The exclusive TWA lounge at 1 World Trade Center, downtown New York was the venue for the launch of New York designer Carlton Jones Resort 2020 collection. With stunning vistas from the 86th-floor perch, serving as the backdrop, “Cascade” was presented as an easy, flowing fashion homage for men and women. The fluid pieces captured the essence of Resort, yet, maintaining a fashion-forward approach to stylish dressing.
CASCADE
It was all about Carlton’s dazzling color palette, and his choice of seasonal, practical fabrication of his creations that made this collection one of remembrance for this Resort season. “I came up with the name “Cascade” as a result of falling in love with my signature print of the season.” said the designer after unloading a set of perfectly tailored dresses and pant ensembles ready for the road. Soft blues and eggshell, spiced with army green and a slew of soft neutrals in beige, coral and white (the white lacy caftan was worthy of note) Splashes of reds and pinks were evident in what looked like a tropical sea-print. It even came in a beautiful swimsuit with a bone-colored chiffon overlay.
SIGNATURE PRINT
“Recognizing similarity in color palette, I often gravitate towards the overflowing amount of colors harmoniously exuding from this print reminded me of some of my favorite works of art, while offering endless possibilities for my joy to color block,” said Carlton. He continued; “I generally try to extract both warmth and cool tones from prints, however, after last season’s neutral tones and subtle colors, I desired to return to a more vibrant direction and the challenge that sometimes create to reach metropolitan sophisticates.”
CITY GIRL/ISLAND GIRL VIBES
So who did the designer have in mind when creating this collection? Who is the Carlton Jones girl/boy? “In addition to the inclusion of all body types in at least one design of each collection, I’m always trying to dress the city girl on vacation who wants something uniquely fun while having the ability to rock it back home. Ideally, she’s invoking this relaxed joy she felt when she first wore it.” Carlton continued; “Designing Resort in New York help me realize that Resort isn’t a destination, It’s a feeling -a state of mind…..that’s what I am attempting to create and re-create through my cuts and fabric selection. This experience can easily be reversed by the island girl with a seasoned eye for quality goods that work at home, or she can travel with, remaining authentic to her roots.”
FABRICS READY TO GO
Carlton explained that, within all these thoughts, color was a major component. This thrilled Carlton about his color selection for the biggest expansion of his collection, which was finding knit playmates for his best-selling wrap pants. “Formerly the only knitwear in the collection now has a short and top, in addition to a dress with chiffon sleeves, which really bridge my two favorite fabric choices of silk and knit. I chose a slate green, which gives me a nod to the military through the toned down lenses of the calm Resort. Now I can truly see the collection from Brooklyn to the Maldives, easily rolled up and ready for day and night.”
