“There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. In or out of ’em, it doesn’t matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that’s the charm of it.” Kenneth Grahame’s famous line from the children’s classic Wind in the Willows conjures up hazy images of long summer days with the sound of lapping water and the smell of fresh varnish on decking. But now Ratty and Mole’s secret is out. From menswear to womenswear, this season fashion wants us to hoist our sails.
From left to right: Corelli rope triangle bikini by HEIDI KLEIN, Short beach dress by MELISSA ODABASH, Catwalk shot by RALPH LAUREN
A raft of designers have dredged up a classic palette of navy, white, cream and reds with splashes of metallic buttons and seaside motifs. This is chic French seaside dressing, the Riviera at its best. Subverted by designers to give a modern cool edge. At Rodarte there were punk mermaids caught in rope netting. Rope trims and nautical motifs surfaced at Christopher Kane and ropes used as belts at Veronique Branquinho. J W Anderson’s collection was exquisite with nautical detailing. Knotted rope snaked through button holes and gold buttons on the back of sailor pants. At Lanvin a double breasted jacket featured the classic seafarers gold buttons. Ralph Lauren added wide stripes and wide legged sailor pants to their take on the look.
1. Limited Edition Ladies Gondolo watch in blue by TIFFANY & PATEK PHILIPPE, 2. Chain link necklace by ALTUZARRA, 3. It’s Gorgeous multicolour sandal by AQUAZURRA, 4. Sunglasses by MARC BY MARC JACOBS
Stripes were everywhere from Victoria Beckham, Michael Kors and Sonia Rykiel to Emporio Armani. Even swimwear took us on a horizontal journey with Heidi Klein’s Riviera-style bikinis and Melissa Odabash’s striped figure-hugging beachwear.
1. Christal blue watch by DIOR, 2. Scarf by KENZO, 3. Bracelet by CARTIER, 4. Hat by MELISSA ODABASH
Fashion Editor Victoria Gaiger travels the world shooting the latest trends for some of the world’s biggest brands. Her next trip to the Caribbean will see her setting sail to Antigua to photograph some of these nautical themes. She is currently the Fashion Editor at Harrods magazine and Editor of Harrods Man magazine.
This article was originally published in Issue 5 of The Caribbean Property Investor magazine. To read the full issue, click here.