This season, Lois Samuels invariably proves that less is more. With a seemingly effortless, minimalist aesthetic, the Jamaican-born designer turned out an understated and wearable collection at this season's New York Fashion Week. Ms. Samuels first launched her own label, the Vessel. by lois, at New York Fashion Week in 2009 and it has gathered a sizeable following over the last four seasons. After ogling the pieces in her latest collection, I had the privilege of interviewing the former model about her label.
NearSay: What inspiration did you draw from this collection?
Lois Samuels: My inspiration was simple glamour. The [title of the collection] was “7 Days of Winter.” I presented the collection on mannequins…surrounded by images taken by photographer Joanna Totlici. It was a small collection this season, “less is more.” My aesthetic of clean lines and tailoring remained with the use of more delicate fabrics, deeper necklines and shorter hemlines.
NS: Are there any overarching themes you’ve noticed this Fashion Week?
LS: I never really look at what the trends are. [From] what I have noticed…it seems capes and jumpsuits were popular. I love jumpsuits and overalls – I have included them in every collection.
NS: Now that Fashion Week is coming to a close, do you feel any sense of relief?
LS: I do, even though it’s now that the work really begins, as I try to establish new clients and buyers for the collection.
NS: What are some of your post New York Fashion Week plans?
LS: Relaxing for a day or two. Then reaching out to buyers, stylists and other media players as well as [organizing] trunk shows and pop-up shops.
NS: How has the Vessel. by lois evolved over the last four seasons?
LS: the Vessel. by lois is growing. I believe that the collection has found a niche in the market and I can only hope that it will grow and expand for many years to come. Each piece is a life-long investment, not a fad.
Looking at Lois’ latest pieces, it becomes clear that her collections are not about trendiness, but rather about classic beauty. The purely black-and-white color scheme only serves to further highlight the flawless tailoring, making the collection every working woman’s dream. If this is what qualifies as “simple glamour,” then call me glamorous.
