Always a fan of Lafayette 148, I still have in my closet, several items that I’ve worn repeatedly over the years. So when I heard that they had a new and improved collection debuting at Neiman Marcush for Fall I was so eager to check it out! What made the invite extra special for me was the mention that they would be hosting a runway show that would be commentated by Lafayette’s Brand Ambassador, Dan Lawson. Lawson is an Emmy-nominated costume designer for one of my favorite TV shows ever, The Good Wife and is now the designer for its spinoff with Christine Baranski, The Good Fight, which I have also become equally addicted to on CBS-Access. (if you have not seen this and loved GW as I did, tune-in and binge watch it….it is awesome and the clothes are so sophisticated and chic, ala Dan Lawson!)
Below is the overview of many of the styles from the Fall Collection that is on NM’s third floor now……so much of the sophisticated looks have been merchandised on the floor as they were stylishly pulled together in the show.
First a few tips from what Dan put together for us and the fashion points that he made…...1.) Lafayette is known for special design details…..blazers had reverse print lapels, top stitching was done with great detail and contrast, fabrics were mixed. 2.) Bring evening into your daytime wardrobe….you will see one of my favorite looks of brown leather jacket over burnt gold sequined pencil skirt. 3.) Flip your collar for a more sophisticated look….a trend that I have never put aside that many of my younger friends don’t like!!! Take a look and see more of what I am saying from some of my favorite looks from the show…..
A Chat with Dan Lawson…….
MRG: How did this all start for you?
DL: I started in Northwest University, studying to be an actor and decided that was not for me after one year but loved clothes and loved the acting process. I liked costume design because it gave me the ability to play every part in my head and to tell a story through their clothing!
MRG: How did it all happen with Lafayette 148?
DL: Was doing Good Wife that I was buying in stores and online and had used quite a bit of Lafayette….it just seemed so right for Julie & Christina. The Chief Creator Director for Lafayette watched the show regularly and would say each time…..”It’s our clothes, I want to meet that guy”. We met and hit it off immediately. “She is one of the most elegant, stylish women I know”. Since as the Costume Designer I dress ALL of the cast members from the lead actors to the non-speaking extras, I have dressed every size, body type and characters, I was asked to consider going out as the Brand Ambassador for the line.
MRG: When you do a show do you have looks for the individual person or conceptualize the look of the show?
DL: First and foremost I decide the look for the show…….originally they had said that Good Wife was going to be all about legal procedures without much fashion but when I stepped in and did an idea-board for the Kings,(show developers) everyone at CBS decided that it could have high-end fashion and not just a legal drama. Also, a good example of doing what is right for the show and for the character was when I pulled a Michael Kors that I had planned for Julia and switched it over to Christine……only to find it worn again, a year later by Michelle Obama for the State of the Union address.
MRG: Lastly, why Lafayette for you both in your use of it in the shows but also to be a Brand Ambassador…..why?
DL: I’ve always been a fan and I love the new direction that they have taken since they brought in Emily Smith as lead designer in the last four years. Her aim is to take the collection to a more luxe, high-end but wearable state. It’s designed…..very thought-out with little touches in the not-always-so-obvious ways. Also great craftsmanship that Lafayette has always been known for.
MRG: Lastly, are you shooting now??
DL: As he was checking his phone and had to dash to get to the airport for a plane back to NYC……Yes, I’m in-season right now, have been approving everything from my phone and will be back on set tomorrow for Good Fight and a new show that I’m very excited about called EVIL!! (NYTimes lead their Fall TV line-up this Sunday, Sept. 15 talking about EVIL)
photos courtesy of Priscilla Dickson photography