Many labels take a "buy now, wear now" approach to Pre-Fall, but Ports 1961 has other plans. Designer Fiona Cibani whipped up a collection full of covetable outerwear and exotic furs, the sort she hopes her customer will buy when they arrive in stores in spring and save for the darker days of winter. Among the highlights in the former category were an oversize red topcoat cut from nubby Casentino wool as well as a cropped peacoat and its matching pencil skirt, which featured panels of dip-dyed plaid. The look added a slight masculine tone to the lineup, as did a long, Prince of Wales check vest, crisp button-up shirts, and wide leather buckle belts. That element was balanced by feminine touches like flared, schoolgirl skirts (in either structured, laminated neoprene or a faded floral satin) and a sparkly LBD that incorporated stretch cashmere lace and hand beading. Ports' refined clientele will pair such a festive number with one of the standout furs here. A knee-length, layered fox gilet, in particular, had family heirloom appeal.
