24 Days of Emerging Designers: HARBISON — The Emerging Designer

Charles Harbison has an intimate relationship with his woman. And, just by talking to him, you can see the thrill that comes from being able to help shape her livelihood. The New York-based designer says he connects with “a woman who is in touch with and embraces her internal contradictions: her strength and frailty, wisdom and curiosity.” For her, he has presented thoughtful collections within his namesake brand. Think modern luxury with a fresh take on American sportswear; something he is striving to be known for. At the brand’s core, you’ll see suits, overcoats, uniform separates along with tunics and sheaths that are helping to define the brand. For spring, there’s patterns, textures and bold color-blocking that have been meticulously paired: silhouettes, fabric and colors all work in harmony with one another. He describes it as “Aaliyah-Klein-Diaspora-Prep” encompassing masculine feminine bodies of the late 90s, the color trifecta of Yves Klein and a 1953 Slim Aarons photo of Katharine Hepburn in Montego Bay which he sees as “a visual marriage of contrasting lifestyles – American luxury and afro-diaspora life.” Standouts include suiting in plaids and a range of jacquards: like the tropical floral and gingham arched overcoat with a matching bustier in addition to the tunic and pant set showing his fine romance with the fabric. There’s also long silk cardigans in various colors that are easy, wearable and one of many styles that fit into his modern day trunk of luxurious tools for his distinctive woman.