Conley Averett of New York label Judy Turner has grown his menswear label into a full-blown womenswear collection. That progression was natural: He began by offering up classic yet saucy bold print knitwear that everyone, not just men, could wear. The actual womenswear launch of Spring 2021 happened when Averett was locked down at home. Fast forward, the second edition of his womenswear is impressive. The clothes are quite beautiful and seductive. Knitwear has become a trend du jour among young designers, but what separates Averett from the hyped-about-yarn pack is that he understands silhouettes and how knits should fall on the body. Averett can make yarn sexy. A key piece was a knit skirt that came low slung, dotted with sequins, with bohemian tassels hanging from it. It’s the type of piece that would have been worn by a devil-may-care actress on a late ’90s or early ’00s red carpet.
Beyond a knit, Averett is also looking into more elegant silhouettes and trying new materials. One example was a cream jersey dress that clung to the body, with its twisted straps tracing the back. And while Averett is expanding his range of pieces and materials, he didn’t forget the label’s classics. Diehard Judy fans will fawn over his gritty patchwork pants, which are now in tones of greens and have a cute, kicky flair. The signature barely-there featherweight tank top was back again, this time hacked right below the chest with an asymmetrical strap. A stunning version of the tank top was transformed into an incredibly slinky and clingy dress. Best part? Time at home has given Averett a dedicated moment to retool what he already has, quite literally: He reused all of the leftover yarns from previous collections.
