One Hot Minute With
Tawfik Mounayer

Hot on the heels of launching our summer accessories collection, we sat down with the man behind the masterpieces, Tawfik Mounayer, to get the scoop on what’s new, now and undeniably must-have.

What’s your mantra for summer dressing?

Seize the season! Right now it’s all about pops of color, exotic skins and an unabashed sense of whimsy. Celebrate the sunshine and have fun with a colored bag or shoe, an unexpected pair of Raffia earrings or an iconic printed scarf. Accessories are a great way to test trends, take risks and reinvigorate an outfit.  Be bold with a few statement pieces or layer a bunch of fine pieces to create your ideal look.

What’s trending right now?

Texture and sheen. Think snake-like accents and calf hair. Cork and metallic are quintessentially summer. These are of-the-moment looks that remain forever timeless.

Name one piece no woman should be without this season.

An exquisite square scarf. Each design is methodically engineered by our textile team. They are works of art, fit for framing on your wall, let alone wearing around your neck or wrist! The newest statement earrings look amazing with bare shoulders.

As a designer, how do you stay inspired?

I find inspiration everywhere. I love vintage textile magazines, books, old movies and mid-century antiquing. My favorite pastime is people-watching in New York. I love observing how people put themselves together. I often find myself running back to my desk and sketching a version of something I just saw.

What are your favorite summer destinations?

Ogunquit in Maine for the ocean, the air and the food—it’s a lobster lover’s paradise. I love being in upstate New York, hiking, working in my garden and grilling delicious meals. I love Positano, Italy. A friend got married there two years ago and it was one of those places that lived up to the hype … the color of the water … the gorgeous vistas. And I could go on forever about Fire Island.

What’s a day in your life like?

I rarely have the same day twice here in New York, but it’s usually filled with some type of meetings involving the season that’s in-production, the season we’re currently designing and the season that’s still in concept form. It can range from tannery appointments,  design meetings with my team, or a deep-dive of our rich archive collection. I try and draw something every day, even if it’s a doodle. I also enjoy a real printed magazine moment in the evening, usually with mint tea.

Complete this sentence: An outfit without accessories is like _______.

A party without music.