RESORT 2014 highlights

The Resort Report 2014: The modern take on Resort has transformed the specialized seasonal clothing from barely a blip on the fashion radar to an illustrious runway look with a distinguished appeal. Forget that random rack of department store cruise-wear, this isn’t your aunties annual escape, today’s version boasts supreme style for the ladies that make time for leisure with luxury. Across the globe, designers have taken the opportunity to relax, unwind, and get out of the box, expressing themselves with collections genuinely unique to the occasion.

Impressed with the sheer number of labels climbing aboard the shopping ship, some (not surprisingly) wowed with usual abundance, while others unforeseen, fared well on our list of FDM LOVES favorites. We found ourselves torn between two camps on the resort wear scene, both with touches of environmental flair, but in the end it came down to this – the Garden Party vs. the Bold and the Beautiful.

The first being on the sweeter side of things often times aimed for daytime or more casual settings.  So here are our top picks for when you’re all dressed up with somewhere special to go. Burberry Prorsum is ultra-feminine with slim lines that suggest without overwhelming. Delicate touches of lace teeter on the edge of sweet and sexy while proper pieces keep things sophisticated when layered. Houghton hits pre-spring with a simple recipe a la new designer Katharine Polk. With a minimalistic approach, airy silhouettes are free and easy in soft colors. A youthful vibe in the form of crop tops and slouchy pants becomes what feels like the free-spirit’s modish mash-up. Zac Posen has a way with women, and he won our hearts with his ZAC line. All fun and flirty filled with frocks made more cool with the occasional jacket think moto and matador. A single color column in emerald green proved that simple chic doesn’t need much more than a confidence and a great attitude. Ornamented with welcome flair, the selection from Oscar de la Renta edged into early evening drama. The assortment of florals were placed cleanly for prominence, while the mix of patterns and fabrics felt fresh while exuding elegance.

The latter grouping captures that excitement that comes with dressing passionately while away. All about the risque, Marc Jacobs (head designer Joseph Carter) brought lingerie to the forefront while nautical notes played an appropriately structured part. Fabrics complemented another in an unexpected way as did the distinctive array of hues that liberate while stripes and sequins accented with understated glory. Bring on the ambiance; it’s time to get romantically cool with Proenza Schouler. Midi skirts are pleasantly perky, and charming tones add to the musings of a bygone era. Boxy elements added strength and together the look became striking. At Dior Raf Simons went for pleasantly daring. Getting adventurous with slashes and blocked for bold, statements are spirited. Sheers are engaging, especially with texture, while deep v’s agree to the life of the party nature. It was a modern makeover at Balenciaga with Alexander Wang behind the reigns. He told a vintage inspired true story by creating with the back-story of the brand in mind. A strong black and white presence showed off some suiting, numerous cropped pieces, and dresses with accents like origami folds or the iconic Cristobal’s patterns.

Other labels that made their mark on our magnificent map: Fendi, Theyskens’ Theory, and Reed Krakoff. Resort, think of it as a fashionable getaway for the weather-related blues, a chance to slip away and into the niche with absolute reason. check into more coming from Erdem, Nina Ricci, Versace, Thakoon, Belstaff, and more here. Written by Sarah A. Freiseis. fdmloves resort 2014 selects by Brigitte Segura.

Photos: courtesy of designers

[and FashionWirePress]