Images by Samantha Casolari

“The most important thing is to create beautiful clothes that will function,” said John Patrick while presiding over his Organic presentation at the Ace Hotel. Judging by the easy linen blouses, dotted taupe shirtdress and boxy silk blazers that were assembled onstage, the designer did just that.

Although Patrick made a point of eschewing historical references (It’s all about modernity. No Brigitte Bardot for me! I’m not watching Nick at Nite—I don’t even own a TV!), there was a hint of Gatsby in his chiffon floral dresses, long silk pleated skirts and cotton-lace looks. And while the cuffed shorts and patent Dieppa Restrepo oxfords were clearly geared towards a smart, modern woman, the gargantuan white sunhat that crowned a cropped cardigan and pair of high-wasted sailor pants would surely have made Daisy Buchanan swoon.

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