Elevated Basics in Rumi Murakami’s SS17 Collection

Office attire just got more effortless.

April 19, 2017

Natalie Schack,

ast Friday’s date night was a roaring success, if we do say so ourselves. We were lucky enough to score ourselves a find that had it all: really great style, some serious social grace and still loves to keep it interesting. Can we get a “swipe right”?

PHOTOs: Ramsey Cheng

Well, let’s give some props to the matchmaker herself, Rumi Murakami. We’re talking about her ultra cool and casual spring/summer collection, which includes prince charmings such as Aki, a men’s kimono jacket, and leading ladies such as Dani, a women’s side-tie pant. Last Friday, Murakami unleashed the chic and sharp pieces in a collection presentation and party at Fishcake’s Apartment 155 titled “AKI + DANI’s,” where the separates were seen in action, with partygoers donning selections from the new line for a performance-art-meets-functional-display show.

And, speaking of falling in love, we can’t wait to actually get our hands on the line’s fabrics. Murakami is always a fan of using fabrics in unexpected ways and, for this set of weekend-to-workday elevated separates she calls “reverse basics,” she slipped in unique details. Take her alternative tweak to the bardot-shoulder trend: Murakami made her version of the feminine silhouette with a striped men’s shirting fabric. She also redefines “sweatshirt” with her “office-appropriate” take, which includes white cotton shirting with a gathered hem and French cotton grosgrain ribbon.

You may have missed this crew’s first night out on the town, but you can still shop most of the new styles in this set of eight women’s and four men’s pieces. Most of the items are still available at Apartment 155, with some on preorder—so contact Murakami directly for more information and to schedule fittings.

Smitten? I think a second date is in order, anyway.

$138–$244, Apartment 155, South Shore Market, Ward Village.