There are certain references that characterize Resort collections so often that they have become a running joke, Italian coastal towns and Slim Aarons photographs chief among them. Yet Derek Lam 10 Crosby’s offering—inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley and its own sun-soaked Italian setting—managed to defy the odds with a pretty collection of dresses and separates that felt just right for the season. Chalk it up to design director Shawn Reddy’s use of simple summery silhouettes with slight fashion-forward details.
First came a skirt set the color of cranberries. Its ribbed poplin top featured a square neckline and puffed shoulders (modern Ren faire) and was decorated with an opalescent white shell on a gold chain (a matching hanging shell earring was pierced with gold hoops). It also came in a very pale lemon yellow, and this evocative use of color was applied to knits that keenly recalled scoops of mango and raspberry gelato.
There were slinky stretch dresses printed with florals and cut to hug the body, as well as chunky sleeveless turtleneck sweaters, an on-trend shape that works particularly well for transitional weather (a reminder that Resort drops in November). Reddy pointed to the muted map print, sliced into a button-down statement dress with a swirling midi skirt, as his perfect Resort piece. In a clever styling trick, the team created flat little pouches, cut from perfect squares of navy gingham or white linen embellished with crocheted tassels and baubles. Simple silk and cotton drawstrings ran through them to be wrapped and layered—doubled up around the waist and chest as refreshing alternatives to the ubiquitous fanny pack.
