Christine Baranski is embracing the essence of “quiet elegance” in a new campaign for Lafayette 148, commemorating the brand’s 30th anniversary. The award-winning actress, known for her iconic role as attorney Diane Lockhart, is one of eight influential women featured in this campaign, which highlights individuals whose careers have significantly impacted New York City across various fields such as architecture, hospitality, healthcare, and design.
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Baranski, who is now 74, speaks about the profound connection she feels with the brand, noting that she often donned Lafayette 148 suits, dresses, and trousers during her time portraying Lockhart in the popular series *The Good Wife* and its spinoff, *The Good Fight*. “I wore Lafayette 148 suits that were so chic. I still have the black trousers!” she reveals. This synergy between her on-screen wardrobe and personal style is central to her participation in the campaign.
In discussing her fashion philosophy, Baranski emphasises the importance of consistency in her wardrobe choices. “I can look at a rack of clothes and immediately discern what fits my style,” she states. For Baranski, the ideal outfit combines classic elements with a modern twist. She believes in selecting pieces that are timeless, versatile, and fashionable, allowing her to express herself without being overpowered by her clothing.
Fashion for Baranski transcends mere aesthetics; it plays a fundamental role in shaping her identity, both as an actress and an individual. “For creating a character, fashion is the starting point in discovering who you are,” she explains. The clothes often dictate how she embodies a character, influencing her behaviour and presence in front of the camera. This insight is reflected in a black-and-white commercial for the campaign, where she eloquently articulates the relationship between clothing and character development.
Photographed by Brigitte Lacombe, Baranski showcases pieces like the Merino Shearling Reversible Coat, expressing how it makes her feel “sexy and powerful, but like quiet elegance.” In the accompanying commercial, she elaborates on this understated grace, conveying that a “uniform” signifies continuity and a clear vision in one’s personal style. Another behind-the-scenes image reveals her in a chic brown knit turtleneck sweater and matching trousers, encapsulating her desire for “confident quiet elegance.”
The campaign features a diverse array of personalities, including Phyllis Kao, a prominent Sotheby’s auctioneer; Deborah Berke, the dean of the Yale School of Architecture; and restaurateur Missy Robbins, among others. Each woman brings her unique identity to the collection, contributing to a narrative that showcases how personal style evolves throughout life, career, and legacy.
Lafayette 148’s creative director, Emily Smith, has curated a series that not only highlights the brand’s signature elements of tailoring, refined shirting, and leather but also celebrates the individuality of each participant. The designs aim to illustrate how personal uniforms can reflect the journeys and accomplishments of these remarkable women.
As Baranski prepares for her upcoming debut in the West End with a revival of Noël Coward’s *Hay Fever*, the campaign marks a significant moment in her career. It aligns with the upcoming season premiere of the highly anticipated drama *The Gilded Age*, set to air on November 1.
In capturing the essence of women who have shaped New York, the Lafayette 148 campaign serves as a tribute to their achievements while allowing Baranski to seamlessly merge her personal style with her enduring connection to the city. The campaign is a celebration of quiet yet powerful elegance, a philosophy that resonates deeply with Baranski’s own life and career.