July 30, 2007

Come Along, Dorothy

Dorothy Lee Debut Collection

A glimpse into prefall fashion reveals structured head-to-toe composition, color blocking, and other sophisticated measures that say, “It’s time to grow up already.”

Send those suntan-scented Forever 21 dresses packing till next summer and jump the gun on autumn with Dorothy Lee’s collection of polished, manicured constructions.

The L.A. native uses drapey ladylike fabrics like ecru and jacquard silks. Pay special attention to the detail. (Lee certainly did.) Delicate pleats, origami trims (this is going to be big), puff sleeves, and balloon bottoms make their way into chiffon racer-back tanks, sweetheart jumpsuits, accordion tops, and slim-cut dresses in mostly blacks and off-whites.

The effect is breezy and urbane — as if the wearer just can’t help how great she looks.

Time and time again.

Available at Wink, 1050 Lexington Avenue, between 74th and 75th Streets (212-249-2033 or winknyc.com); Bio, 29 Prince Street, between Mott and Elizabeth Streets (212-334-3006 or bio-nyc.com). To see styles, go to dorothy-lee.com.