While New York Fashion Week this September is shaping up to be the most eventful ever, we’re not quite there yet. Before the fashion crowds return to NYC en masse and Hollywood descends upon the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s steps for the first of two Met Galas, there are the resort collections to see. Unlike in years past when designers have seized upon the cruise moment to present their designs in far-flung resort destinations in front of large crowds, fashion houses are still playing it safe and delivering their creations via short fashion films and inventive lookbooks. Although the digital show format is a convenient, low-key experience for those viewing from their couch, the clothes themselves have become more colorful and daring—suggesting what wardrobes need now, more than ever, are a heavy dose of fun. Check back here often as we track the latest and most exciting looks from the cruise collections.

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The Look: Glittering cocktail dresses for nights out, high-waisted trousers and blouses fit for the office, and tailoring ripe for reopening.

The Inspiration: Space travel.

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Balmain

The Look: Print-focused, bohemian wears with a touch of ‘90s pop star influence, for the world traveler itching to get back on a plane.

The Inspiration: Designer Olivier Rousteing’s parents’ roots in Somalia and Ethiopia, plus a trip to the exhibition “Divas, from Oum Kalthoum to Dalida” at the Arab World Institute in Paris.

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MM6 Maison Margiela

The Look: A touch of neon here, a structured button-down shirt there, with a splash of moto and denim.

The Inspiration: French surrealism.

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Oscar de la Renta

The Look: Textiles-focused eveningwear, with an emphasis on florals.

The Inspiration: Coming to a red carpet near you.

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Zimmermann

The Look: Vacation. Period.

The Inspiration: Escapism and unadulterated joy.

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Chloé

The Look: Sustainable knit dresses and sneakers, circular denim that utilizes deadstock fabric, and laser-cut coats and bags—all made from carefully sourced textiles in keeping with creative director Gabriela Hearst’s mission to minimize the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.

The Inspiration: Pre-Raphaelite portraiture, the Arts and Crafts movement, romance and according to Hearst, “The fictitious but utterly delicious state of being in love.”

 

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Originally posted from “W Magazine” by W Staff