Kari Vettese sharpened the identity of the woman she designs for with Vettese Spring Summer 2027. Presented during New York Fashion Week, the collection arrived after the first-generation Italian American designer relocated from Los Angeles to New York City. Backstage at the show, Katie Borrazzo photographed the atmosphere exclusively for DSCENE Magazine.
BACKSTAGE
Vettese drew from her Italian background and memories of California, using color, happiness and sunlight from her childhood as key references. Skims returned as the official undergarment partner following its sold-out sculptural ready-to-wear capsule with Vettese over the summer.
The season carried the line: “The greatest gift a parent can give a child is the freedom to dream.” Vettese connected that idea to a specific character. She describes the Vettese woman as someone who eats, loves, works extraordinarily hard, drives fast, lies in the sun, dresses beautifully without an occasion, keeps her grandmother’s belongings and buys extraordinary new pieces.
Patti Wilson styled the collection this season. Vettese has spoken about her admiration for Wilson’s ability to create distinct characters and memorable fashion imagery. She wanted a stylist who understood the label’s established codes and could develop new possibilities from them.
Vettese expanded those codes through traditional menswear references adapted to the female form. She also continued developing interchangeable constructions that allow garments to function in different ways.
Sculptural silhouettes remained a key part of the collection. Vettese introduced her first handbag, using her signature hip corset as its starting point. The design extended the label’s corsetry language into accessories while keeping a direct connection to its clothing.
The collection also developed pieces that have become important commercially for the brand. Deep V bodies and Tube pieces appeared alongside tailoring that combined elevated fabrics with antique textiles and historic techniques adapted for contemporary use.
Spring Summer 2027 continued Vettese’s focus on garments that combine strong construction with sensuality. The season also reflected the designer’s change of city, carrying references to California into a collection presented in New York.
