For his joyful Resort collection for Lanvin, Alber Elbaz was thinking not only of the "idea of vacation" but also of the "perfect American [look] of the fifties—but made in the wrong way." That translated into off-kilter, asymmetrically draped pieces that seemed just right for the season: bias-cut skirts, slouchy pajama suits, scarf dresses, and unstructured cocktail numbers worn with scads of necklaces and embellished with a scattering of b ...

Phillip Lim is already known as a commercially conscious designer, and he wasn't afraid to describe his Resort collection as more dedicated to his customer than ever. With a massive nod to Chanel's Deauville in classic little jackets, twinsets, and nautical references, he offered a smart, aspirational wardrobe of iconic pieces meant to appeal to both his young fans and their mothers. The breezily elegant column gowns he showed for evening may well instigate a ...