Elie Tahari Spring 2014

Elie Tahari celebrated the label’s 40^th anniversary by looking to the future while making a few clever nods to the label’s illustrious past.

The message from this spring 2014 was as clear as the slashes of silicone used throughout the collection: this was a 40-and-fabulous collection that served notice that Tahari plans to be a force to be reckoned with for 40 more years.

Modernism, inspired by 1950s Brasilia architecture by Oscar Niemeyer, was a key theme for this dazzling birthday party. That meant lots of white on white, with dollops of solid black and a few splashes of brilliant color such as peony pink.

But the magic here was in the details, particularly Tahari’s play with perforations, laser cuts and eyelet. White mesh and silicone added to the sporty, futuristic spirit of this visually arresting collection.

And many of the looks shown were part of a special Elie Tahari Edition 1974 Anniversary Collection, showing how adept Tahari has been at taking some of his classic pieces and re-envisioning them for today. An eyelet trench coat with silicone sleeves was just one example of the clever twists on the classics. Another winning update was a black caged mesh coat worn over a white croc dress.

It was a collection that was elegant, joyful and very interestingly today. Would that every designer could find such a wealth of energy, creativity and verve.

—Karyn D. Collins