Best Foot Forward Gets a Milly Sneak Peak!

 

 

Next to the unveiling of designer collections on the runways and in stores, the collaborations are my absolute favorite!  I love seeing how brands and designers with very distinct viewpoints come together to create something so new, yet so uniquely each of them.  The Milly collection for Banana Republic is no exception!

 

I am so lucky to have cultivated an incredibly unique relationship with Banana Republic, and specifically, the team at the Corte Madera store!  Not only does this mean special VIP events for my clients and friends of Best Foot Forward, but it means special sneak peaks for me! I could not be more excited, and quite honestly, cannot contain the excitement….must share! Fortunately, the VPs of Operations gave me the green light to do just that!!!

 

 

 

For those of you who are not familiar with Milly (aka designer Michelle Smith), let me fill you in.   A student at NY’s acclaimed, FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), she worked at Hermes as an intern.  UnFollowing her graduation, she sent a letter to Hermes headquarters in Paris requesting a position — and landed it — making her the first American Hermes employee to receive an opportunity to work with the designers in Paris.   Unprecedented and amazing, to say the least.

 

The result of that experience = sheer genius.  As her website explains:

 

“MillyNY transforms classics by merging American sportswear influences with distinctive Parisian atelier techniques. Smith’s eye for impeccable detail, use of luxurious, cutting-edge fabrics and precise tailoring have made MILLY a cult favorite across the globe.”

 

My first Milly purchase was a red silk maxi dress I intended to wear to a wedding in St. Thomas last fall.  While the wedding went on without us (sadly, had a conflict and could not ultiamtely make it!), the dress remains a favorite in my wardrobe.  Fortunately for me, it is a classic piece, reflective of Milly’s aesthetic: Hamptons’ chic, elegant, sophisticated.  I cherish it. Truly. Madly. Deeply.  Here’s a snap of the print and how I accessorized it with this Stella and Dot Garden Party cuff  last year when I wore it to dinner for my birthday in Napa Valley!

 

 

 

Milly herself describes this collection as containing “Hamptons chic looks that can be worn in the city or to the beach.” In three words:  “fresh, modern, spirited.”

 

Early press releases in anticipation of the collection featured sketches of the now infamous color blocked dress in green, navy and white (classic Hamptons colors!) (which was modeled after an earlier piece in cobalt blue and black). It’s even better in the flesh.  If that was not to die for, the tunics, shorts, and ikat prints scream fresh, spirited and well, modern.  Think elephant prints.  Think turquoise meets yellow. Think sun dresses that carry you from beach days to cocktails at dusk.  From accessories, handbags, to tops and bottoms, there is something for everyone here.

Where do I even start styling?!? My mind is swirling with ideas!  More to come…stay tuned!!