If I had to sum up the energy around Tanya Taylor’s Spring Summer 2018 collection, I’d call it charming ease – something I definitely need more of in my life.
Inspired by a trip to Holland’s tulip festival, flower power graced the looks but not in a Miranda Priestly “Florals? For spring? Ground breaking.” kind of way. Far from girly and flirty, the blooms were sophisticated, used with intention, and for the playing-by-her-own-rules kind of woman. Tanya is known for her hand-painted prints, but also played with graphic eyelet detailing and beautiful embroidery for this season. Stemming off her current pregnancy, drawstrings allowed for waistline flexibility and there were a number of always flattering wrap tops and dresses. The deep sea navy mixed with bright citrus, sunset red, and aqua blue palette left a nautical life meets day-at-the-garden vibe.
Ease is something that rarely makes an appearance at New York Fashion Week – in collections, schedules, or stress levels. The day of the Tanya Taylor presentation (check out the vlog video we filmed that day!) was supposed to be simple in comparison to the rest of our schedule.
Runway show one of the day went smoothly, and after, I needed to find an outlet to plug my computer into so I could do some writing. Not as easy as you would think despite there being coffee shops everywhere you look (I mean come on, there’s a Starbucks literally every other block). Frazzled, I eventually gained access to one. Fast forward to a hiccup attending another event and then not getting into a runway show for one of my favorite designers for which I had a confirmed invitation and arrived early for, I was beyond tempted to throw in the towel and head back to the hotel for the day. But I adore who Tanya Taylor is as a person (I mean, I don’t know her, but I admire the boundaries she’s always pushing with her brand while remaining true to her style and aesthetic). So, the heels (momentarily) come off, sandals went on and we started walking to the presentation.
When I walked into the space, my breath was taken away. For the first time this fashion week season, I instantly imagined myself in this collection. In my head, I was in Spain sipping coffee at a local cafe, taking in the fresh air of the morning and deciding where the day’s adventure was going to start – knowing that whatever happened next, I was going to feel confident and comfortable in my Tanya Taylor Spring Summer 2018 dress. For me, Taylor’s collection symbolized that charm and ease could be found among the very contractions that have been bringing up resistance in my, soon to be 27 years old, life. With her pieces, she danced balance between flow and structure, playfulness but being grown up, and ease with refinement.
My stylist Christina, had her breath taken in a different way. Once I mentally returned from Spain, I looked over and saw her eyes widen, but she wasn’t looking in the direction of the clothes. Instead, she realized she was standing a few feet away from Linda Fargo, Senior Vice President and Women’s Fashion Director at Bergdorf Goodman – one of her idols. A maven in the fashion industry, someone you thought would get a private preview before everyone else so she didn’t have to mingle in the crowded room. Instead, there she was, calm, cool, and collected among a sea of normal people. It reminded her that her love of fashion brought her to the right place at the right time.
Had we had given into the stress and turned our backs on the day, we would have never had these experiences. It was a needed reminder that no matter what is happening at this very moment, regardless of how irritated you feel or how low your tolerance levels have fallen, it doesn’t take away the potential the next moment has to be charming, easy, and extraordinary. The only way to extinguish those possibilities is by turning around and heading home.
While you’re waiting for these SS18 pieces to hit stores, shop some of my current Tanya Taylor favorites below:
I may make a small commission if you click on or purchase from the styles below, but don’t worry all opinions are my own and I do adore these pieces!
