Perry Ellis Spring Summer 2011

Creative director John Crocco revived Perry Ellis' sporty heritage with a collection inspired by the films of French director Jacques Tati. Using a backdrop of a palm tree lit up on the back wall, the designer drew inspiration from the beach-side sensibility and color influences of Tati's films "Mr. Hulot's Holiday" and "Mon Oncle."

We watched models walk the runway in lightweight linen v-neck sweaters, exploded plaid cotton trousers, cotten/linen tailored dinner jackets and retro swimsuits in a romantic palette of coral, rose and muskmelon hues. It was a beautiful example of nautical loving, classic preppy Americana. My favorite look was a black cotton sateen trench with a white linen v-neck underneath and black cotton exploded plaid trouser.

Additionally, it was worth mentioning that the show paid a special tribute to Project Beach, the brand’s initiative to raise awareness for the National Wildlife Federation [NWF] and its Gulf Coast restoration work. All proceeds of the specially-designed white polo shirts with a pelican emblem and "Project Beach" embroidery, will help fund oil spill recovery programs.

Photo source: WWD