Ports 1961 Pre-Spring 2017

The fashion industry is always ten steps ahead of what is available to shoppers in major retail stores. Though NYFW: The Shows spring 2017 is three months away, many major brands have already created their pre-spring 2017 collections.

With all the pressure from within the industry and the ever-changing fashion palettes of consumers it is a challenge to create five to eight collections a year—which includes spring/summer; fall/winter/; resort/holiday; pre-spring; pre-fall; maybe a bridal collection, and a couple of capsule collection collaborations. (Remember the major retail stores demand new product every six weeks.)

With all these collections every year, each with its own inspiration, a brand can easily get lost in the shuffle. PORTS 1961 has not only survived the thirst for new product, but is excelling the demand for innovative, fashion-forward garments.

Inspired by the creative process itself, PORTS 1961 hurdles itself into new, uncharted territory for the brand by having experimentation be the heart of their pre-spring 2017 collection. “Our attitude is always one of positivity, of optimism,” explains Nataša Čagalj, creative director. “It is important for us to show that. We always want that spirit of curiosity and experimentation from our design process to carry through into what we produce in our collection.”

This season PORTS 1961 also paid homage to the Italian factories and fabric mills that produce the textiles used in their collections. The brand’s Made in Italy and Work in Progress insignia are reworked to become central components of individual garments.

The color palette for the pre-spring 2017 collection embraces ice cream pastel tones to bold, energetic stripes, prints and textured neutrals. And fabric choices range from woven jacquards, cottons and silk fil coupé, offering an evolved take on traditional shirting and outerwear.

This playful, slightly off-center collection is not for the fashion-shy consumer. However, if you have a penchant for garments that push the proverbial fashion envelope and make you stand out in a crowd, this pre-spring collection is right up your alley!!

—William S. Gooch