FALL 2020 READY-TO-WEAR

Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor, cofounders of Pam & Gela, are known for their uninhibited use of color—the shoutier the better—but fall took on a more somber tone for the duo, a new restraint. Citing the political climate, coronavirus fears, and more, the typically upbeat pair kept things toned down this season, with steps in design directions not seen before.

Instead of ubiquitous neons and energetic bursts of bright colors, Skaist-Levy and Nash-Tailor experimented with pattern play, in a rich jewel-toned digi-print and a romantic allover floral, which they worked onto tricot, jersey, and, predictably, velour. Inspired by Nash-Taylor’s personal Alexander McQueen collection and Anglomania, there were tweed and houndstooth prints aplenty, rendered in pieces like a body-con minidress, a fresh blazer (a novelty for the pair that worked), and lightweight outerwear. The requisite leopard was printed on a cool camo, bringing a new neutral into the fold in the shape of a paper-bag skirt and an easy trench.

The designers continued to explore their strongest category, athleisure. With the explanation that their customers buy head-to-toe looks, there were a smattering of tracksuits in new shapes, nylon blends, and a standout tie-dyed terry with a rhinestone trim. It felt darker for the duo, but perhaps more wearable for those taking their first steps into the sometimes dizzying world of Pam & Gela.