REVIEW: HILLIER BARTLEY RESORT 2019
Posted on by Cameron Tewson
What’s Hillier Bartley like for resort 2019? Well, it’s definitely not about one aesthetic or any central idea which leads to slight disappointment given both creative head’s backgrounds. Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier chose to ‘play’ with their signatures (chic loungewear, for instance) this season, adding some very unexpected twists to the collection. Distorted, Saville-Row-esque tailoring styled with thick turtlenecks or coming in emerald silk; equally deconstructed shirts with, what it seems, clashed double sleeves; tie-dyed, high-rise pants. The enormously big taffeta bows (think Saint Laurent) on pencil skirts and strapless tops had something of fancy nightclubbing, straight out of the 80s, just like the latex pussy-bow piece. Oh, and of course that suit. “We call it the Brexit—or the anti-Brexit—suit,” said Bartley. “I don’t know where it came from, but it felt right”. Accessories, that are largely Hillier’s job, span from the classic bunny clutch (in new colours) to boxy Cassette, a bag injected with lovely, vintage feeling.
What is most fascinating about Hillier Bartley – the brand has only existed for few seasons now – is that the designers created a distinct look that can’t be mistaken with any other brand. You look and you know it’s the Hillier Bartley woman – mature, kind of mysterious, but not taking herself too seriously. She can go for both, a cocktail in the new posh spot, or sip beer in an old school pub.
Can it sell and does it have longevity? No.
