FASHION NEWS

When you take a moment to think about the break-neck speed in which fashion designers produce new collections, one has to wonder how they do it. The calendar is no longer divided into Fall and Spring; there’s also Pre-Fall and Resort—two of the most important collections due to the length of time they spend on the selling floor—and also capsule collections that can come out for any number of reason. Then there’s also the entire Men’s calendar to contend with, which many designers produce for as well.

No longer is this rapid-fire schedule for fashion designers alone. Jewelry designers in the contemporary range are jumping in for more, too. Lines including Kara by Kara Ross, Eddie Borgo, Dannijo, Alexis Bittar, Falon and Pamela Love have all recently introduced Resort collections to their calendar.

Eddie Borgo introduced his first Resort collection last year at the request of his retailers, like Oxygene, who couldn’t keep his cone studs and pyramid pendants in stock. Like fashion designers, jewelry designers are enjoying the opportunity to experiment with new ideas in their Resort collections. And often those toe-touches into new territory will be expanded upon in Fall and Spring collections.

Kara Ross isn’t entirely new to the Resort game. Since introducing her Kara by Kara Ross line in 2008, which is available at Neiman Marcus, the designer has had the “season” on her schedule. In an interview with WWD, the designer noted that “It’s an important market, and I think it’s because from the beginning, we have thought of designing it like fine jewelry, taking a lot of care with the quality as well as the look of the pieces,” Ross said.

Alexis Bittar is another veteran designer who has been wise to the Resort collection for nearly a decade. This year the collection, which is available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, will have 80 pieces, and be on the sportier side than the core collections in Fall and Spring.

Dannijo introduced its first resort line last month, which was ripe with the designing duo’s signature looks, including bib necklaces, arm-party worthy bracelets and lots of color and bohemian flair. The collection is available at Intermix.

Intermix will also be carrying Fenton Fallon’s sophomore Resort collection—which includes chains, spikes and crystals—after the brand had a successful expansion last year. Twenty five styles will be available.