Colour Blocking Continues

It looks like the 'Colour Blocking' trend is here to stay a little while longer. A clear colour blocking was seen through most of the Resort Wear collections for 2012. These are some of the looks showcased by American and European designers.

Vertical and horizontal stripes updated this trend. Blues and yellow hues were common.

Form fitting dresses were shown alongside flair skirts. Orange was a popular colour choice.

For more on how to wear the colour block trend, see this post.

Moschino Resort 2012

Truman Capote's legendary 1966 Black and White Ball was the inspiration behind Moschino's Resort 2012 collection. The Italian fashion house presented a charming range that had a very Chanel French-chic feel to it. Retro-modern silhouettes were well-balanced while classic colours like black, white navy and blush pink were predominant.

I loved the styling of the cat-eye glasses, messy middle-parted updos, chunky gold bangles, luxe leather bags and most of all - flat sandals. It's about time someone brought flats back. To me this line is like a 60's librarian meets French ballerina meets Upper East Side sophisticate. And it all works so well together.

Full tulle skirts were the scene stealers of the collection. I especially like the second look with the blush pink cardigan. The coat fabric of choice was tweed.

Straight leg pants and collared coats were paired up for an ultra chic look. The cerise pink belted bouclé jacket is such a bold piece. Colour blocking played a small part in the range, with two-tone sandals and jacket detailing.

These black and white dresses would have looked just as good in 1966 as they do today, and will retain their classic appeal twenty years from now.

Cropped bouclé jackets with gold buttons were worn over A-line skirts. Feminine dresses were offset by printed leather biker jackets.

Marchesa Resort 2012

The design duo at Marchesa know how to make a girl look fabulous. Their glamourous take on Resort Wear 2012 pays tribute to this. Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig were inspired by movies and books from the 1960's whilst creating this very wearable collection. Swinging chiffons in sorbet shades, Grecian style gowns with a retro twist and simple embellishings to tie it all together. 

The colour palette progressed from minted green to lemonade, coral to magenta. I adore the grey and black leopard print dresses.

White goddess gowns were trimmed with gold embroidery, detailed necklines a focal point. These gowns are fit for the elegant and understated modern bride.

Nina Ricci Resort 2012

Peter Copping of Nina Ricci has created a rose-tinted, French chic collection for Resort 2012. I love the pleasant pastel shades merged with soft ruffles and matt satin. Khaki and black acted as neutrals. The silhouettes were influenced by the fifties and sixties. Cropped suit jackets accompanied pencil skirts.



Stand out pieces include the sweet pink satin skirt suit and jacket, and the black halter-neck fishtail gown. Outfits were sugarcoated with stunning accessories, like cat-eye sunglasses, chain-handle clutch bags and pointy-toe shoes.



These are some pieces from the delectable range.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

What a grand collection from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. For the label's Resort 2012 range, she effortlessly fuses neutral colours with a safari/military theme and immaculate tailoring. I adore the exotic embroidery that's tampered with the strong, clean lines.

The utilitarian lines were augmented by a glossy shade of khaki and a dash of animal print. Sheer white lace dresses brought out the romantic side of the collection. Trench coats featured embellished pockets and epaulettes. Waistlines were accentuated by wide buckled belts.

Shapes were Edwardian influenced with tail coats, corsets, fitted waists, peplums & high collars. In the middle is a black jacket & skirt with exaggerated hip, gilded in ornate embroidery. Outfits were accessorized with different sized clutch bags & ankle strap sandals.

Corset gowns intricately adorned with gold embroidery and full skirts smothered in tufts of tulle. Overall, this is an exquisite collection.

Monique Lhuillier Resort 2012

Monique Lhuillier brings forth glamour and gorgeous gowns for her Resort 2012 Collection. The Filipino born designer chose a vast palette of colours for her new range, starting with pristine white, moving into summer pinks and oranges, to darker shades of blue. She remains steadfast in her feminine design aesthetic, there is no shortage of ruffles here. These are some of the pieces from the collection.

 Navy blue and white usually remind me of nurses uniforms, but Monique manages to capture an elegant side to these two colours. There's the white ruffle wrap-over dress and navy ruffled collar mini. Shades of blue replace the typical animal print colours.

Tropical coloured taffeta gowns make a splash with textured mini ruffles and ballgown silhouettes. Coral sets the scene for printed dresses, which are dusted with a bit of lavender. I see these styles being Matric farewell favourites. I love the lavender chiffon gown, which has a tulle skirt covered in floral appliqués (pictured bottom right).

Embellished tulle princess gowns complete the outstanding collection.

Donna Karan Resort 2012

For Resort 2012, Donna Karan presents an ingenious red, black and white collection. I love the striking combination of these three colours, they go so well together. The pieces incorporate a cotton spandex fabric blend, that's comfortable and stretchy. There's a play on proportion with fitted tops and flair A-line skirts. Motorcycle gear got a chic overhaul with sporty racer jackets, zip-up coats and colour-blocked panels. Party dresses are effortless and stylish - all you need are a pair of heels and you're ready to go.

 There are body-con dresses that flatter slimmer figures, while fuller skirts hide that extra bit of winter weight. I like the effect of the last skirt on the right, with the white underlay visible from underneath the black.

Donna took a modern approach to the 50's style dress with interesting structural designs. I love the ethereal ivory tulle stripe dress with origami pleating.

The draped column gowns are such classic pieces. A stunning strapless black mermaid gown completed the sophisticated collection.

Badgley Mischka Resort 2012

Design team Badgely Mischka have created a beautiful range of evening wear for their Resort 2012 Collection. The colour palette in this range is diverse, boasting sensational shades of hot pink, greens, purple and twilight blues. They have transformed the ordinary cocktail dress into something more extravagant. The evening gowns have all been designed to include a certain 'wow' factor.

Wearing one of these party dresses will undoubtedly get you noticed. An interesting 3D effect has been used on the apricot orange dress and the white one (bottom right). Top middle is a strapless cerise dress that graduates into different coloured frills. Sparkle is also scattered on a few dresses, as are huge cascading bows.

Some of the evening gowns are longer versions of the cocktail dresses. Each of these dresses has a significant design feature that stands out. One of my favourite picks is the aubergine empire waist gown, pictured bottom left. The lavender ombre gown with feathered skirt is a definite show stopper.