"I would waste my time if I wasn't doing things women could wear." Some designers should have that tattooed on their arm to remind them of their raison d'être. Not necessary in Bouchra Jarrar's case. She's built her prêt-à-porter business on the strength of her made-to-measure work—real one-on-one interactions with clients that have taught her how to cut the perfect black leather perfecto, for example. But hands-on experience is one thing; what makes Jarrar a talent to watch is her eye. She paired that perfecto with an A-line tweed top and a full skirt. A woman would cut quite a swath in that outfit. A couple of swingy little dresses also made a big impression. At first glance, they looked rather simple, but their construction, from curving pieces of different fabrics cut on the bias and layered one over the other for a moiré effect, is actually quite complex. Still, the results are effortless. We also liked the look of a white leather shift with a black V-neck, especially when Jarrar accessorized it with a graphic black belt.
