014, the well-loved pointed pump is introduced in the new Laylee style in a variety of Saffiano patent colors with a chunky jewel-encrusted toe embellishment. The classic Licorice returns in an updated version of glittery rose pink, red and black colors. Last but certainly not least are the menswear-inspired flats, a big trend of the season — the “Pitch” loafer and “Pella” oxford.
The collection was presented in lavish, old-world fashion with high tea at The Raffles Makati. Sipping tea and munching on delightful scones while watching the models walk by in impeccable Kate Spade designs was an experience evocative of a Transcontinental Express ride in style.
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In the Philippines, Kate Spade New York is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. Kate Spade stores are located at Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, Rustan’s Makati, Newport Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Bonifacio High Street Central Square.
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Thanks to photographer Mau Mauricio of Bottega Studio and At East Jed Root, designer Jeffrey Rogador of JPNY 306 and makeup/hairstylist Inyaki Yuson for my new column photo.
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