"My inspiration was a woman traveling the world in style," Elie Tahari said today, "like Marlene Dietrich in Shanghai Express."
The Israeli-born designer has built a sizable global brand with his polished, just-trendy-enough separates that work equally well in Dallas or Dubai. Fall's offerings fell nicely in step with his well-established strategy. Business-class customers will be drawn to the black wool military coat, the high-waisted trousers, and an elegant pantsuit with a belted safari jacket. For days off, Tahari turned out a few fur jackets (a trend we've been seeing throughout the week), silk peg-leg pants, and chunky cardigans. Voyager theme notwithstanding, Tahari's not a designer to travel too far off the beaten path, but the retail higher-ups on hand this morning aren't going to complain about that.
