Douglas Hannant Spring/Summer 2013

For his spring/summer 2013 Douglas Hannant looked to garden parties and summer soiree chic for inspiration. Firmly established as one of the designers of choice for the ladies-who-lunch set, in this outing Hannant is expanding his customer base to include a younger, but still sophisticated woman.

There was something is this collection for a variety of women, from 70s‒inspired, chic print jumpsuits to Kim Novak Picnic frothy floral frocks to Daisy Buchanan dropped-wast fare, to ruffled organza blouses to even a few beaded gowns. Regardless of the range of looks, the overwhelming motif was easy, flirty frocks for the woman that wants to have fun while looking feminine and fetching in the Hamptons or at garden party at the estate of the resident doyenne.

Though the wide-brimmed summer hats were a minor distraction, overall this collection was a success in that it demonstrated that Hannant can design for more than those chic upper eastside ladies who lunch at the Plaza or other tony NYC watering holes.

Standouts in this collection was Hannant’s revamped Carole Lombard‒like red floral gown, ruby red Marilyn asymmetrical halter dress, and striped ruffled organza blouse with brocade slacks.

—William S. Gooch