Women's
Elie Tahari, Fall 2011, Brought to You by The Letter L
Elie Tahari and Ken Downing walk the runway during at the show's finale. Photo, Jonathon Zizzo.
Elie Tahari touched down in Dallas for a fashion presentation hosted by Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing. Dolled-up ladies filled every seat in the house and then some to espy Elie’s head-to-toe ensembles for Fall and preview his fresh-off-the-runway looks for spring. Post-show, the racks backstage were rolled out onto the floor and it was time to shop (the dressing room line in the store’s new Elie Tahari department was 15 deep!). Elie chatted with his fashionable fans as Ken proceeded to layer up the crowd in the designer’s Bordeaux-colored scarves and leather dresses.
NMdaily: The fashion presentation was packed with women dressed in your designs eager to meet you! You must love interacting with your fans and customers.
Elie Tahari: Oh yes, this is the fruit of the labor. You work hard to put the seeds in the ground and the get the tree growing, and then it gives trees with fruit. This is a real treasure and pleasure, as long as you don’t let it go to your head and it becomes an ego [trip]. I keep reminding myself to stay humble because it’s a beautiful experience.
NM: What kind of message do your designs radiate?
ET: It’s about the woman’s femininity and elegance – being smart and hot! Allowing the woman’s true beauty to shine through, not letting the clothes overpower her.
Ken Downing on the runway with a model wearing Elie Tahari Spring 2012. Photo by Jonathon Zizzo.
NM: Is there a specific trend you are gravitating towards this season?
ET: It’s always been the same truth. It’s always been about the woman, not about the trend. Trends are like the background. We know they are there, but what’s more important is the woman, not to be a slave to the trend. The goal is beauty, smart and heart.
NM: What was your inspiration behind the Fall collection that is in Neiman Marcus stores right now?
ET: In short, one word, it is LOVE. It’s about love, luscious, luxurious, longer lengths, leopard, leather, laughing and light – all about the letter L.
Elie Tahari Spring 2012. Photo by Jonathon Zizzo.
NM: You showed several looks from your Spring 2012 runway show today. A flowing deep-V marigold chiffon dress, a teal silk gown with thigh-high slits and a sequined geometric shell paired with a sheer black maxi skirt, to name a few. What influenced your work for the upcoming season?
ET: That collection that we just showed had an Egyptian influence with an early 1900s influence of the hourglass woman. Glamour and beauty in a more relaxed and sporty way to adjust to today’s modern world.
Shop Elie Tahari on NeimanMarcus.com and in Neiman Marcus stores.
