Resort fashion is a term that is often thrown around on the runway and in luxury fashion houses, but it is something that is making its way into the high street too. While it might be a popular concept amongst the likes of Chanel and Gucci, it can be a confusing idea to the majority. After all, its meaning has changed somewhat over the last few years. So, if you’ve been wondering what resort fashion is, and how you could benefit from it within your own clothing collection, here is your very own guide.
What is resort fashion?
The fashion industry was always known for its bi-annual shows, with designers releasing two huge collections a year; one for Spring/Summer, and another for Autumn/Winter. However, as consumer demand for new looks and new designs has increased, the introduction of resort fashion came into play.
Sometimes known as a cruise collection, or pre-collection, it became the name for the collection that arrives after winter clothes have gone on sale, but before spring and summer clothes arrive. Bridging the gap between the seasons, it meant that fashion brands weren’t losing out on profit during the quieter times of the year.
Does resort fashion have anything to do with holiday season?
The “resort” label originated from designers producing special collections that were full of clothes perfect for holidaying. Making sure that buyers had access to clothes for warmer climates in plenty of time, customers no longer had to wait for the bigger collections later in the season.
It was also connected to the more affluent buyers of designer clothes, who lived abroad for most of the year and needed access to climate-friendly wardrobes even if it was out of season in other parts of the world.
Resort fashion has become a way of releasing clothes that are most wearable at that particular time of the season. This is why you will see the likes of summer clothes sold from early spring through to September, matching the weather more closely than the traditional bi-annual releases. It has now become a year-round concept that includes the holiday season as well as winter.
How does that benefit fashion businesses?
In terms of the retail industry, this can mean you’re able to stock the right clothes at the right time, matching your customers’ demand. After all, what is the point in stocking winter clothing if the weather is still nice outside?
Through the idea of resort fashion, you can get your hands on the most suitable styles in that specific moment. The likes of clothing wholesalers, who stock multiple trends at once, can help make this possible. For the current season, this can include anything from jumpsuits to trouser co-ords, frill sleeve dresses to culottes. Think transitional clothing that still has that summery edge, ready for when the seasons gradually start to change. This means you can take advantage of great style that suits the weather outside, instead of conforming to the usual fashion collection rules.