Designers Nicole and Michael Colovos at Helmut Lang put together a simple and easy to wear resort collection. Inspired by 'erosion,' they experimented with burnout effects, suede treated to resemble rubber or smouldering metals, and drapping fabrics as if they were melting. I just love the leather and jersey cut-out skirt, and the soft jackets that have the potential to really pull an outfit together without looking too primped. This collection is a perfect example of a more relaxed Parisian attitude towards dressing finally working it's way over to our side of the Atlantic.

source: style.com

Anna Selezneva by Camilla Akrans for Vogue China July 2009

I love editorials like this with full page spreads and just drenched in colour. Soft pink light, beautiful earth tones, and just enough movement to keep it from being stiff. and overly thought out. Shoots like this are why Akrans is fast becoming my favorite photographer.

Alexander Wang Resort 2010 is the perfect example of a stunning resort collection. The cutout sweater is a fun update of his mesh sweater that had everyone swooning this past fall season, and the sweatpant material throughout the collection is perfect for the more relaxed vibe in fashion right now. For those of us who missed the wrap skirt from his spring collection (namely me), he continues the shape and gives us (me) another chance to get our hands on such a fluid and versatile piece.

The best part of this collection is his use of suede. The bags with stud feet and the shoes - one shape, a million varieties - is the cherry on the cake for me. Where most people will add a hint of colour to spice up an outfit, I would much rather add a hint of texture - and these pieces are just what I had in mind...

Wang's perfect mix of summery pieces with just a dash of fall materials make this resort collection totally wearable regardless of the season, and also keep him at the top of my favorites.

source: style.com

With my recent indulgence in photography, I completely forgot about the resort collections! These are the real hidden gems of fashion: snuck in between the spring and fall collections, resort collections really give designers an opportunity to bring in elements from any inspiration. Resort can be anywhere from cute bikinis and beachwear to a mix of spring/fall cocktail dresses and light coats. For those of us hunting for the pieces that no one else will have, the resort collections are a treasure trove of fabulous pieces.

Jacques Dequeker is a Brazilian photographer who has done work for Vogue, Marie Claire, and V, and has worked with the likes of Agnes Dein and Gisele Bundchen. In 2002 he won best fashion photographer in Brazil, awarded to him by the Brazilian Association of Textile Industry.

I find his work to be very somber and quiet, a relaxing break when all the summer editorials are saturated in high energy and bright colours. I love how he composed the shots above to bring out the texture and volume of her hair. The recent nudity trend in high profile magazines is toned down here, but the sensuality is not lost in the least - I find it verges on the side of elegance. And the double cocktail ring is simply to die for.

source: www.jacquesdequeker.com

Barnaby Roper, director and photographer, captures the perfect summer waves.

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Caroline Trentini by Sebastian Kim for Numero 104 June/July

There is something about this photo that is just stunning to me. Her posture, the shadows from her hair across her face, the movement of her blouse - it all comes together in a perfectly secret yet incredibly sexy way.

Dear Summer,
Please get here already.

Thanks,
Wilma

Photog: Steven Burton