Rachel Roy's 'Scuba Pop' Resort Collection

by Amanda Gordon (RSS feed)
Jun 4th 2009 at 4:01PM

The shiny, flexible, and futuristic scuba suit is the primary inspiration for Rachel Roy's resort collection, scheduled to hit stores in November. Roy has dubbed her look "scuba pop," a catchy phrase that may owe something to Wes Anderson's film "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou," but that surely doesn't fully capture the collection's elegance -- unless, of course, the "pop" is of a champagne bottle.

At a preview in the heart of Manhattan's garment district, Roy showed a number of approaches to translating the scuba -- and beach combing and nightlife -- experience into clothes: first, there's the sheen of the collection, using jersey, lambskin, silk, and sequins; then there are the lines and shapes: the backs of tops and dresses follow the lines of a sturdy swimsuit, while mini-skirts have a hemline that rises in the center like a wave; there's scuba spirit in the detailing too: piping and zippers. But the most glamorous embellishment, crystallized button-like embroidery, evokes the beautiful sea urchin.

Gallery: Rachel Roy Resort 2010

Not to worry, the styles aren't too stuck in the deep sea. The skirts, dresses, pants, and jackets, even the shorts, are strong and sophisticated, and some could even hold up to the altitude of an executive suite. The palette is solid navy, coral, pumice, and black. The shapes include square shoulders and necklines that are more prim than plunging. Accessories were simple but dramatic: a gold headband, nude-colored Manolos, and woven Kotur bags

The collection shows that even as the brand expands into junior and lower-priced fashions at Macy's, Rachel Roy remains committed to serving a chic, resort-going customer. Yet, in the midst of recession, this designer has also appropriately set her sights on value, with pieces that will work through many seasons. "Scuba pop" is not about frivolity, but rather durability and design. Pass the champagne, please, we're ready to snorkel, or, err, shop.

Filed under: Apparel