Sophisticated and effortlessly cool — that’s Nili Lotan. The Israeli-born, New York-based fashion designer doesn’t create seasonal trends. Instead, she crafts timeless classics that can be passed down for generations: boho dresses, cashmere sweaters and tailored jackets mixed with broken-in denim, buttery leather and a touch of delicate lace. Lotan, 65, cut her teeth designing for the likes of Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren and Nautica for two decades before launching her eponymous fashion line in 2003. Her clothes — now carried in more than 350 stores around the globe (including her own outposts in Manhattan and East Hampton) — have caught the eye of A-listers such as Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. And her empire continues to expand, most recently with new handbag and menswear lines. Here, Lotan shares what you’ll find in her always-chic autumn wardrobe.
“This is a great transitional autumn jacket because of its short length. I love that it’s also a unique shape for a shearling coat.”
“Eleanor” shearling coat, $2,995 atNili LotanGetty Images/iStockphoto“I’ve tried over a hundred different shampoos because I’m allergic to an ingredient in many soaps. This is the only shampoo that I can tolerate because it doesn’t contain any irritants.”
New Wash “Rich” shampoo (8 oz.), $44 at Hair StoryGetty Images/iStockphoto“I’ve been wearing these sneakers since I was 15, because they’re comfortable and ageless.”
“Taylor All Star Classic” sneakers, $60 at ConverseGetty Images/iStockphoto“I have been wearing this parfum for a few years now because I like the citrusy mandarin scent.”
“Mandarino Di Amalfi” eau de parfum (50 ml), $285 at Tom FordGetty Images/iStockphoto“In just a couple of years, I already have six pairs of Jacques Marie Mage glasses! They make them only as sunglasses, and I turn them into prescription eyeglasses that I wear every day. It’s the item I use most frequently in life.”
“Molino 55” sunglasses (similar styles), $720 at Jacques Marie MageGetty Images/iStockphoto“It protects you, but you still get a bit of a glow — and it’s great for the face and body.”
Play sunscreen (5.5 oz.), $32 at Supergoop Getty Images/iStockphoto“I have a favorite vintage belt that I’ve been wearing for the past 15 years. I created this based on that vintage style, but with my signature buckle, because I feel that every woman needs a classic belt in her wardrobe.”
“Nili’s Belt,” $370 at Nili LotanGetty Images/iStockphoto“These take me from morning to night. It’s the style I feel comfortable wearing every day to work and beyond.”
“Celia” jeans, $395 at Nili LotanGetty Images/iStockphoto“I’ve had my Cartier watch for many years. It has always been my favorite because it’s reliable, and it will never go out of style.”
Tank Louis Cartier watch in 18-k yellow gold, $10,700 at CartierGetty Images/iStockphoto“They’re classic, easy and super comfortable. I wear them with jeans for a casual weekend look.”
“Eva” shoes, $50 at BirkenstockGetty Images/iStockphoto“John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette are the inspiration for my men’s and women’s pre-fall collections [pictured]. Their downtown coolness is the vibe of the season.”
Courtesy of Nili Lotan“I have always admired [architect] Marcel Breuer, and I bought a Marcel Breuer designed house in upstate New York a few years ago, which made me appreciate his architecture even more.”
“Architecture Without Rules: The Houses of Marcel Breuer and Herbert Beckhard” book by David Masello, $33 at AmazonCourtesy of Nili Lotan