Nili Lotan

Before moving to New York in 1980, Netanya, Israel, native Nili Lotan graduated with a fashion degree from the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Tel Aviv and served in the Israeli Air Force for two years. Her military background becomes evident in the crisp, structured garments she creates for her eponymous clothing label, which she launched in 2003. Each item features a label modeled after a dog tag, embellished with the words nl issue, followed by Lotan’s actual Israeli air-force ID number. Inside the designer’s hybrid store and studio, you’ll find wardrobe staples like solid scoop-neck tanks ($195) and V-neck camisoles with spaghetti straps ($195) alongside trendier garb, such as so-right-now floor-length washed-charmeuse silk skirts ($395). In a nod to her New York clientele, most pieces come in dark-hued solids; prints are almost nonexistent, save for ruffled silk camo skirts ($265) and men’s button-down shirts ($285) adorned with checks and stripes. You’ll also find that many garments—like a timeless motorcycle jacket with asymmetrical zippers ($480)—have a faded look, achieved through a complex process of repeated washing, followed by a softening treatment. Don’t miss Lotan’s series of flat, round sterling silver key chains ($88–$108) that are hand-carved in Israel and bear Hebrew inscriptions meaning “peace,” “love” and “good energy.”