What Would Olivia Wear: Tibi A/W '13/14

 

Catwalk Images: Style.com

    Amy Smilovic's Fall '13 offering for Tibi screamed nineties girl, albeit with the kind of immaculate coating that Olivia Palermo exudes in everything she wears. Amy's biggest fan (Olivia was even Tibi's model for S/S '11) naturally sat front row with her boyfriend Johanne Huebl, presumably noting exactly which pieces she will snap up to wear this coming autumn/winter. 
    The collection had Olivia written all over it, to no-one's surprise- the relaxed American brand makes a regular appearance in her wardrobe. Smilovic merged sportswear (her ode to the 90's) with glossy leather, rich tweed and matte materials for a luxe-urban and contemporary styling. Comfort and practicality were as usual, vital factors in the design, with Amy focusing on layering solutions and slouchy structuring. In fact, she said backstage before the show commenced: "We already have enough cocktail dresses in our closets", hinting that what we would see would function for the everyday city girl. Although there were skirts present, the collection was dominated by trousers and leggings, such as the racing-striped leather pair above- a gift for Olivia's perfect pins perhaps. There was a huge influence on minimalism; a palette cleanse of monochrome, khaki and grey directed the eye to the art of layering. However, Amy did incorporate a rare pop of emerald green and cobalt blue to keep the audience guessing and to accentuate an impossibly modern vibe. 

Block colour and leather make for a modern feel

     So, what would Olivia wear? Layering seems to be a rule in Olivia's fall wardrobe, as every sun-lacking season she is photographed in chunky knit after chunky knit, accessorized frequently with a silhouette-defining belt. 
    Before putting her Fall '13 ideas into action, Amy is said to have posed herself a very significant question: "How do we make clothes that will take our customers from August to February?" Her answer to this was utilitarian genius: detachable hoods featured on an array of shearling-lined moto jackets, quilted vests and baggy, neoprene sweatshirts. Amy's khaki and black jacket is a high-fashion update on the sell-out Zara contrast-sleeve parka that Olivia wore religiously last fall. Olivia favours the military look as a whole, so my guess is that she would be more than happy wearing any of Amy's olive-hued pieces. Olivia is all about embracing a stylish sensibility, as she has demonstrated at this year's blizzard-like NYFW in her extra-fluffy trapper hat, long layers and fur jacket. 




Olivia's Zara Khaki Jacket
Zimbio.com

Amy's update on Olivia's Zara contrast-sleeve parka

Olivia layers up at NYFW: LeeOliveir.com

    Olivia tends to favour turtle-necks to avoid the chill- so she is sure to appreciate Amy's elegant, cream, ribbed roll-neck sweater. Although she is, refreshingly, a high-street devotee, Olivia does love a high-quality texture- Amy's glossy, pony-hair pull-overs certainly fit the bill. Olivia is known for experimenting with 'Starburst' (that's the sweets!) colour, but she keeps it subtle, toning down a vivid hue with neutrals and darks (except for when she masters print on print: think Tibi's blue cobweb print silk blouse and pants combo!). Olivia is also an avid fan of blazers, so with these two fetishes in mind, Amy Smilovic's boyfriend-style, cobalt blazer definitely steps up to the mark.  




Olivia in a cosy, roll-neck cream knit and maxi skirt combo
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Amy's ribbed roll-neck sweater with bib detail

Besotted with blue: Olivia channelling Tibi head-to-toe print
Upscalehype.com

Olivia in a colour-popping, orange blazer
Stylebistro.com

Amy's cobalt blazer

    Olivia is not afraid to play with pattern, and chose a dogtooth-printed sweater to wear to the Tibi AW '13/14 show on Saturday afternoon. We may see her put her own spin on Amy Smilovic's dogtooth V-neck shift soon! It's possible she may experiment with the bold, patchwork pieces, as she occasionally ventures into the quirky, though what seems very likely are the odds that she will adore Amy's reoccurring leather accents. A pair of slimming leather pants are a closet style staple in Olivia's eyes, as she mix and matches hers with everything and anything. From Dior's peplum leather top to Reiss' tan leather midi skirt, Olivia reuses the plush material to create a sophisticated edginess. I can see Amy's leather-checked pencil skirt, tomboy leather shorts, leather bodice and of course, her pointed and cut-out, polished leather shoe boots making an appearance in Olivia's event-wardrobe.




Dogtooth and polished leather toe-capped boots= Olivia all-over

Olivia in a Dior peplum bustier similar to Amy Smilovic's below

Leather bibs on sweaters are definitely Olivia's calling

     Overall, Amy Smilovic's collection alluded to the coolly-crafted wardrobes of refined, metropolitan fashionistas like Olivia herself- though to me Olivia is naturally the leader of this style niche, ever being tracked down by the paparazzi for her impeccable dress sense. Olivia holds such wide style appeal because she blends enviable up-market finesse with a girl-next-door likeability; she is also, amazingly, her own stylist and takes only personal direction in what she wears. Tibi's realistic, laidback yet in vogue approach to day-wear connects with Olivia's flair for down-town fashion perfectly and makes the brand her go-to label of choice.