Lafayette 148 Fall Winter 2024-25 Lookbook

Lafayette 148 presented the Fall Winter 2024-2025 collection and paid homage to iconic architecture but also celebrated the spirit of a visionary art collector.

Drawing inspiration from the illustrious Rockefeller Guest House and the remarkable Blanchette Rockefeller, Lafayette 148’s creative director, Emily Smith, orchestrated a symphony of textures and moods in the Fall Winter 2024-2025 collection. In an interview during the brand’s presentation, Smith revealed her creative process, unveiling the meticulous research and inspiration behind each meticulously crafted piece.

"In my head, I always have all these little places and things that I’m obsessed with, and it’s just a matter of pulling when’s the right moment to use it. With the main seasons, I like to bring [the collection inspirations] back to New York. We’ve been doing so much on nature, nature, nature that I wanted to mix it up a little bit. Thinking, ‘What can I do to find nature within homes?’” remarked Smith.

The Rockefeller Guest House, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of New York, served as the cornerstone of Smith's creative vision. Delving into its history, Smith uncovered the remarkable story of Blanchette Rockefeller, the visionary behind its creation. It was Blanchette's passion for art and her role as an American art patron that ignited Smith's imagination, inspiring her to craft a collection that echoed the elegance and sophistication of a modern art collector.

"It started with the architecture and the fact it had this beautiful nature inside, but then we got on the idea of a modern art collector and building a wardrobe for her," explained Smith.

The resulting collection, aptly titled "The Collector’s House," effortlessly blended simplicity with modernity, paying homage to the timeless style of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. Architectural motifs found expression in jacquard jackets and pencil midi-skirts, echoing the intricate floor plans of the Rockefeller Guest House. Meanwhile, minimalist silhouettes adorned with fringed details and falling leaves prints evoked the tranquility of the house's interior Japanese pond.

Throughout the collection, rich textures took center stage, adding depth and dimension to each ensemble. From matte mixed-chrome pailette skirts to lofty split-hem cashmere turtlenecks, every piece exuded a sense of understated luxury. Woodgrain-inspired textures lent a tactile quality to the garments, while bugle-beaded tree stump embellishments added a whimsical touch to classic silhouettes.

Smith's attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship were evident in every stitch, resulting in a collection that was as exquisite as it was wearable. Whether it was a tailored herringbone topcoat or a plissé printed lace skirt, each piece told a story, inviting the wearer to step into the world of the modern art collector.