Resort Shows: The Best of the Best

With May drawing to a close, Vogue's editors commemorated the month typically filled with resort shows by reminiscing about 17 resort shows of past years that they deemed most spectacular. Since Chanel’s historic gladiator-themed show in 2007, fashion shows in exotic locales across the globe have become a spring tradition. With the myriad of culturally diverse resort shows spanning more than a decade, selecting the most exceptional ones truly speaks to the editors’ mastery of fashion history. A more daring distinction, however, is determining which shows stand out from even these elite few.

The shows with the most aesthetically pleasing dresses are Chanel Resort 2017, Gucci Resort 2019, and Valentino Resort 2016. Chanel Resort 2017 embraced its Havana setting in such a flamboyant way, with one model wearing a red-and-white striped skirt patterned with Cuban cars and a t-shirt emblazoned with the words, “Viva Coco Cuba Libre.” Gucci Resort 2019 took a more unique approach to its French setting; it took place in the ancient cemetery Promenade Des Alyscamps, and the models wore suede, bejeweled Victorian dresses while wielding bouquets of large flowers. Lastly, Valentino Resort 2016 brought Métis artist Christi Belcourt’s painting “Water Song” to life with gowns embroidered with the masterpiece’s floral designs. Further distinguishing this show from others was Valentino as one of the rare labels collaborating with an indigenous artist rather than simply appropriating native imagery.

While quarantining measures have deprived the public of 2020 resort shows, the fashion industry nonetheless honors the annual tradition and anticipates the iconic looks that 2021 will likely bring.

Photo credits:

https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/vogue-editors-favorite-resort-runway-shows

Report: Nia Hunt