La Vie a la Mode

Donna Karan Resort 2012

This is a good comparison with McQ's body con scuba gear made from Neoprene clothing and Karan's attempt. Needless to say McQ wins that round. The collection was also too large (50 pieces!) and repetitive which can be risky when selling in between seasons where clients expect capsule looks. And finally it was, in parts, very heavy with coats and full on suits. However, her summer dresses were quite gorgeous, especially the white tulle with ribbon detailing and the silver column dress. Fair collection.

Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2012

It was the navy versus poppy fields! What an odd mix which strangely enough, works quite well. I liked the anchors, starfishes and rope motifs from the nautical side while the poppy print on long chiffon dresses and pin-up style shorter numbers. Great collection.

McQ Resort 2012

This is one heck of an image bending, psychedelic collection from super designer Sarah Burton. If the punchy bright colors don't immediately grab your attention then the slightly disturbing slimming effect of the blue and white leggings or the super skinniness of everything will. And if all of that still doesn't seem to bother your resort sensibilities, then the whole Ibiza high and neoprene Bond Girl feeling should. Wowzers!

Cynthia Steffe Resort 2012

I love the retro feel to this little collection by Cynthia Steffe; you know me, I'm obviously in love with all the red!

Carlos Miele Resort 2012

70's Rio inspired collection by Carlos Miele. I love the red/pink palazzo pants and the relaxed, beachy vibe of the collection.

Moschino Cheap & Chic Resort 2012

Cute little collection from Moschino Cheap and Chic with Fellini diva and Italian neorealism overtones. Particularly liked the Diva dress!

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2012

"This is my cubist collection" explained Oscar de la Renta and indeed it was a Cubist mash-up of Picasso and Braque amongst others. Needless to say I am completely in love with the patchwork, applique, beading and embroidery, not to mention the long, dramatically gorgeous (and signature) evening gowns; in particular his metallic rose print on creme dress and his black bejewelled tulle numbers were striking. However there was also another creative thread running through this collection, that of Spain with a strong influence of flamenco and bullfighting. Over all a gorgeous collection with many beautiful, easy to wear separates and more unique evening wear. Outstanding cruise collection.

 

Etro Resort 2012

Sweet little collection from Etro that is definitely made more for the city than for lounging around on a cruise or by a shore. Strong notes of the house signature, paisley and a fun, funky tribal print. I particularly liked the gorgeous blue jacket in the third outfit. Good collection but would have liked to have seen more!

Bottega Veneta Cruise 2012

Tomas Maier described the challenges of this in between season well when he noted that, "the challenge is to work on the idea of resort as going away, but also as for the city," otherwise Cruise collections can seem very one sided. Not so for Bottega's gorgeous Cruise 2012 collection. The collection opened with a strong and slick city statement in leather, corsets and darker colors fit for the office. Then lots of bright blocking and pops of candy colored, simple shifts with matching luxury handbags. I particularly liked the contrasting breeziness of this section compared to the opening segment's power. To close Maier fluttered some rather gorgeous black, hot pink (my favorite) and orange longer evening wear items. Strong collection. 

Chanel Cruise 2012

 

It was another sun-kissed, Cote d'Azur collection from Chanel Cruise 2012 arriving arm in arm with the Cannes Film Festival. However, this time there was a lot more sophistication unlike Chanel's more bohemian collection last season. In particular I liked the longer, shimmery evening gowns embellished with stars and tulle, the dusters, the lean silhouette and the knit wear, some of which was decorated with sequined bows. Complementing the clothes were stunning pieces of real jewellery; no paste here! Good collection.