Designer Crush: ADAM by Adam Lippes

Ever since his legendary tees landed him on Oprah's Favorite Things in 2004, I've had a soft spot for Adam Lippes, the designer of ADAM. Originally from upstate New York and educated at Cornell and the American University in Paris, Adam began his career in 1995 at Polo Ralph Lauren, then moved over to work for Oscar de la Renta, where he quickly became one of the youngest Global Creative Directors of a major fashion house in history. He worked closely with the legendary designer until 2004, when he left to launch his own line of cotton basics under the label adampluseve (who doesn't have one of these supersoft wardrobe staple tees?). The Collection of Basics was picked up by Saks Fifth Avenue and, of course, became one of Oprah's beloved items, catapulting the label and the designer into international stardom. The line became a fully developed collection of sportswear collection for men and women known simply as ADAM and the CFDA-inducted designer continues his genius to this day.

 

My affection for this designer knows no bounds. I was honored to attend his show last fashion week and was simply blown away at everything that came down the runway. Inspired by the Kenyan port town of Lamu, I died over the mixture of American sportswear and influences from the continent, like miniskirts covered in shells, feathers and beads.

 

 
Lippes has such an amazing eye for movement and tone, with metallic hues that seem to capture light with an almost liquid flexibility. His eye for quality has made me a lifelong fan and I'm always excited to see what he'll do next.

What to buy, what to buy? Well, if you don't have one of his legendary, soft cotton tees, then by all means, start there. This ADAM Pima Cotton Long-Sleeve Tee ($19.50) will become one of your favorite layering pieces and your skin will truly thank you for this uber-soft gift.  Otherwise, I'm always going to vote for one of his fabulous dresses like this Embellished Tank Dress ($595).

Keep your eyes open for more magic from this design magician. Cannot WAIT to see what he does next!