I f happiness can be found in clothing, then Nicola Glass, Creative Director at Kate Spade New York, is the arbiter of happiness. She has taken the 26-year old brand from being known for its accessories into a space that is focused on ready to wear clothing. Her colorful and whimsical collections are optimistic and, most importantly, coveted. Since her spring 2019 debut, Nicola has given fashion a much-needed dose of color and excitement. Her take on the KSNY woman looks as if 1970s Harlem and London’s swinging 60s came together to create a beautiful fashion baby. There’s something in the collection for women of all ages. With a size range of 00-16, anyone from groovy party-goers to church parishioners can don the multi-figure flattering collection. In her first collection, Glass used abstract florals, pops of lilac and lemon yellow, easy separates, soft A-line shapes and ruffles to demonstrate her Ready To Wear skills. Floral knits were shown in the vests, polo shirts, cardigans, and tees. One of the stand-out looks included an abstract, floral rain topper paired with a floral print dress and lilac boots. The handbags were true to the brand’s DNA—feminine, playful and functional—like the black and white bucket bag made up of leather heart cutouts. Any trendsetter could incorporate the new take on a classic shape into her wardrobe. Cross bodies and mini-totes also stood out in new pops of color. For her sophomore, pre-fall collection, Glass kept things swinging with looks that are perfect for the warm weather of late summer and early autumn. She added graphic prints and daring colors (rust, tomato, grass, & fruit punch) to her abstract prints. These clothes are perfect for a garden party, picnic or the office. She favored midi-length skirts and dresses with varied degrees of volume. Standout looks included a tomato red, A-line dress with full sleeves & bow belt; a green and pink, knit polo dress with short full sleeves & white collar; as well as a lilac and grass green print dress with a center-gathered front skirt.
The accessories had her signature pop. Simple satchels in deep mauve and rust paired brilliantly with soft silhouettes. The heart cutout bucket bag from spring 2019 returned; this time in grass and fruit punch. A structured bag with a round metal handle felt fresh and smart; simplicity done right with a wink to the 1970s. In her latest collection, Glass continues to honor the brand’s original codes and philosophies by updating them and making them relatable to today’s woman. With a lineup of diverse models, this collection is her best thus far. Multiple leopard prints were at the forefront. A full, puff sleeve dress was reminiscent of the 1940s—down to the strappy platform sandals and Veronica Lake hair. Another standout look was the peach and eggplant dress with a deep V-neck, puff sleeves, tie front bodice, and button-down skirt. The functional, tie-front bodice will accommodate busts of different sizes; a design detail only a woman would think about. Denim was also strong. America’s go-to fabric was turned in a color- block, midi length skirt; knee high, lace-up boots; wide trousers; a pinafore dress; and a multi-zipper, color block handbag. These pieces are further evidence that this British-born creative director knows where the brand needs to go. As for accessories, handbags continued to be strong and modern. Long chain, crossbody bags came down the runway in pop-colored leather. Top-handle bags were made of faux snake. And the original KSNY bag was made into a larger tote. With three full collections under her belt, the former Senior Vice President of Accessories at Michael Kors and Accessories Designer at Tom Ford, has shown that ready-to-wear is in her wheelhouse. She has confidently put her stamp on an iconic brand. With nods to fashionistas of yesteryear and a keen eye for the needs of today’s woman on the go, she has armed us with pieces true to the spirit of Kate Spade and Nicola's own Signature. END
Rare Luxury Living 203
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