Designer Inspiration Board: Rebecca Taylor

By Chris Frey
February 23, 2010

Designer Rebecca Taylor showed her Fall 2010 collection on the Bryant Park tents on Valentine's Day, a fitting day for a designer whose consistently spot-on creations fashion fans don't just love, but actually wear. The native New Zealander is known for fusing the gap between wearable and exciting, doing it this time around with a presentation replete with cozy knits, wool suiting and feminine silhouettes (practical) and sparkly tights, cropped parkas and bowler hats (tons of fun)—at prices that aren't out of the ballpark. With a collection that was essentially a snapshot of virtually everything a girl wants to wear, Taylor delivered on her belief that clothing should help a woman feel cool but not mired in trends of the moment. The ethereal, icy blue feather and rhinestone chiffon pieces, an impeccably cut leopard swing coat, the bohemian ruffled knit vests and more modern pieces such as the perforated black leather mini skirt and the leopard print puffer could be easily worked into items from Taylor's previous collections or combined with other items in a woman's closet.

Taylor has been living and designing in New York for nearly 20 years. Before starting her own line in 1996 at the suggestion of her business partner Beth Bugdaycay, she worked at Cynthia Rowley, her now-contemporary who is also known for designs that are at once practical, girly and spirited. A veteran of the runway since 1999, Taylor is often inspired by contrasting elements. This season, she told us she looked to both the laid back femininity of “seventies Parisian attitude” (think Brigitte Bardot) and a tougher, leaner “New York City urban girl." A bohemian, deep purple silk blouse layered under a black knit ruffled vest paired with a black leather miniskirt, sparkly tights and ankle boots exemplified these combined influences.

A dynamic mix of textures included nubby knits, wool cashmere, faux fur, leather, sleek silks and chiffon. Taylor says that the fabrics "are washed to provide a worn, overly-loved appeal and are combined with cashmere wool suits, leopard faux furs and down quilted coats, giving this collection an affordable luxe quality.” Mindful of the soaring costs of apparel and the need to keep prices within her customers' reach Taylor uses faux fur as a way to reign in costs while also maintaining her commitment to ASPCA and ethical practices.

Rebecca Taylor Fall 2010 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG) (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

Of course, a runway show is an opportunity to show what a designer is dreaming about not only through the clothes and show notes, but also through music and makeup. Taylor, a fan of vintage rock as well as what’s new and progressive, enhanced her opposing inspirations with songs that careened between soft and hard, with selections from Ryan Gosling’s band Dead Man’s Bones, Florence and The Machine, Devandra Banhardt and Miike Snow. The models were styled with a sweep of dark eyeliner on the upper lids, pale lips, and long devil-may-care-hair tucked into layers of knits or cascading out from underneath dapper black bowler hats.

Rebecca Taylor Fall 2010 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz), (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG)

Taylor told us, “It’s about having a nonchalant attitude, a natural chicness, a relaxed approach to fashion.” With that in mind, it’s easy to see why her clothes have won her an ever-growing celebrity clientele as well as placement on Gossip Girl and before that, Sex in the City. Taylor’s Fall collection walked the line between vintage Paris and modern New York, but it was her footwear on the runway that drove the point home: cool urban armor of suede thigh high boots and pretty ballet-inspired, ribbon tied peep toe heels. Come fall, like her legions of fans, I think I’ll take both.

Rebecca Taylor is available at the flagship store at 260 Mott St. in New York City as well as 250 stores in 40 countries. For details visit www.rebeccataylor.com.

Until the fall line becomes available, here’s your chance to and jump start your Taylor inspired wardrobe.

Roll over items for details

Leopard Coat

It’s hard to match the modern, slim cut of Taylor’s fall leopard coat. This one comes close in a shorter but still fitted style.

(buy it now price, $99.99)

Lungs by Florence and the Machine

Music

(buy it now price, $14.05)

White Woven Hoodie Faux Fur Vest Zipper Coat Jacket

See by Chloe Suede Over The Knee Boot (buy it now price, $299.99) An over the knee boot is a bold statement piece. Keep it simple and steer clear of stiletto heels or shiny leather.

(buy it now price, $58)

See by Chloe Suede Over The Knee Boot

Suede Botos

(buy it now price, $299.99)

HM Brown Snood Cowl Neck Circle Scarf

Ruffled High Heel Sandals (buy it now price, $37.00) No ribbon ties, but with pretty ruffles and a vintage vibe, these are great for summer and later with tights.

(buy it now price, $24.99)

Ruffled High Heel Sandals

High Heel Sandals

(buy it now price, $37.00)

Vintage English Bowler Derby Hat

Who would have guessed that fedoras would become a summer wardrobe staple? A Bowler or derby style hat is an unexpected fashion addition that just may take hold in seasons to come.

(buy it now price, $50.00)