Ang Lee s 2007 thriller, Lust, Caution, which is set in China in the late thirties and early forties, was the starting point for Jenny Packham s Resort collection. Although it was generally pretty in Packham s typical, made-for-Kate Middleton way, a few of the looks were more sensual than usual. "I was inspired by the idea of presenting a collection of eveningwear that fused traditional Far Eastern style with Western fashions," said the designer, who often looks to films for inspiration.
Packham upped the sex appeal by using jewel-studded illusion tulle on a few of the necklines. For instance, a fitted magenta number in stretch crepe looked demure on the rack but offered plenty of clingy oomph when worn. An almost-minidress, beaded in an allover star pattern, had waistband side details that accentuated the natural figure.
The 1940s East-meets-West influence was quite subtle. Slight kimono sleeves appeared throughout, including on a white chiffon gown beaded with tiny pink-and-blue bugles. The embellishment on a flutter-sleeve V-neck dress had an Imperial feel. But when it came down to it, the references meant very little to the end result. Resort, for many designers, is about offering crowd-pleasing favorites that are almost guaranteed to be best sellers. On that front, Packham did well for herself.
