Story by David Lewis Taylor

Milly is taking the world by storm with the opening of its first free-standing boutique in the prestigious Omotesando Hills in Tokyo’s Aoyama area and designer Michelle Smiths exciting momentum was on full display at MIlly’s recent fashion show in New York City. In her Fall/Winter 2009 ready-to-wear collection Smith defines chic with simple brushstrokes. Inspired by Manhattan’s oh-so-chic and oh-so-stylish gallery girls, the designer presented a collection alive with the energy of her dynamic muses. “Beautiful, smart and unnervingly chic, Manhattan’s ‘Gallery Girls’ are as inspiring as the art they showcase. Glamorous gatekeepers, they serve as purveyors of culture,” says Smith.

The designer captures that certain style that started when these girls rolled up their private school skirts and embellished their uniforms with youthful abandon and uber-stylish accessories. Michelle Smith understands that a flash of color, a well-placed ruffle, and a slightly high skirt mixed with a cropped sweater, tweed jacket, and a hint of vintage inspiration is a recipe for a carefree style.

With use of textured Italian tweeds in mini skirts and modern coats to the flouncy peacock feather prints and bold paisley in fall shades of brown, gold, grey, and petrol blue, the Milly collection is full of pieces that will elevate any wardrobe.

Milly’s mini skirts, shown with dark tights, will be on every “it” girl’s must-have list this season. Shown in luscious tweeds, camel and pink wool, richly printed or dramatically textured, these skirts define defiance while looking classic paired with the rest of the collection. Metallic highlights illuminate the collection, but they are muted and subtle. A versatile collection of little black dresses ended the show, each with a distinctive flair, casual sophistication, and a lithe elegance.

www.millyny.com