Rebecca Taylor Resort 2014 Collection: Lilacs and Leathers

Versatility, intricate detailing and a sense of cool. Since the brand was founded in 1996, Rebecca Taylor’s work has always captured the spirit of the contemporary woman, combining floral, feminine pieces with an edginess you can only expect from a New Yorker. As a keen street-art lover and self-proclaimed ‘hippy at heart’, the inspiration that Taylor draws from the world around her is ever apparent in her new collection, Resort ‘14.

Aptly titled ‘Lilacs and Leathers’ the collection beautifully clashes the toughness of an urban life with a fragility that is resolutely feminine. Skirts are given a sportier feel with a layer of mesh visible just below the hemline, and a sumptuous twill coat is transformed with a bold black leather trim. The clever use of layering featured on the runway show reinforced this, with models dressed in combinations of leather trousers, enchantingly patterned boots and soft, comfortable sweaters.

A muted colour palette gives the collection a wonderfully light feel, ready to pull you out of the winters’ bitter cold and return, fresh-faced and ready for the sunshine. The occasional flash of red adds a subtle pop of colour and a dusty teal makes the standout leather pieces, a pair of zip-detail trousers and a biker style gilet, even more desirable.

With the additional nod to the modern woman’s rebellious streak (see simple shorts with cut-out detailing to the thigh and continuous use of leopard and tiger print) this collection redefines the meaning of street cool, and maintains Taylor’s trademark feminine style while at it.

Donna Knott

Shop the complete collection here.