Isaac Mizrahi's Spa 2009 collection (hear the designer explain why he uses the word spa and not resort).
Did you by any chance watch Gucci's 2009 Resort collection, held at Villa Aurelia in Rome, via live webcast? If not, I'm here as your eyes for the show, which celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Gucci store in Rome.
So what does one serve up for a 70th anniversary? Nothing but grandness all around. Parts of it were very Gucci – slick, sexy — but it also incorporated a glamorous bohemian style with long, flowy maxi dresses, each with a unique print. Striped pants, leather jackets, pleated mini dresses, and some hints of nautical also saw their time on the catwalk. While ultragirlie maxi dresses painted a very feminine picture, in contrast, crisp trousers demanded a mannish power; this incorporation of two extremes is becoming quite common in fashion. And why not? It's set to appeal to all types of customers. Brava!
To see more from Gucci 2009 Resort, read more
What was once reserved for the fashion elite is no more. Gucci has broken the unspoken golden rule and is inviting the public to join them in a live webcast of their 2009 cruise runway show at Villa Aurelia in Rome. In celebration of the 70th anniversary of its store in Rome, the fashion house has invited everyone — that means you and me — to view their collection at Gucci.com.
So what can we look forward to? Gucci spokesmodels Claire Danes and James Franco are expected to attend along with a music performance from British band Goldfrapp. The show is set for 8 p.m. on July 8, local Italian time — set your calenders!
It's not surprising one of the key colors for Resort is white; and ancestors of: ivory, off-white, bone, and fog. But this group has enough floral energy to keep the trip from being stark. As well, tailored jackets are toughing up ultragirlie looks — per Abaete pictured. The '70s is shaping up to be a favorite decade; whether Halston-eque (at Derek Lam) or bohemian (at Galliano). Oh, and there are going to be enough flirty dresses to keep all the PYTs happy year round. As for fashion rebel Alexander McQueen, he admits, "There's lot of exposed leg, but it's all very understated luxe and non-PC in a healthy way." Whether under- or overstated, Resort continues . . .
Bow-tie blouses aren't groundbreaking, but I've noticed a resurgence of them lately, particularly in 2009 Resort. As always, they're super ladylike, but now they're mating with oversized sequins, hip-hugging skirts, statement shoes, and rounded aviator sunnies. In other words, they've gotten a injection of cool.
This look from Bill Blass's Resort collection exudes this polished-cum-powerful vibe, complete with eye-catching Manolo Blahnik sandals. Make no mistake; this resort lady is no tramp but sure knows how to tramp all over you!
This group of Resort looks can best be described in three "L" words: loose, layering, and legs. Things are shaping up pretty nicely for my Winter vacation. I can choose to be whimsy, like at Lanvin (pictured) or Cynthia Rowley; I can be downright bold, seen at Naeem Kahn and Malandrino; or, I can play it cool wearing Jason Wu, Max Azria, and Vera Wang. Whatever I choose, I will be comfortable, play with silhouettes, and bare some skin. Yep, sounds like a Fab getaway to me.
Just as I said that it's normal for fashion designers to draw inspiration from one another, one more case popped up to further prove my point. This time, Costume National looked to Rodarte's Fall '08 collection to create one of the pieces in its 2009 Resort line. The fashion world, moi-self included, were awestruck by Rodarte's innovative, beautifully crafted Fall gowns (left). I remember how airy yet strong they looked as they floated past me on the runway. Costume National's version is strikingly similar not only because of its lightness, but because of the abstract multicolor design and the one shoulder. I'm happy to see Rodarte's creativity being multiplied; it's too genius to only be enjoyed by the fashion elite.
Source and Source
If you can get beyond the spastic jazz music at the beginning, you'll enter a secret garden, aka Stella McCartney's 2009 Resort collection at a NYC park. Seeing pictures of Chanel Iman and Lisa Cant frolicking on the grass is not as compelling as seeing it on video. Models eating candy — gasp! — blowing bubbles and socializing makes me want to host a dressed-up picnic of my own (a light bulb just went off in my head). On a more serious note, Stella dishes about the reason for presenting in New York and her take on the latest collection, she even breaks it down into four parts) The girlie girl designer has set the bar high for future resort collection locations.
Are you feeling the heat? I hope where you are it's a beautiful, sunny day. If not, these Resort looks will cheer you up, like they did me. This group is patriotic, with the warm weather-color combo of red, white, and blue, as well as neutral with greys, ivory, and beiges exhibiting unique styling. It wouldn't be a Fab slideshow without some frilly dress, compliments of Celine and Versace, and some disheveled chic, thank you Charles Nolan. And you heard it here first: Biker shorts are back! Or at least at Prada they are . . . and I'm feeling it.
Where's your next vacation? I'm all about sunny destinations. I know, I know, harmful UV rays. But I'm a water baby, and sun goddess, and sand junkie — and I lather on the SPF. And, I'm young and want to have fun! So I am loving all the Resort collections that are unraveling right now. This batch is a mix of unfussy and fussy looks; some neutral and relaxed, some structured with pops of color. We're seeing more direction and an increased participation in Resort, so if you want a glimpse of what's to come next Spring, pay attention.
