Parlour Theno: Resort 2013 - The best of the best (part 2)

Just when you thought the fun was over, here's a second helping of standout pieces from Resort 2013. Just like the earlier post, non-traditional floral prints - with somber dark hues mixing with peppy neons, vastly different floral prints layered together, flower prints with an abstract edge - make an appearance. What I'm excited about, too, is the reversal of what a typically "feminine-" or "masculine-style" garment means; dresses and skirts have severe cuts and straight, unimpeded lines while trousers, suits and blouses have adopted a more fluid feel, with languid draping and embellishments.

Also to be noted is how backdrops in certain shows helped to bolster the mood of those collections.

For instance, Chloe had models standing atop clear plexiglass (though it looked like a puddle of water upon first glance) in an expansive field bookended by a clear, blue sky that imparted a relaxed feel - it is Resort, after all.
Roland Mouret staged various city scenes behind a model that seemed to be always on-the-go, as if to give the idea that the wearer would be a bustling girl-about-town.
Cedric Charlier used utilitarian urban scenes as the backdrop for his collection of elegant black, blue, magenta and yellow pieces.

Zac Posen - Mr. Posen loves expressive and dramatic poses and facials for his models, and I'm thrilled that supermodel Erin O'Connor took over that role for this collection. This dark teal dress brings the drama (so the diva pose is perfect), and it reminds me of something that a modern-day Scarlett O'Hara would wear. Erin O'Connor playing Scarlett O'Hara. Nice ring to that.

Valentino - Pier Paolo Piccoli and Maria Grazia Chiuri have impressively continued to churn out jawdropping pieces for the Italian line after having taken over the reins from Mr. Valentino after he retired in 2007. The pieces that the design duo created for Resort 2013 are so well-tailored and complementary to the female form that they appear simplistic and minimalistic. However, it is precisely this lack of frills and attention-grabbing frippery that shows how expertly cut each piece is.

(Beautiful pastel trompe l'oeil flowers.)

(Burberry who?)

(Beautiful shirtdress)

(Never met a cap-sleeve dress I didn't like.)

Tibi - This brand was started by designer Amy Smilovic after she felt the need to utilize her creative urges after having done stints in the advertising industry, notably at Ogilvy & Mather. I respect the fact that Smilovic had had enough of something that wasn't fulfilling her and so moved to follow her dreams. The Tibi line is uh-maze-zing, and it's the love child of Zara and Erin Fetherston. The dresses in the brand's online store run the gamut from printed-and-relaxed styles to neon-and-fitted, which ensures that there is something for everyone (or everything for someone, in my case).

The Resort collection is filled with dichotomous pieces. A good example is the red suit below which imparts a powerful and confident message while the relaxed cut lends a laidback air to the wearer.

(The mix of fabrics like the cotton-meets-satin juxtaposition, plus the mix of colors, as in this bright-meets-somber contrast, brings an unexpected, but lovely twist to this dress.)

Carolina Herrera - Simply put, Carolina Herrera knows what works for her customers and doesn't stray from the pretty, refined elegance that shines through in each piece of every collection she designs.

(The most statuesque dress yet of Resort 2013.)

Chloe - The french label is synonymous with relaxed opulence, so Resort is the perfect season to snatch up the brand's offerings. Like an heiress that wears her couture mixed with thrift store finds, paired with who-gives-a-hell bedhead, Chloe effortlessly mixes luxe and casual elements together.