"A Parisian going to Africa." That s how Thakoon Panichgul described his Resort collection, which was inspired by photographer Malick Sidibé s 1960 s portraits of West African youths. Vivid red and orange prints popped against neutral backgrounds on below-the-knee and maxi dresses. Pale linen added a sense of lightness, particularly an embroidered peasant top paired with a breezy miniskirt. A pair of completely sheer pants with a leather corsetlike detail hugging the hips could be a tough sell on any continent, but a great cropped trench with winglike ruffles needs no translation. Panichgul is at his best when he resists the temptation to overembellish. A simple royal blue silk tank and fuchsia wrap skirt and a blouson top tucked into low-waisted palazzo pants had the easy elegance he s become known for.
