resort 2011 favorites & reviews, part I.

I’ll have you know that I’m quite content tip-tapping away on my brand new Macbook Pro. More than content, actually. I’m positively elated. It’s the most beautiful thing my eyes have yet beheld (clothing, handbags, and rings exclusive), and every time I flip it open, I marvel at its utter perfection and unbelievable graphics. Say hello to my new baby. It’s now my most prized possession (clothing, handbags, and rings inclusive). Le sigh. Such fancy, shiny, silver, new technological thingies require fancy posts. Resort collections 2011 it is!

In the lovely blogosphere de mode, the relevance and importance of Resort collections is questionable. Understandably too; whereas the bi-annual RTW collections showcase the designer’s true craftsmanship tell a story – hidden, interwoven, and delicate – resort wear serves little purpose (i.m.o.) in displaying creative ingenuity and conveying a personal message from designer to buyer. Its sole objective – commercial success – suggest that entire collections are designed for marketability. Aesthetic appeal is of highest priority, rendering resort wear easy (and fun!) to review. As much as I love scrutinizing every detail and analyzing fashion for what it’s worth – and beyond – I do believe Resort collections deserve a bit more press (read: on zee blogs) than the usual little to none they receive. Not to mention, I was especially impressed by 2011’s collections. Definitely the best yet.

{ click the collage to enlarge! }

3.1 Phillip Lim | The collection consisted entirely of earthy tones – creams, olive greens, pale browns, and peachy salmons – colors with potential to be quite mucky and aging. With Bianca Jagger as the muse, however, a certain edge is given to otherwise bland colors. Tailored, double-breasted suits, cropped, silk kimonos, and jumpsuits gave new life to the aforementioned colors (or vice versa). It does take a brave woman, or a die-hard fan of Ms. Jagger, to appreciate and translate these pieces into her wardrobe, but there are a few wearable ensembles/pieces. I sort of love the olive-y mint green leather jacket paired with white. It’s a lovely combination that isn’t as stark of a contrast as the usual black-jacket-white-shirt. And that romper. Part sweet, part badass. For the Amelia Earhart sans aviation goggles and paired with good old Tribs. (ph. 1, 3, 10)

Akris | I’ll be honest. I haven’t heard of Akris (gasp!), or of Albert Kriemier (the designer). Akris’ Resort collection was easily the most commercial (or bland, take your pick), thus epitomizing the point of pre-collections. Regardless, I did love the high-waisted, wide-legged white pants and the focus upon collars (lapels, turnovers, mandarin). Definitely beautiful for a day spent at a yacht club for the über-chic ladies. (ph. 2, 7)

Alberta Ferretti | Northern Africa, specifically Marrakech, was the main inspiration behind Ferretti’s collection. It’s no surprise that every piece, even in such laid-back a collection, is decadent; every collection of Ferretti’s is. Kaftans with metallic embroidery, silk shirts tucked into loose khaki trousers, and goddess dresses are made for the mature, A-list woman’s exotic getaways. Rich fabrics and colors added depth and dimension, distinguishing (and trademarking) Alberta Ferretti from the summer-y norm of other resort collections. I’d love to see Michelle Obama in each ensemble, in particular the white goddess dress. She’d look like a dream. (ph. 4, 6)

Badgley Mischka | Another luxurious resort collection, designed, again, for the A-list woman. The target market is younger – I’d say late 20’s to early 30’s – for independent, successful powerhouse women who’ve made their own. Or an uptown, New York socialite. Either way she’s fabulous, and expects no less from herself when attending numerous galas and summer soirées in European cities. The cream dresses with gilded gold are exceptionally stunning. Loved the Belle Époque-styled bustled skirt and overall references to a past of opulence. Borderline ostentatious, undeniably lavish, but wholly extravagant in the best way possible. (ph. 8, 9, 11)

Celine | As always, one of the standards (besides Calvin Klein) for what truly is minimalist chic. Fantastic, fantastic jumpsuits, high-waisted pants, tunic, and A-line skirts/dresses with a hint of structure and utility. However, the lean, boxy silhouette of the tunic and pants combination is perhaps difficult to pull off without the willow-y model figure. Regardless, the color palette – black and white plus the primary colors – in addition to the simple silhouettes showed the minimalism at its best. Celine’s always a breath of fresh air from the fussiness of layering and accessorizing. Let’s forget the clothes for one moment, though. The bags. A new, larger one has been added to the iconic family along with exotic skins and neon colors. Ah, Celine, you can never do wrong with handbags… (ph. 5, 12)

♥

bisous,

La C.