“My parents, Buddy and Reva Robinson, were adventurers. Every summer, they boarded a steamer ship and spent six weeks sailing from Italy and Greece to Morocco and Spain. Their wanderlust has been a constant inspiration for me, and Spring/Summer 2019 brings that influence to the runway through unique details that recall their trips: silhouettes with a bohemian ease, balancing volume and tailoring; needlepoint and camera bags; well-worn hats and woven shoes.” — Tory Burch
Silhouettes: Easy, billowy shapes balance tailored pieces and crisp shirting, based on Buddy’s penchant for custom, made-to-measure shirts. Unexpected layering adds to the sense of casual, traveled glamour.
Palette: Grounded in understated neutrals—crisp white, classic khaki and the brand’s signature Tory navy—and punctuated by joyful pops of bright orange, cobalt blue and Kelly green that give way to soft pastel yellow and pale pink.
Prints & Patterns: Reva’s collection of vintage scarves provided the inspiration for an exotic bird print. Preppy, nautical striping pays homage to the pair’s time at sea while the graphic Gemini Link pattern celebrates their duality.
Fabrications: A textural mix—from delicate lace and crisp poplin to raffia and flocked organza—speaks to the brand’s eclecticism and bohemian spirit. Handwoven leather pieces nod to the collection’s craftsmanship while Moroccan-inspired fabrics underscore the brand’s global influences. Embroidered scalloped edging adds an artisanal element to ladylike dresses, and shiny gold coins on easy tunics reference Reva’s collection of vintage coin jewelry.
Accessories: Pared back accessories have a distinctly laidback appeal. Old school, retro canvas sneakers ground the collection in a sporty nonchalance while clean brass jewelry gives an understated edge. The camera bag Buddy toted around the Mediterranean documenting the couple’s adventures inspired a key handbag silhouette, while a new take on the Lee handbag has a slouchier silhouette.
Music: Produced by Michel Gaubert; “Glow Wall,” by Via Maris; “Bird,” by Kelly Lee Owens; “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon and Garfunkel.
Stylist: Benjamin Bruno
Location: The Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
Set Design: Landscape architect Miranda Brooks
Beauty: Makeup artist Diane Kendal and the M·A·C Pro Team; hair by Guido for Redken