In the last few seasons, Co designers Stephanie Danan and Justin Kern have been moving toward a pared-back aesthetic, one that seems to echo the lines of the landmark Schindler-designed house that now serves as the brand’s HQ in Laurel Canyon. Their Resort collection brings that minimalist look to its ultimate conclusion. “This is our version of sportswear,” said Danan speaking on the phone from Los Angeles this afternoon. Save for one billowing floral column dress, there was nary a ruffle or a print to be found. Instead, the emphasis was on utilitarian tailoring and slightly sculptural day dresses that spoke to a new and sophisticated SoCal sensibility. With its oversize cargo pockets and neatly cinched waist, the pristine white leather jacket that came with a matching, calf-grazing pencil skirt was a good example—easy but totally luxurious in attitude. Ditto for the crisp, ankle-grazing trench coat and maxi-length shirt dresses cut from what Danan is calling winter poplin, a sturdy, wrinkle-resistant variation on the classic cotton fabric. As far as executive realness goes, the simple one-button black suit fit the bill and is bound to curry favor with creative types in Hollywood.
Danan and Kern have been quietly building out a roster of seasonal basics, and their successful Co essentials line easily rivals the main collection in size and scope. Still, the bigger news this season was in the accessories department. Co’s handbag exclusive with Barneys is set to go live in a matter of weeks, with a collection of shoes in the works for Resort that’s poised to be just as well received. In doing away with preciousness, Danan and Kern have made way for practical chic shoe solutions. The chunky new Co slides—the label’s first pair of flats—tread the line between Birkenstock and polished loafer, and are likely to hold sway at retail on both coasts.
