story by Seth Friedermann
photos by Charles Beckwith
Fiona Cibani’s first collection, since taking over for her sister Tia at Ports 1961, created an intriguing challenge. The situation is one you see almost seasonally on the grand stages of the fashion world. How do you inject your style into a brand that already has one to protect? How do you make the collection yours without alienating your core clients? Ports 1961 collections have always had the signature of a travelogue. Rather than simply a passing mention of an exotic locale as an inspiration, Ports 1961 has long used their runway to transport viewers. This season’s destination was the Sahara Desert and the searing sun seemed to have melted away much of Tia Cibani’s more structured looks of past ports of call. Fiona Cibani appears to prefer a softer more draped look than her sister. Gone were the linear square cuts, the strong shoulders and historically based detailing. In were slinky silks, loose fits, and bare shoulders. Fiona Cibani seemed unfazed by the past and had no problem placing her own stamp on the passport of Ports 1961, but did her signature result in a great collection? Continue reading “Ports 1961 – Spring 2011 – New York”