There are few countries in the world that capture the collective imagination of fashion insiders like Morocco
There are few countries in the world that capture the collective imagination of fashion insiders like Morocco. From the image of Talitha Getty lounging on a rooftop in Marrakech, to the iconic blues of Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Marjorelle, Morocco has inspired legions of designers... including Kate Spade New York’s Chief Creative Officer Deborah Lloyd this season.
“I went to Morocco 20 years ago, absolutely fell in love with it, and it took me another 20 years to go back. I adore that place; I find so much inspiration [in it],” said Lloyd. “There’s such a stark contrast—you’ve got the amazing dusky desert landscapes with nomads, camels and mountains; then in Marrakech, you have the crazy sensory overload of souks with pottery, textiles and jewellery.”
Kate Spade New York’s spring/summer 2017 collection reflects Lloyd’s love affair through rose prints, eyelet details and romantic ruffles on fit-and-flare silhouettes. Ladylike midi-length pleated silk skirts, rose- appliquéd dark denim jeans and airy cotton blouses with tassel trimmings make for the perfect packing essentials for a summer vacation.
Accessories retain the signature whimsy and wit that we’ve come to expect from the New York brand. A wicker monkey, embellished straw totes and a colourful tassel sunhat that can be worn as a backpack are just a few of the standout items that are sure to make you (and everyone around you) smile.
“There is a certain joy in experiencing the world of Kate Spade New York, and we want to not only celebrate that moment of joy with her but also meet her purchasing expectations,” said Lloyd. “The timeline of when she begins thinking about what she wants to wear and when she expects to buy those pieces has shortened,” she added. Taking into consideration the “see-now, buy-now” trend, Kate Spade has launched two seasons of its #MissAdventures film series—the first starring Anna Kendrick, the second with Girls star Zosia
Mamet—to engage customers with shoppable content. Reflecting on the nine years that she’s been with the brand, Lloyd admits: “I never thought we’d build something as big and as amazing as this.” From handbags and accessories, Kate Spade has expanded its product offerings to include ready-to-wear—which includes the runway Kate Spade New York collection, the classic Madison Avenue collection and the casual Broome Street collection—and homewear. “It has still stayed true to its roots and its DNA, so it’s still recognisable as Kate Spade New York, a brand for interesting women leading interesting lives.”
