NY1.com

  64º

09/07/2008 03:28 PM

Fashion Week: Perry Ellis Prep; Lacoste Leisure

By: Jill Scott

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

It’s all about looking good as you relax in the warm weather – at least that's the case on the runways of Perry Ellis and Lacoste. NY1’s Jill Scott filed the following report.

Seersucker, stripes and punches of plaid – the Perry Ellis Spring 2009 Collection is perfectly preppy.

“It’s more of a preppy without the privilege,” said Perry Ellis creative director John Crocco. “It’s not a New England prep school prep and it’s not British-inspired. It’s really American prep.”

He says it's a bit of West Coast prep actually – think Palm Springs. So come spring it’s all about casual cardigans, polos and pullovers. Looks that are rugged yet refined.

Like the calm cool nights in the California dessert this colorful collection is easy breezy, but also bold.

“It was quite bold, but that being said I saw a lot of muted tones. I saw a lot of browns in there as well,” said photographer Nigel Barker. “What was most interesting to me was the stonewashed jeans. Haven’t seen them in a while. Didn't think I was going to see them in a while. but liked seeing them. Like an old friend.”

Now over at Lacoste it was also in the fun, but this time in the Mediterranean where you would never want a vacation to end.

“We went back from summer vacation. We really didn't want to go back to work, so we decided to prolonger l’été, so it’s very summery, very south of France, Italy,” said designer Christophe Lemaire.

On the trip down the runway, we saw three themes.

First: chic, sophisticated looks that offer a sense of relaxed elegance. Perfect for lunch at the club or lazy lounging at the pool.

Then with the sportswear collection we’re to hit the beach. Bright, sunset colors, fresh terry tees and jumpers, all playful looks for those ready to play.

Last, Lemaire moves to mod, taking us back to the ‘60's with graphic mini dresses and monkey jackets, mixed with a taste of the golf course.

If this is how Lacoste packs for vacation, who would ever want to go home?