A continuation of the designer's admiration for Japanese culture, Gabriele Colangelo's Resort collection started with shibori dyeing techniques. "I tried to reproduce the aesthetic using special treatments," the designer said, pointing to a cotton coat that was first pleated, and then printed to re-create kimono-like details. Born into a furrier family, the designer has long been obsessed by fabrics. This collection, like most of his, was comprised entirely of exclusive materials. With its easy shape, a loosely woven jacquard T-shirt dress was a special standout. Elsewhere, a pink-and-red jacquard coat distilled the shibori technique to the bare basics. But while Colangelo looked eastward for inspiration, the uncomplicated lines skewed distinctly Western. "I like the notion of beautiful Japanese fabrics with easy American lines," Colangelo said. "I like to be multicultural when I do a collection. That way, you can become more international in terms of taste." Resort marks Colangelo's first foray into handbags; as he does with his clothes, he experimented with color-blocking and collage. The best of the bunch was a structured yet slim tote.
