It’s smart business to stay within the safe space of a label’s core DNA, especially when that label’s years-long success has been dependent on its approachability. In the case of L’Agence, customers keep flocking back because the clothes are relatively straightforward, wearable, and well tailored with quality materials. Industry vet Jeffrey Rüdes is leading the design team now and he’s doing so with just this sort of measured approach. The Pre-Fall 2019 collection does a nice job of balancing what-the-customers-want status quo with subtle tweaks here and there, in the form of new details, prints, and silhouettes.
Brand staples like silk blouses, relaxed blazers, and, of course, jeans made reappearances. Rüdes experimented a bit with a fun nautical print, as well as a graphic floral and a bold navy-and-green stripe. The animal-print slip dress and top were fun breaks from the basics. His vision stood out when it came to the more minimal pieces that were updated in the slightest of ways, like a body-hugging ribbed tank dress or a slinky tan silk slip with a cowl-neck.