Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVIII

2 4 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I I f you’ve ever been to New York City or Washington DC, you know that Tory Burch flats are ubiquitous – it’s the must-have shoe of the smart set, a classic slip- on that pairs with anything from jeans to dresses. But devotees of this conservative staple may be surprised to learn that in her spring/summer 2015 ready-to-wear collection, Burch unleashes her artistic, bohemian side in a bold display of colour, texture and volume, all inspired by the French artist Françoise Gilot – “A strong woman and a great artist,” as Burch describes her. Gilot for many years was the partner of Pablo Picasso. The pair lived for several years in Vallauris, the French seaside artists’ commune where Picasso was said to have developed his fascination with ceramics and linocuts. In a nod to the two, Burch designed a tunic top and matching long skirt from a Toile de Jouy pattern that depicts the villa where they made their home, surrounded by cypress trees. Burch also shows pieces in an engineered broderie anglaise that references the ceramic patterns of which Picasso was so fond. The essence of Burch’s new collection, however, is “a play between raw and refined,” as she herself describes it. This tension can be seen to gorgeous effect in a silk georgette belted smock dress and a long canvas tank dress with fringe down the side. There’s a charmingly raw quality to the To r y B u r c h S S 2 0 1 5 R T W C o l l e c t i o n