Kimora Lee Simmons 2017 Pre Fall Collection

Talk to Kimora Lee Simmons about her pre-fall collection and the word “versatile” comes up a lot. “Day-to-night is a big component for me. Who has time to go home and change? You don’t want to look overdressed in the day and underdressed at night, so I am all about pieces that are versatile,” she explained. For example, a black blazer with a raw silk bottom that zips off.  “It can be very classic, or if you leave the bottom on, a little edgy,” she said. It could be even worn as a dress “on the right girl.”

Elsewhere, she played off New York architecture via grid lines in textures and in fabrics. A black-and-white bodycon dress featured a removable black laser-cut overlay that could also be worn over any shirt or another dress. “Right now, it’s important to love your city. No one wants to push things too far. People are concerned,” she said. As a result, she tried to keep the collection focused on familiar “go-to” pieces: fit-and-flare knee-length dresses; elegant blouses; crepe duster coats for the transitional months, and plenty of versatile office-to-dinner dresses.