Resort marked an exciting new direction for Mara Hoffman. Clothing-wise, her signatures were all there—jumpsuits, cutouts, vibrant florals—but there were bigger changes you couldn’t immediately perceive, at least not until you were up close. “We’re beginning to make shifts toward sustainability and responsible fibers,” Hoffman said. “It’s about making less, but making it better, and we’re really focusing on the fabrications.” Hoffman’s Tencel, birch modal, rayon, and organic cottons felt more luxurious than most of the fabrics you’d find at one of her competitors.
Beyond materials, there was newness in her solid items, like a blush button-front dress and a black deep-V jumpsuit. “We’re known for our prints, and I love them, but I’m such a solid dresser,” she said. “I wanted more pieces that really resonate with me.” Along with zeroing in on a simpler, less complicated mode of dressing, Hoffman is blazing the trail for contemporary designers to rein in their massive collections and approach clothing more thoughtfully and responsibly. It starts with chemical-free, eco-friendly fabrics that waste less water, but designers also need to influence their consumers to shop differently. “I want to inspire women to buy less,” Hoffman said. “Spend a little bit more, but buy less. And it’s cool to rewear things. That’s how I wear my clothes, and I would love for my customer to get out of the mind-set of buying so much stuff and only wearing it a few times.”
