Last year, Jason Lumbert spoke candidly To overcome the creative rut in the darkest days of COVID, a solemn mood seems to seep into the fabrics, which include many hard-edged blacks. Since then, Lambert’s inspiration has returned in full force. evidence? His first ever attempt at the Resort Collection – a concept that calls for life-friendly merchandise.
What a difference a year makes. Rembert’s studio space is filled with jewel-toned colors. There was a pleated flamenco red dress, a sunflower yellow gown with intricate embroidery and a fringed bottom, and a burgundy number with a huge bow on the chest. Everything is ready to wear at a party. “I just want it to be fun. I want it to be happy,” he added.
He also wants to upend expectations for vacation clothing. “I think a lot of times when people think of resorts, they think of light, easy and simple fabrics.” He points to a loose robe in the corner where the train winds its way across the floor. “The dress is tulle,” he said, “yes, it’s lighter, but at the same time it’s got a lot of detail, a lot of intricacy. I wanted to play with the concept of soft and hard, feminine and masculine.”
Rembert attributes this exploration of duality to the women who filled his life, such as Issa Rae, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Taraji P. Henson, Rosario Dawson, et al. More than once, Rembert has dressed all of these women—either as a stylist or designer (and sometimes both). His stylist shines brightly in the lighthearted moments in between, as he ponders why all of his clients seem interested in wearing fall clothes on the red carpet, even as we’re heading into the swelter of summer. Then, for a split second, Lambert went back to designer mode, dissecting the structure of a garment for the editor.
This is what makes Rembert a successful designer. He can predict the clothes women want and need. For him, flexibility is a major issue. He remembered dressing Queen Latifah in his dress. This is a number four. “Queen Latifah is not a number four,” he said. “But I didn’t change the dress at all. It’s still possible that the dress will fit her size. It’s done through cuts, fabrics and all sorts of things.” He points to multiple pieces from the resort collection, They may come in specific sizes, but can easily fit anyone’s needs.
