The Tamesis
Nili Lotan What do customers wear on New Year’s Eve? Designers think a tailored military jacket, perfectly casual jeans and pointy-toe Western boots will do.
Lotan was largely unconcerned with occasion attire. “Usually I’m like, ‘What to wear on New Year’s Day?'” she explained at her Tribeca showroom. “I gave up on it a long time ago, but even more so with this collection. This time, I’m just doing the looks I like.”
That said, while she didn’t design a gorgeous New Year’s Eve gown, the season still featured Lotan’s own occasionwear, the highlight of which was a red velvet Jagger-esque blazer with a floppy black flower brooch. “As far as I’m concerned, I can wear it to work every day and I can wear it to dinner,” she said.
Lotan’s uniform-inspired military wear was the highlight of the event. While past seasons have relied heavily on camouflage camo, Lotan has turned to premium brass this time around, bringing pops of red, tuxedos and brass embellishments into the mix.
But true to her established brand principles, Lotan ensured that this sleek military jacket looked more like Jimi Hendrix than an 1870s general. In her world, these plain embellished coats pair perfectly with corduroy trousers, preppy jumpers, tuxedo shirts and oversized Western belt buckles. The breadth of inspiration ensures that the product is not about clothing but is a true reflection of Lotan’s consistent, wide-ranging interests. “Mixing it with washed corduroy takes it out of context,” the designer said of the military jacket. “Western boots and rock ‘n’ roll bring it all together.” In other words, perfect for the New Year.
