"I've never done so much black and white for Resort," said Douglas Hannant at a preview of his new lineup in his Plaza Hotel boutique. The collection—like several others we saw this season—was subtly inspired by Deauville in the twenties and thirties. The designer described Coco Chanel's vacation destination of choice as "the Palm Beach of France" (a fitting comparison, considering Hannant's sizable Florida-based clientele). He offered casual yet polished daywear pieces, including easy striped shifts and silk palazzo pants featuring a graphic floral print—all executed in a classic, contrasting palette of ebony, ivory, and ecru. There were a few memorable pops of color on a flame-hued slinky viscose maxi dress that could easily transition from poolside to a party with the addition of heels, as well as on a vibrant lacquered lace number with a keyhole neckline and contrasting, engineered seams. Hannant pointed out that while transitional wear-now items are important for this delivery, his customer also has plenty of black-tie events during the holidays. Two strapless gowns with built-in bustier details (one in cobalt and the other in black and white with a train in back) were standouts among his formalwear.
