Resort debuts can be a useful exercise in brand fine-tuning. That’s certainly true for Edeline Lee, who rather than present a highfalutin narrative or concept-based collection, zeroed in on the arty essence of her eponymous line with a showcase of her best sellers. “The woman that I dress doesn’t care about [fashion] seasons,” she says of the eminently wearable looks that her loyal customer invests in time and again. “They want flattering, intelligent clothes that make them feel polished and show off their aesthetic sense.” Lee’s best-selling Hannah pencil skirt and Telluride shirtdress were presented in crisp, cool tones. “Sky blue and green are the cleanest and freshest colors that I can think of right now,” said Lee of her bubble jacquard ensembles, which she promises emerge crease-free even from the most haphazard holiday packing.
This season Lee explored a historic vocabulary, studying the ruffs and neckpieces of Charles II. “I was trying to figure out a way to make them feel contemporary, easy, and wearable,” said Lee, who streamlined the English king’s frills on the neck of blouses, skirts, and trouser hems. Sometimes these flourishes were more exaggerated: The Swag dress featured double-tiered ruffles that extended from the elbow to form circular, bracelet-like puffs on sleeves; or in the case of the off-shoulder Valence dress, enveloped the décolletage. The addition of an eyelash cotton striped jacquard brought a welcome lift to the line. Its summery sensibility on a two-piece trouser look was tried and tested by Lee at the recent Serpentine Summer Party. “The super-lightweight cotton is beautiful,” said Lee of the fabric. “It literally felt like Resort.”
