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Vera Wang Resort: Surreal Sophistication

Even if Resort collections are not necessarily intended to be collections intended for mid-winter romps in the tropics anymore – though, no retailer will stop you if you plan a getaway to Mexico in February and want to buy a whole new wardrobe - most of these mid-season collections designed to keep merchandise fresh between fall and winter takes on a decidedly casual, vacation-ready vibe.
 
Such was the case at Vera Wang on Wednesday afternoon, June 16, when she presented her Resort 2011 collection of “Fellini-inspired playclothes.” It was insouciant, but undeniably polished in a way you would expect Italians to be even while they’re on vacation.

In Fellini’s world, glamour shows up in the unlikeliest of places – a beach, a fountain, a fashion show consisting of decadently designed Roman Catholic nun’s habits and priest’s robes. It’s sophistication with a surreal bent. Ditto Vera Wang.
 
Here she gave us silky romper shorts mixed with a heather grey cardigan with asymmetrically placed buttons, as though one were giving a pepper grinder a good twist.  There were also slim shifts inspired by ‘60s day dresses, but with uneven hems, dramatic off-centered gathers and cheerful watercolor prints in luscious “Mediterranean garden colors”: lavender, lilac, rose, bougainvillea and grass green. Some were layered under ruched bustiers that seemed ripped off a vintage prom dress.

Texture and sculptural forms played an important role as well, but in a playful manner. Glossy paillettes, like molded sheets of sweet rock candy, were sewn into a vest or used as decorative epaulettes. A sleek black trench coat was transformed with the addition of a nubby bustle. Pockets on a pair of pants were adorned with soft fabric roses.

But some of Wang’s most breathtaking looks were her most simple: a liquid silver silk with a plunging back could not have been more captivating - or so straightforwardly fit the bill as an easy item to pack into a suitcase, for that matter. Resort-bound or not: Rejoice.

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