'Tis the Season to Dazzle! See Rebecca Taylor's First-Ever Black Tie Dress Collection (and Get Her No-Fail Holiday Style Tips)

Rebecca Taylor launched her first-ever Black Tie Dress Collection this season, offering a batch of beautiful dresses that flirt with moody whimsicality (Hello, New Year's Eve!). The New York City based designer always lends a sense of modern femininity with her glam and gentle pieces—all of which would create a dream wardrobe—but Rebecca felt that something was missing: she wanted to round out the Rebecca Taylor girl’s wardrobe and provide pieces specifically designed for special occasions. And she did just that with impeccable craftsmanship and couture-like beading on ground-grazing gowns and flirty cocktail dresses.

In light of the holiday season, we caught up with the designer and she gushed on her inspiration for the Black Tie Dress Collection, in addition to dishing out styling tips for holiday dressing (because even she admits: it can be stressful!). So, if you’re stuck on what to wear to that special holiday event, consider your problem solved. Shop the Black Tie Dress Collection at Rebecca Taylor stores and read on for the full Q&A.

Where do you draw inspiration from?"I draw inspiration from so many things…Art, music, film, traveling, New York."

What was your inspiration for Black Tie?"I went on a trip to Paris over the summer and I was really inspired by the construction of the Pyramide du Louvre. It’s got such a romantic feel, but also has clean, sharp detailing. I worked that feeling of modern romanticism into the designs."

Describe your creative process. What’s your favorite part?"For this collection in particular, my favorite part of the process was really being able to let go creatively… I’ve always been inspired by couture and the intricate details that go into each garment, and it was amazing to be able to utilize those techniques with these special pieces."

What’s your favorite piece from the Black Tie Dress Collection?"I love the scroll embellished dress in ivory, it’s so beautiful and delicate." (above, left)

What was it like the first time you got to see the Black Tie collection hands-on?"So exciting…you can really tell up close and in person how intricate the details are in each dress."

Black Tie dresses range being intricately beaded to paneled with leather—what was it like making that transition in one collection?"I think they all have that sort of modern, downtown element to them that ties the collection together."

Tips for dressing for the holidays?"Have fun with it! It can be a stressful time of year, and what you’re wearing shouldn’t be part of the stress. Take the opportunity to wear something embellished or in a bold color if you don’t usually."

Any styling tips or tricks on how to stay warm in an above-the-knee cocktail dress?"[Wear] a proportionate jacket under your coat."

How would you define your personal style?"I think the word “tomgirl” accurately describes my style... I am feminine but am drawn to pieces that are streamlined and modern."

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