St. John s senior vice president of design, Greg Myler, has been spending a lot of time in Los Angeles lately, soaking up the city s architecture and local artists like Tomory Dodge. Dodge s abstract, bold-hued paintings inspired the color palette of the label s new Resort collection, and the sleek curves of Frank Gehry s buildings and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard influenced its silhouettes. The lineup featured energetic monochromatic outfits like an easy silk blouse and classic-fit trousers done in head-to-toe chartreuse, as well as a hibiscus-colored peplum top and matching cropped pants. Myler explained that St. John s customers typically "have full social lives—particularly around holiday delivery time—so they need options that can be dressed up or down." Keeping that in mind, he styled a long knit vest several ways for day or evening. The versatile piece looked equally modern paired with a crisp button-up or worn as a tunic with a bejeweled belt. The cape silhouettes (a sporty bomber jacket hybrid and a dramatic tuxedo-inspired number) were definite high points, and we also liked the look of a sequined lace jacket and a knee-length tulle shift. For the most part, St. John caters to a relatively mature crowd, but you could picture both Kasia Struss (the 25-year-old lookbook model) and a mom who s "still got it" in many of these looks.
