Set against the hushed, wood-paneled backdrop of the New York Society Library — the city’s oldest and perhaps most discreetly elegant institution — a self-styled spring style story unfolds.
From Tod’s, a monochrome palette of beige delivers a masterclass in tonal dressing — one I first spotted at the brand’s Materia collection presentation in Milan this June. The matching beige trench and shirt, paired with Tod’s billowing denim and their boat-shoe-inspired footwear, immediately struck me as one of the freshest looks of the spring season.
Max Mara’s iconic teddy and sharp trenches layer effortlessly for the perfect spring style — an homage to legacy, yet reimagined with a light, modern edge. Sportmax’s leopard print makes a bold case for spring, grounded by a sleek black Theory turtleneck. And Theory’s Motion Wool Suit offers quiet precision — measured, modern, and never overdone.
Anchored by my own Tom Ford glasses and vintage Prada shoes, the looks bridge the old-world charm of the Upper East Side with a sharper, modern edge. Less costume, more character. Because in New York, it’s not about dressing like the past — it’s about knowing how to carry it forward.
Words, Styling, Creative Direction by David Ruff
Photography by Jacob Azzi
