The last (and best) of Cruise 2011

"A resort collection used to be the equivalent of staring at pictures of Bali when you lived in Kansas and the truck was broke. The clothes were for people who actually went somewhere, who made plans that included special wardrobes". That's what Cathy Horyn said about cruise this week on the New York Times. She talk about how it has become something completely commercial and how both renowned and new designers create resort collections. She also makes a really fair point about differencing collections within the 'seasonless season': "Depending on your perspective, resort collections can have either things you’re bored seeing or gems you can’t seem to find anymore because everybody’s become such big shots that they can’t do straightforward things". A description I love because it perfectly describes the collections I like and the ones I don't.

It did not even occur to me that Phoebe Philo would create a cruise collection for Céline. But it occurred to her. And now that we have seen the last of these collections I can officially say Céline is my favourite line. Philo created all the musts: a layered LBD in leather, a maxi dress, orange, a tailored trouser, a classic blazer with a twist and black basics to mix and match. A super well-rounded collection with a focused and fresh point of view.

It still feels a little weird seeing The Row among the names of designers whose collections are published on Style.com. The Olsens have steadily won their place amongst the big names of fashion to the point of looking forward to their new collections. Their Cruise 2011 line is mostly all black and white and features reinterpretations of garment's from Ashley's greatest hits. The cleverest part of the collection is the fact that a lot of pieces that work as long tops to go with dresses can also be worn as mini dresses. In fact, the collection seems to go from the 'mini' extreme to the 'maxi' extreme, which looks almost nun-like. All in all, I am very impressed. It isn't an unbelievable collection but it looks very very promising.
I'm off.

[Pictures: Style.com, Mary-KateandAshleyImages.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net]