Direct-to-consumer is
bordering on “direct-from-consumer.” LBV Care of Joss Sackler recently
presented its Spring/Summer 2020 collection, which creative director
Elizabeth Kennedy describes as having been inspired directly from her
consumer.
“It’s very emblematic of our community, these very strong, amazing,
accomplished, inspiring women,” Kennedy told FashionUnited following the
brand’s NYFW runway show.
Founded by Joss Sackler, a modern Renaissance-woman who is a certified
sommelier, holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and currently serves as the
president of the Columbia School Linguistic Society, LBV branched out from
a private women’s culture club. LBV the club hosts members-only cultural
events and dinners centered around art, fashion and wine.
According to Fashionista, Kennedy and Sackler actually met at an LBV
event and decided to collaborate on the brand’s ready-to-wear line. Kennedy
was newly appointed to her role of creative director with LBV earlier this
year. The Spring/Summer 2020 collection is the first under her
direction.
“[Sackler] brought me on and really gave me free rein on this collection
to do what I want,” Kenendy explained.
She said that having been a club member prior to designing the
collection allowed her insight into what the brand’s consumer wanted. She
said, “I wanted the collection to feel very empowered for this strong,
confident woman who is power dressing for 2020. But it’s still very soft
and feminine and sensual. That’s what women want to wear.”
Elizabeth Kennedy brings a diverse approach to LBV’s collection
Kennedy has a background in both couture and ready-to-wear, having held
senior roles with Donna Karan Atelier, J. Mendel, Max Mara and Isaac
Mizrahi Couture. She launched an eponymous label in 2016 and currently
maintains a private client business, separate from her work with LBV.
“I felt that the appropriate construct for this collection was this mix
of ready-to-wear with an emphasis on evening wear,” Kennedy said. “The
combination of the two feels very modern, it’s more of a lifestyle brand.
It’s not these separate categories; it’s accessories, it’s ready to wear,
it’s cocktail, it’s evening wear, it’s outerwear. It’s a very modern way to
approach a collection.”
Contradicting elements make up the collection – emphasized, squared
shoulders juxtaposed with soft textures and metallic hues. Heavy metal
hardware reminiscent of breastplate armor recurs throughout, as does
notably cinched waists that evoke the appearance of corsets. The collection
is comprised of dresses, jackets, skirts, trousers, tops and handbags.
As FashionUnited previously reported, the LBV
Spring/Summer 2020 collection will be available direct-to-consumer through
the brand’s e-commerce site beginning in January, as well as through 20
retail partners. Price points will range between 700 and 7,000 dollars.
Photos: courtesy of Tuke Consulting
