Amy Smilovic’s new Tibi collection opened with a gown. That would have been a surprise even before COVID-19 cleared our social calendars; Smilovic is more of a suit girl, and she typically avoids pieces that feel single-use. But look closely, and the strapless peridot frock is actually made from a slick, technical taffeta, a fabric that almost nods to performance-wear and feels sturdier than silk or chiffon. Smilovic said she wanted a dress you could wear to entertain at home, particularly over the holidays—one you could greet your guests barefoot in, then curl up on the couch and never worry about wrinkles.
That dress wasn’t part of her original plan for resort 2021. Smilovic and her team had designed the collection and ordered their materials before the pandemic hit, then scrapped everything when they realized the way we dress was about to change dramatically. They kept the fabrics, but designed new pieces that blend interest with ease—including Tibi’s first take on a #WFH sweatsuit. Smilovic was hesitant to bring more loungewear into the world, but in her own experience shopping for hoodies and joggers, she never found the “perfect” set. She specifically wanted a sweatpant you could wear with loafers and look intentionally offhand, not like you got dressed in the closet. Her take involves curvy, cropped pants in smooth olive fleece, paired with a puffed-sleeve sweatshirt in the same shade. In the look book, she added a double-breasted tailored vest and those aforementioned glossy loafers.
A subtle theme throughout was a sense of roundness and volume: bubble-hem dresses, bowed trousers, cargo jumpsuits with balloon sleeves. The soft, collapsible shapes lent a touch of oddness to otherwise simple pieces, transforming them from “average” items to the kind you’d be excited to reach for every day. Smilovic knows that’s what her customer wants because she’s more or less always in communication with them on Instagram. Lately, she’s assumed the role of virtual stylist and teacher, soliciting questions and creating “lesson plans” about personal style. Her followers’ most frequent quandaries often have to do with “finding your look” and how to wear basics without feeling bland. Among Smilovic’s top tips: Balance a classic piece with something modern and something “chill,” like resort’s one-shouldered LBD (modern) with bouclé pumps and socks (chill) and structured lady bag (classic). Another relevant directive: Look for items that seem like “12-month-ers,” as opposed to anything hyper-seasonal. Resort’s peak-lapel blazers, styled here over cashmere cardigans instead of button-downs, would qualify.
