COLLECTION
RESORT 23
Oroton’s Resort 23 collection takes inspiration from escapism, travel, nostalgia. Combining chic souvenir prints and seaside stripes, with an intriguing palette, signature shapes and heritage details, the holiday line-up is an emotional lift.
BY NATASHA INCHLEY
MAY 2023
Sophie Holt often relates her collections back to a travel moment, linking her designs to something collected and unexpected. For Resort 23, the inspiration came via a swatch of vintage lace and a coaster from a tiny restaurant by the sea. The philosophy, Holt says, is “about escapism and building a relaxed classicism that feels freeing and personal.”
To do this, the design team explores colour, utility, fluidity and practicality with an eye on feelgood elements to lift the mood. A series of Denim Separates, for example, is an exciting new addition, and a counterpoint to the airy Poplin Sundresses embroidered with intricate lace squares reminiscent of antique tablecloths.
Belted Robes, resort shorts and chemises are also in the line-up, detailed with scallop edging, ricrac trims, binding and Broderie Anglaise. The lacework serves as a reminder of the house’s heritage and skilled craftmanship, while the sporting silhouettes nod to an energised vision fuelled by modernity and spirit. Key to that new energy is in the accessories: this season, Mini bags add an important note, seen here in the form of a structured top-handle bag, the Florence and the envelope-shaped Elvie; two compact leather purses, petite in size but big on personality.
Another clue to the house’s spirit is art, or rather the way it applies artful touches with a knowing wink. Elegant silk Pyjama Pants and Short sets are stamped with souvenir prints of vintage coasters and sardine tins. Seaside stripes are shown in intriguing colourways including Iced Chocolate and Wisteria, which tie in nicely with hits of Poppy Red, Azure Blue and Garden green.
The Camp Shirt, a signature piece reimagined each season, shows up in crisp cotton with embroideries of radishes and springtime fruit, and there is also a dreamy Kaftan, a holiday essential, made in a playful swallow pattern. Holt says, “The print was inspired by the freedom and sweetness of birds in flight, the kind of motif that brings about an emotional lift.” And that, when you pull it all together, is precisely the point.
