Last February, Donna Karan celebrated three decades in the fashion business. Back in the ’80s, she entered the world of fashion with a bang. Seven easy pieces. She built and entire collection on the foundation of those pieces and even today, she returns to them with new variations, new fabrics and new shapes. But the ’80s were all about power dressing, which is what she addressed in her Fall collection (which should be hitting stores right about now), with big shoulders, onyx beading and a no-nonsense take on her classic shapes. For Resort, Karan decided to skip the boardroom altogether. Her girl is going right from the boudoir to a black tie event. And what does she have to wear? Plenty of loose, louche looks that incorporated layers upon payers of light-as-air sheers.
That doesn’t mean that Karan’s resort collection is just for after-dark affairs. There were plenty of washed silk jackets and relaxed cotton lounge pants that fit right in with the prevailing trends of pajama dressing and luxe loungewear (Karan’s take on loose pants, in soft cashmere, are sure to be among the most expensive and the most luxurious).
Karan translated a few of her staples, including a flowing trench and a jacket, were done in loose, flowing silks that had sheer panels, showing peeks of skin here and crystal embroidery there. The New York City skyline made an appearance, too, on a chiffon slip dress that would be perfect for a black tie gala (Nina Dobrev, one of Karan’s red carpet devotees is sure to be snapped in it come awards season).
Layers also appeared in other evening looks, including a plunging halter gown that Heidi Klum’s already made an appearance in, as well as daytime looks. Tunics were pieced from panels of sheer fabric and long wrap skirts showed hints of skin even with their maxi length.
And while there wasn’t much in terms of structure or color (the palette was kept in the vein of grays, nudes and blush along with the requisite black), there was plenty to wear to black tie events. But even the most formal pieces, including an ivory strapless gown, were ready to recline. There were no boned corsets or full tulle gowns.
Instead, the entire collection rested nicely on Karan’s principle of relaxed and languid sensuality. Even the daytime pieces were soft enough to sleep in (Karan herself called a blush fabric “t-shirt chiffon”). And for today’s frantic lifestyle, there’s no bigger luxury than a taking a few minutes to just relax. Karan’s collection just shows that you can do it in high style.
Images courtesy Donna Karan and Style