It doesn't get more current than the opening look of the latest 10 Crosby Derek Lam lineup: a suede wrap skirt edged in fringe, which was paired with a crisp, draped poplin blouse and a sharp, menswear-ish coat. The outfit ticked off several trends that have been in the air for Pre-Fall, but it came together in a natural way that felt true to the diffusion brand's evolving message. At a preview of the new collection, 10 C's design director, Elizabeth Giardina, said she referenced minimalist Palm Springs architecture for the clean silhouettes, and then introduced texture in the form of tassels found on a tapestry-like pencil skirt and a shaggy pullover. Giardina went on to explain that fabric development is a continued focus each season. "In the contemporary market, you don't see a lot of textile experimentation, and I think that is one thing that sets us apart," she said. Some of the tactile highlights here included a soft mohair that resembled real fur, which was combined with scratchy linen or bonded crepe (on a cool sweatshirt and topper, respectively), as well as nubby sweaters woven with thin strips of pliable leather. Updated basics such as polished, pin-striped denim separates and patchwork intarsia-knit track pants rounded out the refined, everyday mix.
