Political Inspiration at Tuleh

A Bobby Kennedy speech mashed up with Madonna's disco-ballad "American Life" signaled the inspiration for designer Bryan Bradley's fall collection for Tuleh: election season. Mr. Bradley presented an optimistic, colorful collection, geared toward the youthful female who'd be willing to wear a short-sleeved dress over a cable-knit sweater. Yet true to Tuleh's style, the collection had a traditional core. It channeled iconic styles from the 1960s to the 1980s.

First there was Jacqueline Kennedy's meticulous brand of 1960s prim pieces, as seen in a white coat, a suite of fitted suits, and a red party dress with a full skirt (but no pillbox hats); then the soulful feminist of the 1970s, in a long khaki trench coat with bright orange fur collar, and African print dresses in bright colors with easy, flowing cuts. Finally, the pretty-punk look of Madonna circa 1985, the same year she embarked on her "Like a Virgin" tour, mixed together with a good dose of that decade's preppy Ralph Lauren-like style. There was a bright pink lace full skirt with a big flower at the waist, paired with a purple metallic striped sweater. The show closed with one crisp, sophisticated and timeless look: a ruffled cream blouse with light brown trousers.