
The new Whistles collection ought to get Stateside ladies stoked about the English high-street brand’s nascent expansion into America. Dudes, for that matter, can join in on the excitement, too—there were a few polished looks from the new Whistles menswear label interspersed through the show this evening. But the women’s clothes were the main story here, and a fine story it was. The strongest looks had a sensual simplicity—a little cream-colored dress, cut away at the waist and through the back; a culotte jumpsuit in black, with deep slits under each arm; a slouchy one-shoulder top in white, paired with matching, equally fluid pants. Linen pieces trimmed in raffia fringe made more of an overt statement, but exuded a similar sense of ease. Laser-cut leather is emerging as a big trend here in London, and the Whistles take on the look was executed with flair; the only qualm, really, is that these looks seem likely to die in the closet after a season, or perhaps two. Some women may not mind that, given that Whistles is a sticker-shock-free zone. But the brand’s best clothes always seem meant to endure—an appealing quality, regardless of price. Good-looking pieces, designed and produced to last: That’s something to get excited about.