In fashion right now it’s not about the color, it’s about the color combo. One mix that John Galliano used for his couture collection for Maison Margiela and that reappears in more wearable ways in resort presentations is a vibrant concoction of magenta and green. Designers use the two hues in prints, in solids for ensembles, or in a graphic way such as contrasting lapels.
GIAMBA RESORT 2019
In a movement away from all the big and slouchy carryalls or teeny-tiny “necklace bags”, the small and structured bag is looking just right. Big enough to make a statement and petite enough to go from day to dinner, the neat bag will bring a polished note to everything from wear-it-to-work looks to casual dresses and jeans. Many have dual handles — one short and one for shoulder or cross-body — making these perfectly-proportioned handbags even more versatile. Ornamental closures and surface decorations add more interest.
Scarves are the new “it” accessory. For resort there are all sorts of desirable neckwear items, from extra-long fringe-tipped sashes to narrow cravats and classic silk squares. Designers even styled with multiple scarves, as in a printed headwrap shown with a coordinating (but not matching) neckerchief. Most are silky but there are also alternatives, like a knitted sash or velvet bow choker with trailing ribbons.
Red, white and blue remain a go-to for warm-weather apparel. As in our SS19 Trend Tale American Dreamz, the associations may change, but the references remain constant. For resort, there are western yokes, ginghams, fresh shirting stripes and intarsia knits, all in flag colors made more sophisticated with offbeat touches like pink, wine or light periwinkle blue. Wide leg pants, flared shorts or knitted briefs bring in a 40s bathing beauty feel, perfect for exotic beaches, country picnics or urban rooftop celebrations.
The newest color-blocking is a simple two-color split. The effect can be as subtle as two shades of a single hue or as graphic as black-and-white. The duotone feature brings a bit of individuality to the season’s minimalist dresses, which are often softened by a center pleat or knot. Sportier styles might use bold color, and the two opposing halves can be laced-together, Frankenstein-style.
Gingham always comes around for Resort and Spring, but this time the newness is in the scale and the attitude. Rather than sweet little checks for flouncy Bardot dresses, the new checks are bigger and bolder, and are used for stronger silhouettes. There are slouchy gingham pantsuits and oversized checks for camp shirts, knit dresses and slubby sweater sets. The pattern is used head-to-toe or mixed with florals. Our favorite mismatch is the juxtaposition of gingham with checkerboard, an approach that brings out the graphic quality of this timeless warm-weather motif.
Whether the reality is glossy nylon, glazed organza or supple latex, the effect is plastic. Recent Cruise and Men’s collections showcased all sorts of sheer and shiny items, from translucent blazers to ripstop silk tops. Outerwear seems like the most wearable option when using these cellophane-like materials — like a 60s graphic raincoat or flesh-toned topper that mixes mild fetishism with minimalist chic.
The bucket hat, a key accessory for next fall, continues right into Resort. The hat, with its easy crushable shape, has an unpretentious quality that makes it more wearable than more structured fedoras or sun hats. Newness comes from higher crowns and textural effects created with raffia fringe, crochet, raw edges or resort-ready prints. Brims range from the classic trapunto-stitched narrow band to face-framing and floppy for more drama.
The one-shoulder silhouette replaces the off-the-shoulder “Bardot” as the shoulder-show neckline of choice. The one-shoulder look is a bit more sophisticated with its asymmetric cut, and offers myriad options for layering. Designers show the look on its own or worn over tees or tanks, in sleeveless or single-sleeved styles. The diagonal neckline can be slanted toward the opposite underarm, toga-style — or can drape over the top of the shoulder for a modified effect. The detail works for both knits and wovens, whether easy or body-con, and looks particularly fresh for activewear silhouettes.
Tie-dye and dyed effects are uptrending, not only on Resort runways but for Menswear as well. There are big swathes of painted color for an outerwear piece, mottled effects for denim, and ombréd knit sets that have a faux dip-dye effect. For sweaters and knit tops there are tie-dyed stripes in berry shades, splotchy multi-colors, and a hippyish tie-dye tee with strategically placed tie-dye medallions and dyed sleeves.
