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Runway Deep Dive: Richard Tyler at Anne Klein

Richard Tyler at Anne Klein
Richard Tyler, a favorite at Happy Isles for his sleek gowns and oh-so-cool suiting, was once the West Coast’s most prolific designer responsible for putting LA fashion on the map in the 80s and 90s.
He started as a menswear designer, which he sold at his boutique, Tyler Trafficante, which opened on Beverly Blvd in 1988. When he eventually branched out to womenswear, the label quickly became eponymous with LA cool girls.
In the mid-90s, Anne Klein tapped Richard Tyler to lend his edge to the classic American sportswear label.

Two Looks from Richard Tyler for Anne Klein Spring 1994 Ready to Wear Collection

During his tenure in 1994, Tyler showcased a 70’s inspired rocker aesthetic, giving us his take on Anne Klein's more approachable style with his elevated feather-trimmed jackets in the Fall collection and his long Robe dresses and deconstructed suits from Spring and Summer.

Two Looks from Richard Tyler for Anne Klein Spring 1994 Ready to Wear Collection

Anne Klein's Spring 1994 Ready to Wear collection featured a grungy softness, showcasing Tyler’s well-known tailoring.

The smoky and smudged hair and make-up for the collection speak to Tyler’s love of the sultry club girls of his past.

Two Looks from Richard Tyler for Anne Klein Fall 1994 Ready to Wear Collection

For Anne Klein's Fall 1994 Ready-to-Wear, Tyler kicked up grunge with notes of glam, accenting with pops of plaid and tufts of feather trim. (This is the show that piqued my interest. And sent me down the rabbit hole in the first place!)

Two Looks from Richard Tyler for Anne Klein Fall 1994 Ready to Wear Collection

The classic silhouettes in the Fall ‘94 show speak to Anne Klein’s roots in sportswear, but the elevated fabrics and edgier details scream Richard Tyler’s vision of his Sunset Strip glamourpuss.

Richard Tyler after his Fall 1994 show.

Photos: Getty Images