New York Fashion Week: Derek Lam’s West Coast style

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Clothes that make you take a deep breath and say ‘aahhh.’ That is what several designers showed here over the weekend, as a new quietude took over the runway.

Derek Lam’s beautifully restrained collection was inspired, he wrote in the show notes, by artist Larry Bell and California’s singular brand of minimalism.

The result was a romantic ode to classic sportswear, with clothing that was simple but covetable -- an A-line skirt in a lovely washed blue denim, paired with a boxy utility jacket with a back vent detail; a canvas trench coat with a peplum-back vest in the same fabrication layered on top; and a short-sleeve devore velvet dress in a dappled blue, black and green pattern like moonlight shining on ocean waves.

This was Lam’s take on effortless West Coast style -- a white sateen pleated skirt worn with a black swallowtail-back cashmere sweater; an incredibly chic sleeveless linen jumpsuit; and flared trousers (they’re baaaack!) Worn with a navy blue embroidered tunic tucked in.

Anchoring these easy, breezy clothes were wood-block platform sandals that are sure to become one of spring’s must-have styles.

-- Booth Moore

Derek Lam spring - summer 2011 collection photo gallery