For the past few years, Lafayette 148 has collaborated with the Save Venice foundation to support the restoration of an early 18th-century oil painting by Venetian artist Giulia Lama. This painting has served as a major source of inspiration for the brand’s Resort 2023 collection.
Emily Smith, Lafayette 148’s creative director, and her team have explored various aspects of both the painting and the Baroque period in Venice to create this collection. Baroque influences can be found throughout, from the subtle touches of pearl embroidery on skirts and lace details on separates to the latticework on a knitted tunic with a fringed hem.
Metallic floral jacquards in hues ranging from oxidized mustard to silver mimic the patina that accumulates on paintings over time, while the subsequent brightness revealed during restoration is captured in a boatneck vest and ankle-length “ballgown” skirt. An oversized Donegal wool jacket with silver woven throughout adds a touch of metallic glamour suitable for everyday wear.
The collection also features a plissé short-sleeve tunic and matching trousers in a shade of blue directly inspired by Venice’s numerous lagoons. Smith’s interpretation of a painter’s uniform – a white button-down shirt and off-white jeans adorned with paint splotches – brings a playful touch to the collection.
A white button-down with a double portrait collar that continues to the back emerges as a standout piece. Additionally, a quilted and embroidered velvet jacket in a shade of “Lido Blue” embodies the season’s inspiration, capturing the essence of historical costumes while remaining versatile enough to pair with jeans or its matching dress.
Overall, the Lafayette 148 Resort 2023 collection masterfully blends Baroque influences with Venetian charm, resulting in a range of pieces that cater to the multifaceted lives of modern women.
