At the heart of Lafayette 148 New York‘s Resort 2025 Collection lies the restoration of the early 18th-century painting “Virgin in Prayer” by female artist Giulia Lama. This endeavor, spearheaded by Lafayette 148 New York’s creative director Emily Smith, has become the driving force behind the resort line’s design inspiration. Through an exploration of the painting, the time period it represents, and the artist’s creative process, Smith has meticulously woven these elements into the collection’s aesthetic.
The resort collection’s palette and textures pay homage to the opulent Baroque era that the “Virgin in Prayer” painting represents. Hues of burnt sienna, copper, and deep malachite green evoke the rich, earthy tones that were prevalent during this time, while luxurious fabrics like cashmere, merino, and lambskin leather add a tactile elegance to the garments. The collection’s design elements subtly reflect the artistic techniques and processes associated with the “Virgin in Prayer” painting. A textural painter’s palette print mimics the idea of smearing paint with a palette knife, while hand-painted canvas and leather L-Tote bags capture the spontaneous, expressive nature of the artist’s brushstrokes. These details serve as a tangible connection to the painting’s creation, inviting the wearer to embark on a journey of artistic appreciation.
Throughout the collection, Lafayette 148 New York strikes a delicate balance between the Baroque era’s opulent sensibilities and a more contemporary, refined aesthetic. Pearlescent embellishments, trims, and real pearl buttons add a touch of decadence, while sleek black and white layers across outerwear, cocktail, and suiting pieces offer a counterpoint of understated elegance. The resort collection also pays homage to the city of Venice itself, with design elements that evoke the city’s iconic landmarks and natural beauty. A Venetian blue-green “Lagoon-” colored stellar draped plissé dress captures the essence of the city’s renowned waterways, while Venetian mirror-inspired metallic skirts and a silk-blend fleur-de-lis jacquard matching vest and skirt nod to the city’s rich architectural heritage.
