Peru is the destination that inspired Sofía Sanchez de Betak’s colorful new Chufy collection, but it’s not as obvious as it once was that this is a label oriented around the idea of travel. The reasons for that are at least twofold. One, as the line has expanded, it’s grown beyond the souvenir-type pieces you pick up on holidays—the kimonos from Japan, the caftans from Morocco. And two, printed frocks of the sort Sanchez de Betak is specializing in are trending up and down the market. Their popularity has been a boon for the Chufy brand; it’s growing by leaps and bounds.
But ubiquity does pose its problems, so, Sanchez de Betak is clever to be thinking beyond the pretty boho dresses she’s known for. The most noteworthy development for Resort was the addition of swimwear. Bikinis, plunge-front maillots, and rash guards that could do double-duty with cutoffs or a peasant skirt were cut in lively patterns with built-in SPF. Elsewhere, a strapless white cotton dress with delicate smocking at the torso was another novelty. Until now, Sanchez de Betak has let her prints do the talking, but with this easy number it was the surface treatment that created interest. A strappy sundress with homespun fan embroideries was another nice step outside the label’s comfort zone.
