Costello Tagliapietra’s Fall 2015 collection was a playful mash-up of schoolgirl charm and boyish tailoring, proving that youthful energy can still feel sophisticated on the runway. Plaids, suspenders, and sharp menswear references ran through the collection, but they were softened with skirts, ribbons, and unexpectedly delicate layering. The result was a witty balance of structure and whimsy, where nothing felt forced and every detail seemed intentional.
Mischief in the Details
It was the small touches that made this collection memorable. Cropped sweaters layered over button-downs, pleated skirts paired with boxy blazers, and hints of subtle embroidery turned familiar fabrics into something fresh. The designers clearly had fun with contrast, blending masculine and feminine cues without making it feel like a theme or gimmick. There were nods to traditional school uniforms, but nothing was literal; these were modern interpretations that retained a sense of freedom. Even the suspenders felt unexpected, more a styling flourish than a rule to follow.
Playful Silhouettes
The silhouettes shifted from fitted to slightly oversized, giving the models an effortless cool that didn’t need to shout. The mix of textures—from wool plaids to soft flannels—kept the eye moving, and layering added dimension without bulk. The show had a smart, almost narrative quality. You could imagine these pieces in real life, moving through a day at a gallery, a café, or even just running around the city. The collection felt lived-in yet aspirational, structured yet approachable.
A Clever Balance
Costello Tagliapietra succeeded by embracing contrasts—masculine versus feminine, tailored versus soft, preppy versus modern. It was clever, wearable, and fun, the kind of collection that rewards attention to detail and leaves you thinking about how you’d wear it tomorrow.
Credits
Designers: Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra
Brand: Costello Tagliapietra
Collection: Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2015
Show: New York Fashion Week
