Roxanne Lowit’s famous photograph of Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista drinking Champagne in a bathtub was pulled up on Mary Alice Haney’s laptop as her Resort 2020 reference. The new collection didn’t draw on their clothes—they’re hardly visible in the photo, anyway—but she said their energy and joy captured everything she wants to do at Haney. “These are clothes for the happiest moments of your life,” said the designer. It isn’t hard to imagine one of her ’80s-ish minidresses or slinky high-slit gowns making it into a similar photo in 2019.
The candidness of Lowit’s photo is important to note too: It doesn’t feel staged or perfect, because it wasn’t. While she was photographing the supers in the tub (after a Versace show in 1990), Sylvester Stallone walked in and joked that he was going to spray them with Champagne, hence the squeals and unbridled laughter. Haney believes in making sexy, statement-making dresses that every woman can feel good in—and that can keep up with their unpredictable, un-staged lives.
As for those happy moments she mentioned, weddings naturally come to mind. Resort included Haney’s first foray into “bridal,” including a sleek tuxedo dress, an evening top with a train, and an ivory faux fur (this collection will ship in November, just in time for winter weddings.) Haney anticipates they’ll be a hit for second marriages, rehearsal dinners, or even low-key City Hall affairs; even better, the Haney bride will be able to re-wear her look long after she says “I do.”