The Fashion Time Magazine

The resort collections have previously been regarded as a luxurious collection created for those who spend Christmas in Buenos Aires or the French Riviera. More and more, the resort and pre-fall collections have become increasingly more important. They act as a bridge for collections from fall to spring, and these collections tend to be less expensive (gasp!) and often more wearable! With the future of runway uncertain in these tough economic times the spotlight is on resort. Below are the top 5 resort/cruise collections.

CHANEL

The Kaiser Karl always knows how to make an impact and this collection was no exception. The show took place on a boardwalk with the beautiful backdrop of the Venice Lido. As always Karl brought the drama to the show. The models traipsed down the runway opening the show in glamourous capes, pirate-esque chapeaus, and retro black bathing suits. From there Karl took it nautical, the perfect compliment to both the setting and what resort is all about. And of course, who would Karl be if he didn’t think of his red carpet customer. The Kaiser ended the show with an array of gorgeous gowns, each one more delicious than the last!

ALEXANDER WANG

Ah, Alexander Wang…where to start!? As always I am completely obsessed with everything Wang does, and this collection is no exception. The designer took core parts of Resort (the trench coat, denim and nautical stripes) and made them his own with his usual dash of downtown cool. I tend to navigate to Wang’s more raw and dark pieces but this collection was exactly what resort should be but with an edge. J’adore!

3.1 PHILLIP LIM

American designer Phillip Lim is dressing pirates these days, or so he claims. What I see in his 2010 Resort collection is a beautiful blend of lace, denim and florals that perfectly compliment each other to give the city gal exactly what she wants to wear. As always the look is effortless and of course Lim never disappoints with the footwear. The Louboutin snake skin heels are to die for!

STELLA MCCARTNEY

Since seeing Stella herself sporting the opening lace number of her Resort show at the Met Gala in New York, I was already completely obsessed with this collection. Stella knows how to dress her girl, and this girl is effortless, irreverent and chic. This collection also incorporates the ever present nautical influence of resort but with a twist. Total gorgessity!

HELMUT LANG

The attraction to this collection came from the idea that we are living in seasonless times. While the other collections all had “resort” components, what the house of Helmut did was create something relevant and timeless. This collection could easily have been infused into Fall and is utterly wearable year round for the customer who covets Helmut Lang. Personally I would wear every piece of this collection and it is truly catered to the minimalist rock n’ roll girl.

Alexandra is a London based Buyer/Consultant working with various luxury concept stores all over the world. She worked in the buying offices of Holt Renfrew Canada and Bergdorf Goodman early on in her career. Alexandra covers fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, Paris and India.

Image source: style.com