Sportswear for women was invented in the United States back in the 1970s, during the second wave of feminism. Women were tired of wearing uncomfortable and ill-fitted skirts and jackets, and sportswear was a symbol of their freedom from the patriarchy. That’s what Tory Burch’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection reminded me of: the freedom for women to wear what they want.
The collection was inspired Claire McCardell, who is known as the inventor of American sportswear. “Her designs instilled a sense of freedom, encouraged self-expression and empowered women with a casual elegance that is as relevant today as it was in the late 1940s.” Burch master-mindedly merged the inspiration from McCardell with her own iconic odes so eloquently in the collection. Burch is known for her use of comfortable and wearable textiles in her designs, and this collection showed no exception of that. From featherweight silk chiffon to breathable jersey, the Tory Burch woman’s comfort has always been a priority to the designer, and she never fails to deliver on that front.
The brand’s iconic T monogram was also subtly evident throughout the collection, but not so in-your-face that it screamed logomania either. “T Monogram honours Tory Burch’s distinctive logo and history.” When the brand was first launched, Burch wanted to create a logo that encapsulated the brand’s identity: “A classic serif T and its mirror image encased in a circle, inspired by the geometry of Moroccan architecture and interiors by David Hicks. Using digital collage and bold colors, T Monogram reflects the artisanal allure and timelessness of the brand’s logo.”
The show took place on in New York’s historic SoHo neighbourhood, near one of its stores. After surprise performances by dancer Lil Buck and drummer Cornelio, the Tory Burch & Co. Block Party opened. Booths from either side of the outdoor runway opened, brought by local SoHo businesses and restaurants, where guests were offered food and beverages. The location and environment that Tory Burch created for her show felt so naturally organic to the city.
The concoction of colours that the designer played with were bold yet somehow, undeniably wearable and pleasing. But that comes as no surprise, as Tory Burch has never failed to disappoint with her striking colour palettes.
When it came to accessories, the designer made yet another conscious choice of creating chic yet versatile designs that every working woman would instantaneously wear.
Tory Burch’s Spring/Summer collection is part of the brand’s ongoing partnership with the Maryland Center for History and Culture, which is home to Claire McCardell’s personal archives. “To support the preservation of the designer’s legacy, we established the Tory Burch Claire McCardell Fashion Fellowship at MCHC.”
