The Tia Ciabani-designed Ports 1961 collections are always better in person. The intricate details – often on the backs and sides of the garments – require a 360-degree view to truly be appreciated.
However, this season the designer opted for a more straightforward, clean look than she has in the past.
Delicate bright blue and black satins were lightly draped in a variety of iterations, often belted at the waist to create a more fitted silhouette. Long, cozy sweatshirts, and oversized vests, along with loosely draped tops, also made their way in the 23-look collection.
The North African-born, Vancouver-raised designer is often inspired by her exotic travels, and for Resort 2011 she pointed to “urban energies” as the inspiration point for her collection.
She once again displayed her knack for prints through two cocktail looks, one of which had beautifully sculpted short sleeves.
Ciabani is one of the few designers who can create a piece that someone in their 20s’, like Olivia Palermo (who is a big fan of the line), would just as likely wear as someone in their 40’s or 50’s. Her designs are not tied to age, but rather to an appreciation for careful construction and hidden details. Ciabani is one of the most undervalued designers though that is, thankfully, changing. This Resort collection will surely help.
