This season, Chadwick Bell “focused on the idea of nomadic women” with a pared-down collection accentuated by eclectic pieces designed to look, he said, “like finds from their travels.” A graphic, color-blocked suede belt (Bell’s take on traditional South American fajas) captured this sense of worldly adventurousness. Ditto went for the frayed, braided-rope trim decorating clean coats and sheaths that came in a pretty blue wool. Piled-on fox fur pelts further upped the luxury factor.
Meanwhile, Bell displayed his first-rate tailoring skills with a precise, slouchy suit. He whipped up an oversize sweatshirt with a dramatic low back from a soft alpaca bouclé that highlighted the nape of the neck and paired it with a matching wrap skirt featuring a high slit. That standout look was simultaneously unexpected and sophisticated. Elsewhere, Bell energized the lineup with pops of on-trend fuchsia seen on a rounded suede jacket and the piping of a quilted puffer. For evening, he showed several gowns with simple silhouettes that had a linear purity. A long, cream-hued column merged geometric planes of silk with floating seams, while a sequined maxi dress cut from a block of “shapeless” tulle mesh twinkled like a starry night when in motion. All in all, Bell earned favorable marks here for his bold yet unfussy approach to everyday luxury.
—Brittany Adams
Runway Feed
