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Ann Watson of Henri Bendel Likes Nili Lotan, Anna Sui, and Peter Som

From left: Nili Lotan, Anna Sui, Peter Som.Photos: WireImage, imaxtree.com, imaxtree.com

Throughout the week, the buyers from Kirna Zabête, Henri Bendel, Intermix, and more will tell us which runway looks they plan on stocking. Today, Henri Bendel VP, fashion director Ann Watson reveals her current faves: sexy sophistication from Nili Lotan, menswear cuts from Anna Sui, and Peter Som’s reworked American classics.

Nili Lotan
Nili Lotan’s first runway show was clear and focused, filling a void in this week’s runways by showing a collection that was sleek, modern, and filled with items that every woman wants in her closet: the perfect pant, the man-tailored vest, the shrunken blazer, and the easy dress. Under Nili’s hand, the items are far from basic — instead, they’re feminine with sophisticated sex appeal. Favorite looks were a cream jacket paired with a wide-leg cream trouser, white-linen pleat-front blouse accented with layers of long silver necklaces made by Bedouin women, and the perfect LBD: a silk, low-V ruffle front dress.

Anna Sui
Anna always manages to have her own distinctive flair while remaining in step with the season, and this time around was no different. A range of pretty silk dresses that were close to the body provided a feminine contrast to her other outstanding looks: great tailored jackets, menswear jumpsuits, pin-striped pantsuits, high-waisted short shorts, a shrunken Glen-plaid vest, and puffy sleeve blouses. All the looks were shown in a diverse range of patterns, from graphics to pretty florals, which will work well for spring dressing.

View a slideshow of Anna Sui’s collection.
Watch a video of the Anna Sui show.

Peter Som
It is clear why Peter Som has been chosen to be the head of an iconic American brand like Bill Blass. His innate sensibility is the classic American girl, and this season he gave it a fifties twist with a floral, strapless A-line dress, a reworked white blouse in tulle, the perfect full skirt with weightless layers of organza, and the ultimate cocktail sheath dress in slate gray with sequins.

View a slideshow of the Peter Som collection.

Ann Watson of Henri Bendel Likes Nili Lotan, Anna Sui, and Peter Som