Story

Every time I think about fall fashion, my mind always drifts at some point to the miniskirt. I'm not particularly sure why I associate miniskirts with fall more than any other season (Cher Horowitz proved a long time ago that they are truly seasonless attire), but every time I start designing for this season I am always tempted to slip one into the collection. I decided to give into my desires for this collection, and the result is the Zetian Skirt, a piece that you could perhaps call simplistic if it weren't for the bold check fabric it's made out of. It's the perfect accompaniment for boots and sweaters and falling leaves and pumpkin everything.

Design Notes

• Shell: 100% silk
• Lining: 100% Bemberg rayon
• Designed, cut, and sewn in NYC
• High-waisted miniskirt with front patch pockets
• Back zip
• Fully lined
• Measures 21" long
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Fabric

This skirt is made of silk shantung milled in India. FW19 was my first season working with shantung, and let me tell you: I am obsessed. It has a glamorous sheen and subtle crispness that make it a joy to work with and an even greater joy to behold. This particular shantung features a check pattern woven out of a multitude of different colors.

The skirt is lined with Bemberg cupro rayon woven in Japan. Cuprammonium rayon is so neat: it has all the benefits of being a natural fiber — breathability, biodegradability, durability — in addition to all the benefits of a super silky lining fabric — anti-static, anti-cling, total opacity. Made from the leftover fibers (known as linter) from the cotton plant after the ginning process, cupro is super-sustainable too (a true zero-waste fiber!).

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Zetian Skirt is fitted in the waist and hips, so use those measurements when determining your size. Size up if you're in between sizes or would rather the skirt sit a bit lower than waist-level.

Aja is wearing a size 4 and is 5'5".