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Following Amy Smilovic on Instagram is a bit like having an direct line to the mind of a stylist. Not in an influencer way, she rarely even shows her face, but in more of a fashion maestro way. One letting you in on the tricks of the trade as well as her most honest and personal thoughts on getting dressed.
As founder and creative director of Tibi, she knows a thing or two about creating a successful wardrobe. Well-made classics with directional nuances are what has made the brand popular for more than 25 years. “Creative pragmatism” is how she describes it – the need to balance form with function and to remain unique while honouring utility. Online, however, she goes further, sharing tips for tucking or untucking, cropping and hiking, cinching and layering. In one of her posts, she declared the items she packed for a trip to be “tools not outfits” – such is her passion for deciphering the mathematical equation for creating easy, successful ensembles.
In doing so Smilovic is able inspire what can be the daily droll of dredging out yet another white t-shirt from your wardrobe. She offers ideas like a three-quarter silk skirt layered with a stripe shirt and gold leather flats. Thoughtful! Chic! Still comfortable! So, fortunately, when Smilovic presented Fall/Winter 2024 today in New York, her newest oeuvre of relaxed tailoring fit right into the fashion triple threat – interesting, wearable, versatile.
Here are five reasons to take note.
1.Getting dressed is fashion athletics
Smilovic describes her and her design team as being “quite sporty and competitive” so having a luxurious type of athleticism to her cuts is essential. After all, if you can wear it running for the bus or taking six flights of stairs and still look good, it’s more likely to remain a wardrobe staple. The drop-waist, satin boiler suit is surely a medal winner
2. She’s bringing back the pleated A-line
There was a time circa 2005 when every smart-dressed woman with a city job wore a knee-length pleated skirt with a silk blouse. It was chic, it was sweet, it was very Meg Ryan. This incarnation is given the new-gen treatment with solid boots and a boxy blouson.
3. Women of all ages need apply
The Tibi customer is genuinely ageless. Not a gimmick, these pieces are quite clearly cut and styled for any person of any age that loves good tailoring.
4. Shorts suits are a cut above
The waistcoat-and-drill-short and the asymmetric-blazer-with-short-shorts are a convincing take on what was once considered a bit of an unwearable trend. Not so, here, Tibi makes it look as classic as a trouser-jacket combo but with some welcome, unexpected energy
5. Grey is the new black
Black is still key to this collection (particularly the snake-textured leather!), but the shades of dove and ash are inspired. Just add a coloured shoe and a side-slung tote for some seasonal flair.
