Monique Lhuillier has taken her namesake collection in another new direction. Following a trip to the dark side for Fall, the designer wanted to create an "escape" for her customer, so she made Resort "fun, playful, and modern." First thing on the agenda: a neon color palette. Fuchsia, lime green, bright yellow, and electric orange were infused in most every garment, from a simple eyelet dress with a pop-of-color slip to a voluminous (and almost blinding) gown covered in silk organza flowers and nipped at the waist with a leather belt.
Lhuillier toughened up her offerings with "not-so-pretty" (her words, not ours) silhouettes and quirky twists. She also played with embossed lamb leather made to look like crocodile skin, as well as some bold, artsy prints. Abstract florals, drippy paint strokes, and graphic hydrangeas found their way onto a range of tailored shorts, dresses, and trousers done in a sporty scuba material. Overall, the clothes were punchy and fresh. They'll do well in her first New York store, set to open at the end of August.
