I have finally gotten caught up on some things and was able to check out the Resort 2011 womenswear presentations that took place last week in New York. Resort sometimes gets pushed under the rug in the fashion community for being the less-than-significant tweener season between Fall and Spring. But, it does continue to live on. Personally, I always liked the Resort collections as they always felt less serious and more fresh and fun as well as gave a hint at what was to come for Spring.

As for this year’s collections – the reviews are in and the critics have spoken, and I completely agree, Stella McCartney truly takes the cake this time around.

For her Resort collection show, Stella chose to forgo the traditional runway and instead put on a laid-back presentation at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise (a gallery-esque venue in the West Village) in NYC. A quartet played in the background and models danced their way down aisles. The presentation was then followed by a garden party on the roof where the models still wearing the clothes from the presentation hung out with the guests and drank cocktails and played chess. Almost like a real-life living fashion show. This concept showcased the complete wear-ability (and thus, sale-ability) of Stella’s designs (a cornerstone of her success), while also allowed potential buyers to interact with the clothes up close and personal. Ingenious eh?

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The collection featured a color palette of soft dusty pinks and vibrant blues accented with black and white (somehow, this unique mix worked brilliantly).  It featured eyelet and lace and an abundance of lush botanical prints. The collection was grounded in separates – sharp suits (her signature) along with shorts, jackets and A-line skirts. With, of course, a couple of fun cocktail dresses thrown in. I am pretty sure Gwyneth has already put in her order. I think half the looks were made especially with her legs in mind.    

A few (okay, not so few- I couldn’t help myself) of her best looks are featured below along with shots from the garden party.

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“I love early spring; everything’s alive again and growing. I think the clothes reflect that.” – Stella McC

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