After a two-year hiatus from designing, Ports 1961 vet Tia Cibani is back on the scene with a brand to call her own, literally.  Spring 2013 marked the debut of her namesake collection that aims to offer versatile separates made to mix-and-match and transition day to night.  Commencing with a relaxed and refined viewpoint inspired by the styles detailed in Margarite Duras' romantic novel set in French colonial Vietnam, "The Lover," Cibani tied the clean silhouettes together via draping and asymmetrical details (side flounces and scarf extensions).

Subtle volume seen in cocoon shapes, kaftans, capes, boleros, petal and kimono sleeves was a key component to the leisurely yet exotic looks.  While the more structured pieces—menswear-inspired button downs and trousers, ranging from slim to ultra wide-leg—were countered by delicate touches: cowls, open backs, slits, and flares.  Traditional mosaic tile prints, blanket stripes, abstract watercolor prints and pops of copper and silver lamé summoned a global mood and accented the ochre, mango and inky-toned color palette.

Cibani plans to continue incorporating global influences with urban silhouettes but vows to keep the design process stateside, creating and producing all garments locally in NYC.   We look forward to seeing what other worldly styles she has in store.