Donna Karan Resort 2016 Collection

Donna Karan goes totally elegant and feminine this upcoming resort season, while still managing to keep things as pure and simple as possible. “East Meets West, Black Meets White” were the show notes of the Donna Karan resort 2016 collection, perfectly transmitting the message behind these beautiful casual and party looks, including “7 easy pieces”, such as the kimono or the worker jacket. While there is a distinctive Chinese mood in the collection, it turns out the designer has never been to China yet and maybe travels there in her thoughts, planning to turn this journey into a reality soon.

As the show notes hint, the main color palette of the collection is composed of the most versatile duo of black and white and we see lots of head-to-toe white and black looks, as well as designs skillfully combining both. Still, some pops of fuchsia, blush pink and beige come to break the monotony, injecting some more interest into the overall line. You won’t see any busy prints and patterns in this collection, as it’s more about simplicity concentrating on the creative shapes and small details rather than any specific patterns. Instead, Karan has managed to create interesting textures by using feathers, embroidery, patchwork and wispy planes of fabric that gave so much sophistication to the designs.

With Asia being the main inspiration behind these beautiful numbers, we see lots of kimono references throughout the collection, such as the wrap kimono tops, judo inspired pants and obi-like silhouettes looking especially cool on the eveningwear pieces. Then to bring diversity to the scene, Karan also brings flapper style cocktail dresses adorned with loads of ostrich plumes and crystals, as well as spaghetti strap dresses with flowing planes of fabric that give movement to the breezy designs. And while most of the designers concentrate on daytime pieces for their resort lines, the Donna Karan resort 2016 collection also features some astounding eveningwear options, of which the black and white strapless dress with the bias-cut skirt and the same handkerchief points used to give texture to it is the most majestic number! And there is also one specific super sexy item being the black sequined lace dress with a plunging neckline that Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian are sure to love!

There is the perfect outfit for the working class woman as well in the collection, such as the black tailored shorts cut at the knee length coming paired with a matching blazer that tops a white V-neck top, or the skirt suit with lovely patchwork applied on the hem of the skirt. The black jumpsuit with a deep V-neck and an oversized obi belt and the white flared skirt cut at the knee length and matched with a sleeveless top are ideal pieces to wear to various formal events.

The accessories used to enhance the looks are mostly about heeled shoes coming in different shapes and shades to cater to various style needs. There are color-blocked mules and flatform sandals that we love so much, heeled sandals and classic pumps that look so perfect with the clothing pieces.

Photos courtesy of WWD