Monique Lhuillier Resort 2015

With Resort wear we are inclined to think of tropical prints, strappy tanks and bermuda shorts, but this is not the case behind the glamourous new range by Monique Lhuillier. The renowned evening wear designer has lent her elegant train of thought to this stunning Resort 2015 collection.

Strong architectural lines govern the range in a stark contrast of black and whites with graphic prints that allow the silhouettes to stand tall. A few casual pieces surfaced by way of chic shorts, sporty shaped tops, pencil skirts and office appropriate dresses. A ladylike flair was conveyed by satin midi skirts and pretty cocktail dresses frilled by tulle and embroidered lace. Boxy blouses and razor-cut skirts, necklines and hems enunciated the structural concept of the collection.

Monique's strong suit is apparent in the series of exquisitely crafted gowns that uplifted the palette in rich poppy red, flamingo pink and fuchsia. Fitted dresses glittered in an intricacy of beadwork, whilst others were beautifully layered in lace and tulle. Drapes, tiered frills and floaty pleated skirts created movement and volume, a long departure from the strict profiles that the collection had to begin with. These are looks we're more likely to see on the red carpet than a resort island.

This is Monique Lhuillier's beguiling vision for Resort 2015 Collection.

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Set 7

Set 8

Set 9

Set 10

My favourite piece is the red strapless tulle frilled gown, second in Set 9. Which is yours?

Resort Romance by Valentino 2013

Andy Warhol Inspired Pop Art + Retro 60's + Ladylike Lace pretty much sums up Valentino's buoyant and optimistic Resort collection for 2013. A floral confection of sundae shade dresses sets this decadent range into motion, followed by a zesty serving of lime green designs. The peplum makes an appearance once again, featuring sheer yokes and sleeves, chicly paired with slim-fit trousers. The romance of vintage guipure lace is given a modern update in sunshine yellow, rich emerald green, ruby red and snow white.

Pastel print A-line dresses are nipped in the waist, and feminine tulle maxi gowns are delicately embroidered with garden-specked beadwork and tiny floral appliqués. Moving on from sprightly daywear, the collection takes a darker turn with a set of coal-black pants suits and skirts, and demure gowns in duotone animal print and optical alluring stripes.

The kitten heel re-emerges in 2013, and is a constant feature throughout, clasped by metallic ankle straps. Vibrant hand-held leather clutches duly compliment each look; these are sure to be on the wish-list of Valentino fans everywhere. Vivid splashes of fuchsia make an eye-catching end to this exquisite Pre-Spring collection.  

My favourite looks from this collection have to be the floral pop art evening gown (set one), the black leather lace and tulle gown (set six) and the striking hot pink animal print maxi dress above. Which are yours?

*Images via Style.com

Monique Lhuillier Resort 2013

Monique Lhuillier has refined the art of the feminine dress. Demure lengths and modest necklines, the leaned-in waistline that delicately creates an hourglass shape, and the invariable presence of a draped mermaid skirt. She makes clothes that we would want to wear; its glamourous yet grounded, hits all the right curves and make a bold style statement without being overdone. 

It's this selective simplicity she brings to her Resort 2013 collection, which takes a stride on the bright and printed side. A Crayola-box of colourful cocktail and evening wear garner attention in acid green, fuchsia, lucent yellow and tangerine. The range is gingered up by abstract floral and paint splatter prints, accentuted by wide leather belts. Monochromatic, empire waist evening gowns are strapless and sophisticated in scalloped lace, and chiffon pleat-draped bodices and fluid skirts. This beautiful collection will surely inspire a new neon bridesmaid trend and be a hit on the summertime party scene.

Would you opt for neon evening wear?

*Photos via style.com

Reem Acra Resort 2013

It's not just the couture shows that showered us with exquisite designs for the year to come. Bridal designer Reem Acra brings a similar amount of prettiness and poise to her Resort 2013 collection. I've long admired the detailed craftsmanship of the Beirut-based Acra, but this is the collection that left me speechless.

Acra presents an enchanting range of evening gowns in bold jewel tones (emerald, ruby red and sapphire), sugary pastels (peach and mint green) and shades of champagne. Each look personifies elegance and romance. Ivory wedding dresses vary in degrees of opulence, from simple chiffon to those embellished with lace motifs and sprays of silver and gold beads. The cocktail dress is kept trim and polished with a wrapped bodice and lace sleeves. There are silken kaftans that would flatter any figure and pleated chiffon gowns that skim over the hip. 

My favourite are the strapless gowns with sweetheart necklines that unravel into voluminous skirts with layers of structured organza frills. They are pictured below in nude - first row, royal blue - 4th row and coral pink - last row. Everyone of these outstanding pieces deserve their place on the red carpet and down the aisle.

Do you have a favourite? 

Marchesa Resort 2013

We have all come to expect frills, feathers, tulle and high-octane drama from Marchesa over the past few years. But for their Resort 2013 collection, Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman have turned the flamboyance down just a notch. 

Dreaming of an English garden under the romantic summer sun, this range sees raspberry, turquoise and fuchsia shaded dresses, twirled with folded petals of taffeta and silk. Delicately beaded net rests over classically shaped evening dresses, necklines are kept modest and hemlines vary from the knee to a stiletto's end. Beaded metallic gowns that embrace every curve, ruffled skirts and finely woven lace depicts the sheer femininity of the label. A line of all white gowns are given Marchesa's signature touch with a dose of feathered trims and crystal embroidery. This exquisite collection has to be one of my favourites for Resort 2013.

*Photos via Style.com

Colour Blocking Continues

It looks like the 'Colour Blocking' trend is here to stay a little while longer. A clear colour blocking was seen through most of the Resort Wear collections for 2012. These are some of the looks showcased by American and European designers.

Vertical and horizontal stripes updated this trend. Blues and yellow hues were common.

Form fitting dresses were shown alongside flair skirts. Orange was a popular colour choice.

For more on how to wear the colour block trend, see this post.

Moschino Resort 2012

Truman Capote's legendary 1966 Black and White Ball was the inspiration behind Moschino's Resort 2012 collection. The Italian fashion house presented a charming range that had a very Chanel French-chic feel to it. Retro-modern silhouettes were well-balanced while classic colours like black, white navy and blush pink were predominant.

I loved the styling of the cat-eye glasses, messy middle-parted updos, chunky gold bangles, luxe leather bags and most of all - flat sandals. It's about time someone brought flats back. To me this line is like a 60's librarian meets French ballerina meets Upper East Side sophisticate. And it all works so well together.

Full tulle skirts were the scene stealers of the collection. I especially like the second look with the blush pink cardigan. The coat fabric of choice was tweed.

Straight leg pants and collared coats were paired up for an ultra chic look. The cerise pink belted bouclé jacket is such a bold piece. Colour blocking played a small part in the range, with two-tone sandals and jacket detailing.

These black and white dresses would have looked just as good in 1966 as they do today, and will retain their classic appeal twenty years from now.

Cropped bouclé jackets with gold buttons were worn over A-line skirts. Feminine dresses were offset by printed leather biker jackets.

Marchesa Resort 2012

The design duo at Marchesa know how to make a girl look fabulous. Their glamourous take on Resort Wear 2012 pays tribute to this. Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig were inspired by movies and books from the 1960's whilst creating this very wearable collection. Swinging chiffons in sorbet shades, Grecian style gowns with a retro twist and simple embellishings to tie it all together. 

The colour palette progressed from minted green to lemonade, coral to magenta. I adore the grey and black leopard print dresses.

White goddess gowns were trimmed with gold embroidery, detailed necklines a focal point. These gowns are fit for the elegant and understated modern bride.

Nina Ricci Resort 2012

Peter Copping of Nina Ricci has created a rose-tinted, French chic collection for Resort 2012. I love the pleasant pastel shades merged with soft ruffles and matt satin. Khaki and black acted as neutrals. The silhouettes were influenced by the fifties and sixties. Cropped suit jackets accompanied pencil skirts.

Stand out pieces include the sweet pink satin skirt suit and jacket, and the black halter-neck fishtail gown. Outfits were sugarcoated with stunning accessories, like cat-eye sunglasses, chain-handle clutch bags and pointy-toe shoes.

These are some pieces from the delectable range.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

What a grand collection from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. For the label's Resort 2012 range, she effortlessly fuses neutral colours with a safari/military theme and immaculate tailoring. I adore the exotic embroidery that's tampered with the strong, clean lines.

The utilitarian lines were augmented by a glossy shade of khaki and a dash of animal print. Sheer white lace dresses brought out the romantic side of the collection. Trench coats featured embellished pockets and epaulettes. Waistlines were accentuated by wide buckled belts.

Shapes were Edwardian influenced with tail coats, corsets, fitted waists, peplums & high collars. In the middle is a black jacket & skirt with exaggerated hip, gilded in ornate embroidery. Outfits were accessorized with different sized clutch bags & ankle strap sandals.

Corset gowns intricately adorned with gold embroidery and full skirts smothered in tufts of tulle. Overall, this is an exquisite collection.