Only a few brands can label themselves as quintessentially French. One of them is Sonia Rykiel. Both the legendary eponymous designer and her fashion house were pioneers of modern Parisienne style, and now, creative director Julie de Libran has taken the reigns of the company. Her efforts for Fall 2019 were more or less commendable because while it upheld the signature nonchalant and cool aesthetic, some elements were entirely questionable. First, the good parts. Though the Sonia Rykiel brand is more known for their knitwear, the suiting here was quite top-notch! They had an ease to them that was both edgy and inviting, yet still evoked structure for that sense of refinement. Stripes, another Rykiel signature, were abundant and vibrant, decorating flowing separates and floaty frocks. Such pieces are bound to warrant interest for those who’d prefer a lighter wardrobe for fall. When it comes to the collection’s flaws, however, some were just too evident to brush off. The quality of construction is one thing. Although the tailoring was all right, how the items were assembled together leaves a whole lot to be desired. Some pieces looked so raw and unfinished that it won’t be a surprise to anyone if they were actually vintage pieces from past decades. Then there’s the overplay of prints—overwhelming and slightly garish, to say the least. All in all, this was an okay line, not the worst, but certainly not the best!
Photo: Courtesy of Sonia Rykiel
