We could all use a guardian angel right now. With the world—and the U.S. in particular—in such a state of disarray, it’s not shocking that so many designers (nearly all of the ones visited by this writer) are pointing toward the word “optimism” to describe their Resort collections. At Camilla and Marc this morning, designer and cofounder Camilla Freeman-Topper offered the same sentiment, though hers was expressed through what she referred to as “angelic symbolism.” She spoke of hope and freedom, and showed pieces like a fluid blush pink slip dress with a hint of sheen, as well as a pretty lilac camisole and a ruched miniskirt, both printed with abstract angel motifs. Angels and their auras were present in spirit through some of the flowing silhouettes and crisp white shirting, but then Freeman-Topper pivoted from celestial protectors to Helen Frankenthaler.
The designer borrowed some of the bold colors frequently used by the Abstract Expressionist painter, namely fuchsia, red, navy, and burgundy. There was nothing very angelic about these particular looks, nor was there about the sleek LBDs and suiting she showed. And that’s okay. Freeman-Topper was at her best with structure and tailoring. There was the corseted shirtdress, the cool tied sleeve, Victorian-neck blouse, and the soft pink floral-embroidered dress with a beautifully ruffled bodice. While the label's aesthetic may not be totally consistent, this was a happy, eye-catching collection on the whole. No guardian angel necessary.
