Fans of Brock Collection’s frilly, floral frocks are in for a treat.
Since putting their line on hold in 2021, cofounders and one-time couple Laura Vassar and Kristopher Brock have been engaging with other designers, the latest being Brock’s new collection for the Los Angeles-based contemporary occasionwear brand V. Chapman by Victoria Salisbury.
The Amapola Amor collection by Kristopher Brock for V. Chapman.
Courtesy of V. Chapman
After working for Chan Luu, Salisbury made the jump from jewelry to fashion in 2018. She was introduced to Brock through his now-wife, Kaitlynn Carter of “The Hills” fame. “I’ve always looked up to Chris. He has an amazing aesthetic and direction, so when we talked about it, I was like, that would be such an honor for me,” she said.
Brock agreed. “It made a bunch of sense,” given their shared love of vintage romance and because the party dress is both their speciality. “Every wedding we go to, it’s just V. Chapman everywhere,” he joked.
The Amapola Amor collection by Kristopher Brock for V. Chapman.
Some of the standout looks include Salisbury’s favorite, a plunging tiered midi in a chintzy linen organza and Brock’s, a ruffled peplum top styled in the look book over a matching peasant skirt in white cotton voile. Tying them together are black grosgrain bows, a throwback Brock Collection signature.
Red poppies are another leitmotif. Salisbury said florals are always “a moment” for V. Chapman, so she let Brock have his pick. Why poppies? They certainly rooted the inspiration in flamenco, hence the name “Amapola Amor” (Spanish for poppy love), but Brock’s reason was less specific: “I love red,” he explained. “It’s such a fierce, strong color, and I think we kind of needed that.”
The Amapola Amor collection by Kristopher Brock for V. Chapman.
Courtesy of V. Chapman
The print decorates a semi-sheer collarless evening coat, the ideal day-to-night piece, according to Brock. “She could dress it up and wear it with tights like how we shot it or it would be so cute with jeans.”
He said one of his and Salisbury’s goals was to open up V. Chapman to the world of wardrobing. Among their 26 pieces, tailored denim and knitwear, from enveloping turtlenecks to the smallest cardigan with a removable accordion-pleated hem, bring a sophisticated touch to the everyday. Polishing things off even more, there’s a brooch and earrings, too (in the shape of poppies, of course).
But for all those V. Chapman weddings Brock mentioned, the bride might select a lace Empire-waist gown with a portrait neck. It bears a resemblance to one Gwyneth Paltrow wears as Emma in the 1996 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel of the same name.
“Period movies, and just movies in general have always been a huge inspiration for me,” Salisbury said. “Having that full story moment feeling like really gets me.”
The Amapola Amor collection by Kristopher Brock for V. Chapman.
Courtesy of V. Chapman
Amapola Amor ranges from $125 to $1,225. The full collection will launch online at vchapmanstudio.com and Revolve Aug. 5 with select items available now at Anthropologie.
