shorts

by Chioma Nnadi

As far as dream destinations go, there are few places on Earth more bucket-list worthy than the Amalfi Coast. Besides being a long-standing refuge for scores of A-listers—among them Jackie Kennedy—that particular stretch of Italian coastline has been immortalized in words (D. H. Lawrence) and watercolors (J.M.W. Turner). Tory Burch was just as awestruck by the landscape when she vacationed there last summer with her three sons. “I loved all the sun-bleached color against the fuchsia flowers,” said Burch, who stayed in inns between Capri and Ravello. Burch’s resort collection was awash with vivid impressions of that trip; prints reminiscent of faded tile work and creeping vines in full bloom covered everything from sundresses to short-shorts. The seafoam-green brocade clam-diggers and matching blouse were things that Sophia Loren might have thrown into her valise once upon a time. Of course, in Burch’s hands, that Old World glamour had modern ease—printed balconette bikinis came with a two-for-one reversible pattern, a beaded skirt with mosaic motif was made in jersey and paired with a borrowed-from-the-boys camp shirt. The idea, as Burch put it, was to do embellishment in a tomboy way, and that undone, unfussy sensibility will travel just as well in a working wardrobe.

Beyond its takeaway value, the collection offered practical solutions to the conundrum of the seasonless wardrobe; the printed denim pants and lightweight cashmere sweaters will be appreciated by Burch’s ever-expanding network of global followers whether or not they decide to go on vacation this year. Ask the designer how she packs her suitcase and she’ll say it always starts with the outfit she would like to wear the day she travels. The charming knit conch-shell pendants, raffia totes, and pom-pom sandals are enough to put anyone in the mood for a getaway.