Adam Lippes Fall 2021

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, fashion designer Adam Lippes has followed his customers’ cue and delivered clothes that are above comfortable and feminine. In an October 13, 2020 interview with Nicole Phelps for www.vogue.com, Lippes cited his new touchstones as “refinement, comfort, luxury and ease.”

The big 1980s’ pussycat bow from the pre-fall 2021 collection took center stage for fall 2021. The fun poppy print he designed with editorial florist Putnam & Putnam reeked of optimism and looked great as a separate and as a dress. The brilliant red showed up again as a quilted red leather jacket with relaxed matching trousers that are the perfect solution between leggings and rigorously tailored trousers. As for skirts and dresses, the red and white striped knit skirt and dress with a ruffle hem strike the right balance of ease and refinement.

Although color is certainly a mood elevator, Lippes is shrewd enough to recognize that women still need great basics to mix with colorful prints and pieces. There’s a sharp khaki trench coat and an oversized white gnarled knit turtleneck that’s right on point and can be dressed-up or down as the occasion requires. His long white coat shares the comfort Norma Kamali’s iconic “cocoon coat” has and looks comfortable enough to sleep in.

It is unlikely women will be eager to embrace the suits they put away a year ago, but they may take to Lippes’s slouchy black pant suit and tweed turtleneck and long skirt set. We applaud this designer for delivering a collection that is comfortable but most definitely not “basic.”

—Vivian Kelly