It’s clear from the number of resort reports we’ve written that most of the collections are shown in a casual atmosphere. Few people attend, often times food and cocktails are served, and in a way they’re a lot like the atmosphere Tom Ford tried to create when he made his return into womenswear. That all changed with Salvatore Ferragamo‘s Resort 2012 collection, which was shown for the first time in New York City at the James B. Duke Mansion, Doris Duke’s former home.
One of the last mansions in the “Millionaire’s Row” section of Fifth Avenue, Ferragamo is the first fashion brand to host a presentation there and while the guest list was trim, it was certainly splashy. Freida Pinto, Eva Mendes, Emma Roberts, Ashley Greene, Scott Speedman, Rachel Roy, and Brad Goreski were just a few of the bold faces causing a veritable frenzy of paparazzi outside. Certainly budget was not a concern for the iconic brand, which went public on June 29, and the stellar show was capped off with cocktails at The Carlyle. See below for more on Ferragamo’s collection (and who walked!), along with recaps of other notable recent shows.
Salvatore Ferragamo: It may have been hard to focus on the fashion at times given the glamorous setting and casting which included Karolina, Karlie, Constance, Maria Carla, and more or less every other en vogue model of today, but Ferragamo creative director Massimiliano Giornetti crafted an effortlessly elegant collection fittingly inspired by old-world glamour. Floppy oversized and sailor-style hats, large octagonal sunglasses, and duffel bags made of interlocking chains or fringes complemented fluid day looks heavy on the nautical inspiration (think navy and stripes), while eveningwear came elegantly detailed with fringe, brooches, and sequins.
Imitation: Though Tara Subkoff presented her resort collection in mid-June, it wasn’t until the end of the month that she showed off her directorial chops with a short silent film to bring her collection to life. Done mostly in black or white, the collection brought a downtown edge to glamorous old Hollywood-inspired looks like a long fringed skirt worn with a bandeau top mixed into a line-up of draped gowns.
Marchesa: Inspired by Slim Aarons’ book “A Place in the Sun”, Marchesa’s collection this season was as detailed and enchantingly beautiful as one has come to expect, but there was an ease even to the most structured and embellished looks that made the line-up perfectly season-appropriate.
Images: WWD and Style.com
