Sandy Liang is feeling more fantastical than ever. It may be because she’s now a mother of a young toddler, so her viewing habits have changed (she recently watched Kiki’s Delivery Service) but that childlike wonder has trickled down more deeply into her design process. For fall, she took into consideration that Studio Ghibli film, as well as Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and the film stills of Kirsten Dunst on her bed while her ladies in waiting awaited at her side.
Despite the fantasy that surrounded the season’s theme, the clothes were surprisingly more wearable and buyable than the past few Liang collections. The pussy bow satin pajama inspired sets could easily be imagined on any of the front rowers in their everyday lives, and the nightgowns made of jersey would work as an errand outfit for any cool Dimes Square girl. “Something really important that kind of grounds the collection this season is the reality of getting dressed in New York,” said Liang. “You know we’re realistic New York girls.” Ballet flats came in a multitude of options including some furry and some not, with bunny eared flats being a new shoe style that we’ve never seen before.
That mentality carried through even with the dressier looks of the season. There were plenty of sexy going out tops, including a sequin halter neck and a split-front long-sleeve shirt that felt just costume-y enough for the Sandy Liang girl to stand out at any party, without having to feel like they dressed up for a themed occasion. Nothing is un-chicer than wearing your standard winter wool coat out to a party, so Liang made cute furry bolero jackets and bowed-out ponchos for the girls that really want to be decked out in head-to-toe fashion.
For Sandy’s more serious customers, she had new versions of her classic skirt suits available. This season, the emphasis was on the button work. Blazers had fencing-inspired buttons for an extra polished touch while Liang’s version of the tweed skirt suit came woven with blue ribbon at the hemlines giving more youthfulness to the formal outfit.
As one of the leading tastemakers for Gen Z fashion, the burden of innovating and constantly creating trends must be a heavy weight on Liang’s shoulders. With this collection she was able to find a sweet spot between playful and serious. A little something for the TikTok obsessives as well as the more intentional shoppers.
