Kate Spade New York Spring 2018 Ready-To-Wear .....Fashionweekly...On Fow24news.com

Kate Spade New York’s 25th anniversary collection had all of the label’s signatures: prim and proper dresses and entertaining accessories....
(Creative director Deborah Lloyd also nailed the label’s knack for showing in an immersive setting, and chose to present at the Grand Central Oyster Bar, opening with a marching band. It was an ode to New Orleans.) There were the expected staples, like a pretty black, high-collared lace frock that was embroidered with something cutesy (butterflies), a flouncy top in a classic print (soft gingham), and a strapless cocktail dress with embroidery (floral). Of course, there was the cheeky, fun bag, too, which came in the form of a wicker picnic basket.

But basics weren’t the most interesting part of the collection. After all, the dresses and cheerful carryalls will always be hot sellers, so it’s nice to see how Lloyd shakes up the label every season. This time she made it a point to loosen up the clothes by infusing a sporty element, citing the relaxed New Orleans. “To celebrate, we are taking a joyous trip around America, and we are starting by heading to New Orleans for a little southern charm,” Lloyd said of the inspiration. Pieces like a black track-jacket turtleneck underneath a natty blazer nicely broke up the saccharine floral-print dresses. Sometimes, the look was a bit out of place, like a white baseball cap, but the more subtle inclusion of athletic pieces, including a white hoodie under a polished black leather jacket, appeared natural and chic. When done right, “cutting the sweet,” a phrase that Lloyd has used in the past, is something that looks great at Kate Spade New York.