Tyler by Richard Tyler: Modern Day Doris Day
By Michelle Taylor
Photos by Javier Mateo

MILAN, Apr 8, 2004/ FW/ --- Australian born Tyler has been busy over the last few months on the fashion front. Presenting his Tyler Couture collection in New York earlier this year in February, which he dedicated to late great image man Helmut Newton during which he made a not so quiet political statement regarding gay relationships when two of his models kissed on the runway.

Hence great anticipation for the Richard Tyler fall winter 2004/05 collection he presented in Los Angeles last week. The move from New York to LA is a significant one for Tyler who as one of the headliners in LA along with Custo Barcelona has always shown in New York, being part of the international fashion circuit.

Still, while some may think that the move could damage the designer and his reputation, especially as far as media coverage is concerned, don’t be too hasty, Los Angeles is doing all the right things for Tyler.

Perhaps it’s the sunshine, the beach and all the things Californian that remind him of his homeland, or perhaps he has just found his target market.

A collection very 1970’s and very feminine, perhaps this is what the ladies of Rodeo Drive will want to be wearing to lunch. Pants are tailored and high waisted with turned up hemlines almost all flat fronted except for a few darts near pockets while his jackets are small and fitted, often short sleeved and with outer pockets.

A designer who has always concentrated on construction and fit did not disappoint fans as his models bounced happily down the runway plastered with immaculate smiles like modern day versions of Doris Day.

Focusing on the ladylike, large floral was reserved for dresses and shirts in an autumn palette mostly beige, brown and gold. He also used check and tweed both for jackets, skirts and pants like the mini chocolate and peach jacket almost bolero in style that he matched with simple straight legged pants.

A look of slick simple elegant hair or scarves on heads for a touch of the relaxed weekend? Tyler adopts both, and well, not filling the collection with useless accessories, frills and ruffles. Please no more ruffles!

Last minute highlights were the thin sheer knit dresses sexy and sensual but never appearing over the top or risky.

Marketable and wearable, the Tyler collection that manages to incorporate classic elements and mix them with new feminine style.

Tyler by Richard Tyler

Tyler by Richard Tyler

Tyler by Richard Tyler

Tyler by Richard Tyler