Rie Yamagata emphasizes wearability above all with her relatively straightforward collections, but introduces elements of her own quirky personality with thoughtful details that make the clothes feel special. At a Fall preview, the Rhié designer explained that this season was partially inspired by fragmented memories from her formative middle school years spent in California. A flashback to the shiny bathroom from her childhood home, for example, steered Yamagata toward a python-embossed lamé that she featured on a pleated midi skirt as well as a crafty pullover that mixed together a variety of materials. But those two silver items were about as flashy as this lineup got. Elsewhere, Yamagata focused on honing her tailoring skills, which was evident in relaxed, double-breasted suits and jumpsuits, as well as a variety of menswear-inspired topcoats (that will retail for less than $ 1,000), including a standout style in bright grass green. As usual, there were subtle references to school uniforms, with preppy plaid pieces and crisp shirting dresses. All in all, this well-considered range should appeal to girls both buttoned-down and eccentric.
—Brittany Adams
Runway Feed