"A Parisian going to Africa." That's how Thakoon Panichgul described his Resort collection, which was inspired by photographer Malick Sidibé's 1960's portraits of West African youths. Vivid red and orange prints popped against neutral backgrounds on below-the-knee and maxi dresses. Pale linen added a sense of lightness, particularly an embroidered peasant top paired with a breezy miniskirt. A pair of completely sheer pants with a leather corsetlike detail hugging the hips could be a tough sell on any continent, but a great cropped trench with winglike ruffles needs no translation. Panichgul is at his best when he resists the temptation to overembellish. A simple royal blue silk tank and fuchsia wrap skirt and a blouson top tucked into low-waisted palazzo pants had the easy elegance he's become known for.
