A recent peak at Hilary Radley’s Fall 2011 collection grabbed vivaciously at this little fashionista’s heartstrings – a bevy of elegant jackets, capes, coats and a wickedly luxurious set of handbags waiting simply to beguile as the weather turns crisp – and I simply had to share it all with you. From fur to cracked leather, the variety of textures and styles in the collection are bound to appeal to every stylish woman. The pieces are classic and timeless, but with a sense of reinvention, something fresh and exciting. I’m sure you can understand why I’m smitten! But this was also something of an introduction for me to Hilary Radley’s designs in general, so I decided to delve a little deeper – it’s always a joy to acquaint yourself with a designer you were unfamiliar with before, after all. That’s part of how our styles can evolve, I think, by seeking inspiration from new sources.
If you don’t know, let me start by talking a bit about Hilary herself. With a B.A. in textiles, it’s no wonder that she can appreciate the fine details of contrasting materials and the importance of their quality. Hilary worked in costume design 
on television and as a fashion college lecturer before her highly successful Hilary Radley label took wing. I love to see designers from the more foreign mediums of fashion, such as costume design; the way their creativity translates into the world of ready-to-wear is so interesting to me. She was born in England but now lives and works in North America, with a lot of traveling betwixt to endlessly inspire. She also uses her position as a prominent woman in business to support philanthropic organizations and to raise awareness for a multitude of causes; she is involved in the fight against AIDS, the Canadian Anti Malaria Coalition and Y.E.S., among other endeavors. She’s been recognized through her twenty-five years of designing for her contributions to fashion and the world of business, not to mention for her hard work in creating the Hilary Radley Design Studio in Montreal where her collections are created.
As for her designs in the Fall 2011 collection, what’s not to love? It’s statement-making style for the real world, classic elegance for today’s woman. A personal favorite of mine is this adorable double-breasted military-style coat. The little dose of fur accenting it adds the perfect bit of sass, and I love the way the structure of the buttons contrasts with the feminine flare at the bottom of the coat. Everything in the collection boasts a unique charm and tons of character, something that always appeals to me. I’m so excited to continue following Hilary’s career and see what fabulous things she has in store for the future of fashion!
Shop it: Zappos, ShopStyle, Blufly.
Images courtesy of Fran Harrow at Creative Marketing Plus.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
My only dilemma is I love them allll.
Tell me about it! I have a few favorites, but really…I wouldn’t kick any of it outta the closet!
I’m totally swooning over that second coat! Gorgeous!
Wow, loving the looks. And the red lipstick is just so striking!
Totally agree! The red lips just bring everything together and add such a great pop.
Awesome looks!
Casee, you always know what to post! I absolutely adore this line and will definitely have to look into it more!
Aww, thanks! It’s such an eye-catching collection; I’m glad you love it as much as I do!
All these are so gorgeous! I love the second one on the first set —-I love the camel with the fur on top! Chic and sophisticated!
Ooh, the camel is another of my favorites, too! It’s so timeless, and I love the big fur lapels – it’s almost like a cowl neck!
Oh my gosh, I love almost ALL of these pieces!!! Wow, thanks so much, I’ve never heard of Hilary Radley before but I think my life is already so much better because she is in it!
Aww, I’m glad I could introduce you to her! This was a new discovery for me, too; she’s wonderfully talented!
OMG Gorgeous Post. These clothes are timeless! I love the fur detailing. Any girl would die to have one of those coats. The designer is new to me so thanks for sharing about her! http://www.pumpkinchic.wordpress.com
Hope you enjoy
I’m a new fashion blogger from Israel
Thanks so much! I’m so glad I could share her designs and introduce you to her! She definitely has a timeless feel that I love. (: