Raf Simons is on a roll at Jil Sander. First Kate Bosworth dazzled in his simple white tee and light yellow floor-length skirt combo; now Drew Barrymore manages to convey the same level of elegance but in a completely different way. The wool blend orange strapless balloon gown with gathered hem, also from the spring runway collection, is bright, cheery and every bit as playful and pretty as is Drew. It was an ideal manner in which to convey her role as a CoverGirl spokeswoman. The billowy mid-section of the dress, which becomes a bit amorphous on Drew, is done deliberately–but ladies should be forewarned that you have to have a certain body type to be able to pull this off. Drew is by no means model thin, but right now she’s in shape and the dress reflects that. The gathered hem above the ankles will also constrict your walking, but you’re not exactly running a marathon in this gown are you? Raf designs clothing as art forms. Simple shapes + explosive color = a winning formula. Simons described it as a “new minimalism.” I say it’s simply sublime.
$1,365, available at Jil Sander NY, 30 Howard St., 212-925-2345