Everyone in the fashion industry knows the Resort Collection pretty much shows what next summer is going to look like, usually in bright bold colors, with textures to induce lightness, fabrics that will let the skin breath, and a general sense of sun and beach that the rest of the collections (Summer, Fall) will not portray, generally because Resort 2010 is not as high fashion as the rest. It’s a more relaxed and fun way of portraying fashion than it’s Spring and Fall cousins. This year, recessions, depression and a lackluster sense of self has invaded runways and shown in several of my favorite (and major) designers. I decided to include four, so you can go ahead to their boutiques (or Target, who usually copies those looks) and grab a couple of these items:

Balenciaga. Lately, Balenciaga’s fashion house has been all over the news, be it for Salma Hayek’s wedding dress, or for Beyonce’s all-or-nothing plastic high heels in different colors and shapes. Yet, his Resort Collection does not seem as ready-to-wear as possible, and honestly the silhouettes do not impress me at all.  He could have done a better job in both colors and textures. I see no defined shapes. However, I would rescue the flower dress with the orange belt, the oversized sunglasses and the blue and gold high heels.

Image via Instyle.com

Image via Instyle.com

Carolina Herrera. She proves why she has been hailed from South America to New York, LA and back. She shows lovely metallic oranges throughout the collection, with those perfectly tailored feminine silhouettes that cannot go wrong. The oranges invade the heels too, in a constructed and perfectly accomplished collection. Whatever one might wear from this collection is perfect, especially the floral dress, tied from the neck.

Image via Instyle.com

Image via Instyle.com

Marc Jacobs. He does wonderful strapless shapes in darker colors that still yell out summer. This collection shows us  incredibly high, vibrant heels. But the oversized arms that look mostly look charming (except for the very last dress, that covers only one arm, in plated gold)? I have to honestly say he tried too hard in this one. I picture it longer for Fall, not like this.

Image via Instyle.com

Image via Instyle.com

Prada. Miuccia Prada’s house of fashion has done it again. Classically inspired look, very 60’s and 70’s short skirts and blouses with colorful bags in different shapes, from small rounded to small and squared, kissing goodbye the oversized ones. They did it again, clean cut beautiful looks, in flawless yellows, blacks and oranges. College sweaters that look lovely on top of anything, and rounded by heels on lively colors. I have to say my favorite was the black mini dress with the black heels. Very contemporary, very high end, but comfortable and light enough for Resort 2010. Kudos.

Image via Instyle.com

Image via Instyle.com