The new Ports 1961 Resort lookbook, shot in the picturesque
courtyard of the label's palazzo in Milan, instantly puts you in
a vacation state of mind. The setting wasn't the only factor
doing the transporting here, though. The strapless maxi dress is
the kind of thing one might wear with lace-up gladiator sandals
to a waterfront wedding in Ibiza, say, and there were plenty
more leisurely looks where that came from. Designer Fiona Cibani
commissioned a local Tuscan artist to create the striking,
mosaic-like floral print, which appeared on silk palazzo pants,
button-ups, and a curve-hugging knit jacquard dress. More work
went into this particular frock than its effortless appeal would
suggest: Ports' jacquard loom can only process six colors at a
time, and the collection's unique pattern features seven, so
they had to run it through the machine twice. That probably
accounts for its $2,895 price tag, but the label's jet-setting
customer appreciates such attention to detail, and can,
presumably, afford it. There