The Ports 1961 spring 2011 collection, the first under Fiona Cibani, conjured visions of 70s-era fairies clad in pantsuits and leisure gowns in neutral gold, kelly green and every soft pastel in between.
Having replaced her sister, Tia, at the helm of Ports, Fiona drew inspiration from the bare beauty of the desert, which was evident in the underlying neutral palette of white, cream and beige. Welcome surprises were pops of fuschia, green, gold and metallic pink, as well as a sprinkling of chunky crystal detailing on a few pieces.
Models were styled like Charlie's Angels, their giant curls bouncing atop flowing, wide-leg trousers, plunging necklines, gauzy gowns and draped separates.
Overall, the debut collection was a well-balanced one, blending the kind of crowd-pleasing, confident sex appeal that always elicits smiles from an audience with a spare elegance that will surely float through springtime next year.
