Tibi – Pre Spring Summer 2016 Ready-To-Wear

When in doubt, look within. For Tibi Resort ’16, designer Amy Smilovic’s musings on the DNA of her label led to a broader contemplation of the universe’s building blocks: double helixes, protons, and neutrons. It seemed an apt place to start for a label so widely counted upon by industry types for great wardrobe basics—sophisticated contemporary staples that breezily fit in with their closets’ loftier price points. Here were pieces that nodded to the infinite possibilities of a few basic components (be they of design or life as we know it), from the palette of primary shades mixed with luxe neutrals to the prints (atom-esque diffused eyelet lace; appliqués on a gorgeous lambskin skirt that nodded to a deconstructed blossom).

Given Smilovic’s biological précis, it should come as little surprise that she brought the focus back to the body with long, lean shapes such as a louche, bias-cut silk maxi dress. A pleasant surprise was the generous handful of bodysuits in different styles and colorways to pair with a slim skirt or the fantastic buttery leather culottes with grommet detailing. “What don’t we have in our closets?” is the question Smilovic often asks her team.
 Indeed, the designer is ever attuned to the day-to-day wear her customers expect, so DNA wasn’t the only anatomical subject matter she pondered here. Case in point: urbane nods to athleticwear, like beautiful, sheeny nylon, an anorak shot through with eyelet details, and pants with breakaway snaps. Who knew the jock and the science kid could live together in such harmony?