Tory Burch’s latest fashion collection is all about embracing imperfections. In a world where women have been liberated from the traditional notion of beauty, the designer took the opportunity to break down and distort the typical feminine tropes. The Fall/Winter 2023 collection brings together the trends emerging in New York, blending strong outerwear and tailoring with lingerie and feminine knits.
Burch shared that her design approach was influenced by her fascination with women who have redefined beauty. She drew inspiration from various sources, including her grandmother’s girdles and her DIY high school days. The result was a prep-school nostalgia blend of masculine and feminine sportswear. Key pieces in the collection include mesh and lace-inset sleeveless satin tops and straight skirts, riding boots, and slouchy jeans.
The designer also focused on tailoring, including slouchy pants, silky shirts, and acid green satin coatdress that was constructed “backward“. Burch even challenged the old rule of no white after Labor Day by showcasing a chic white leather peacoat. She elevated the outerwear in the collection, from developing a velvet “astrakhan” to perfecting the classic navy peacoat with a shearling collar.
In addition to elevating the designs, Burch also elevated the products by deemphasizing her logo and focusing on pieces of the dream.
Burch’s new design approach, inspired by the liberation of women and the COVID-19 pandemic, is a reminder that beauty can be found in embracing imperfections and wearing out your clothes. The safety-pin brooches, flap handbags with asymmetric sliced Double T logos, and pumps with intentionally “broken” heels all add to the feeling of being undone and being fine with it.
