FashionEtc.com November 22nd, 2024

Thursday may have just been the hottest of a hot stretch of days, so Rebecca Minkoff’s resort presentation that morning was a welcome respite from the outside. First up? A cold glass of water. Second? An equally refreshing collection.

The first thing that caught my eye was a pair of high-waist, wide-leg pants in a gorgeous bright turquoise blue. (“It will be next resort season before I can fit into those!” joked a five-months-pregnant Minkoff.) The season’s inspiration was a ‘70s-inflected St. Tropez vacation, which meant the color palette was split between brights, like the aforementioned blue and persimmon, and more muted, beachy neutrals like peach and ivory. Minkoff’s standout print was inspired by shards of broken beach glass, but it was softened to look almost like an abstract floral.

What must it feel like to have over 700 yards of hand-dyed tulle gathered around your ankles? 

This is the question I found myself asking at Zac Posen’s studio today while checking out his latest resort collections. Yes, 700. For one, I think it must be pretty tough to walk in, but when you look that glamorous, who cares? Let’s be honest, here: Zac Posen is not about practicality—whether it’s the exaggerated fishtail silhouettes, the super-structured, corseted tops, or a gorgeous gold gown literally heavy with sequins. There will be glamour. 

Jen Kao’s Fall 2011 collection was tough to the core: leather pants, dark metallic colors, clubby touches straight out of  ‘90s New York nightlife. But for the designer’s debut resort collection, she lightened things up—a lot. 

Kelly green tailored pants? Cheery multi-colored polka dots? Are we lost, or is this really Jen Kao’s studio?