Being deemed the “next big thing” carries a lot of responsibility. But Jerome Lamaar of 531: Jerome seems to be rising to the challenge.
Lamaar’s debut collection last September created a lot of buzz and a lot is now expected of this emerging designer. Launching out on his own after an apprenticeship with Ralph Rucci and a stint at Baby Phat, Lamaar has his finger on the pulse of what the stylish, urban female consumer wants to wear.
There is a definite nod in Lamaar’s fall 2014 collection to Kimora Lee Simmons’ Baby Phat aesthetic. Still, Lamaar has gleamed what he learned from Simmons and has made it his own. “This season I wanted to explore a feminine polished approach to a casual hunting tomboy look,” explains Lamaar.
And Lamaar accomplished just that. Gold seemed to also be a central motif in this collection. From the gold lipstick to the sparkling gold shoes to oversized gold bottoms on coats, as well as gold-themed jewelry.
What also stands out in this outing is that Lamaar understands that the young female consumer that was attracted to Baby Phat, L.A.M.B, and maybe the House of Dereon has matured. Though she still has a sass and swag, she is more career focused and subtly displays her affluence.
There are several trends in this collection from the oversized jackets to cutouts and bold splashes of color. Though the dresses with the cutouts may need to be rethought, where this collection is most successful is in the styling and the construction.
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—William S. Gooch
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