Vionnet Resort 2014

I've always been a fan of resort collections but at times resort collections can appear to be something different; where you just can't put your finger on what exactly is going on? It seems I'm faced with this regarding Vionnet's Resort 2014 collection.

There certainly is a lot going on here and maybe a bit to much in regards to trying to find a direction or focus. In reading to the press release there seems to be no "inspiration" but when looking at this line there's a lot  going on here and seems to be split between spring and fall, I'm not getting that resort feel.

To me, resort is a feeling of light, flowing, easy dressing. The mixture of colors and different textures and fabrics leaves one with the sense that Vionnet is trying to potentially find its resort customer, but all is not lost here! The strongest pieces in my view is the black suit and the white and red Grecian style dress, but if all your left is two looks from a thirty piece collection...

Photos: Vionnet/Karla Otto PR

Mara Hoffman Resort 2011

Douglas Hannant Resort 2011

The inspiration for Douglas Hannant's 2011 resort show was based on Palm Spring and Slim Aarons photos from the 1950's. Showing a full twenty nine piece collection he certainly delivered on his promise with a few extras as well. His black on white circular print pieces seemed to work the best and could have been the foundation for the whole collection. The time travel Palm Beach/Slim Aarons pieces where spot on but with Mr. Hannant's customer base of society ladies are they willing to go back in time to achieve this look? Also tossed in were multi-colored splatter print Jackson Pollack dresses which reminded us of his Basquiat Fall collection from last season, potential extras to fill in this collection?   By far his best work are the simple pieces he creates, his pants are to die for and his jackets retain that silhouette he's perfected all these years but twenty nine pieces could have been edited down to nineteen and been much more meaningful to his audience.

Runway Photos: Edward Le Poulin

Erin Fetherston Resort 2011

Callula Lillibelle Resort 2011

The resort collection of Callula Lillibelle is a thought process of effortless dressing which goes from day to evening with most of their pieces. Overall the collection is small and focused with a restricted color pallete thusly allowing easy mix and match. Day looks range from flowing tops and smartly cut pants to colorful cocktail dresses for evening. A major draw to this line is the price point which is around $300 which in our opinion is very affordable and that the clothing is very well made. As we viewed the pieces, there were no threads hanging out and the seams of the clothes were well stitched! We feel that if your going to add to your wardrobe and make a semi-substantial investment it needs to be worth it, Callula Lilibelle shows investment potential!

Photos: Rodin Banica

Douglas Hannant Resort 09/10

We had the chance to view the resort collection from Douglas Hannant which drew it's inspiration from a gypsy Bohemian theme. As usual Mr. Hannant provides his ladies with options for the season such as stovepipe pants and light fabric dresses done in light sherbet colors. To note, a new aspect to his design is the mix of print and geometric patterns. Along side the outfit's; jewelry and shoes made an appearance which will be available in August alongside his street level store located in the Plaza lobby on 59Th Street in New York City.

No matter what the season maybe Mr. Hannant possess a few things that makes his clothing such a success! A loyal customer base, a commitment of providing looks for his ladies and a level of consistency we have never seen with any other designer. This combination makes Douglas Hannant the go to designer for the society set.