Reigning in her usual Italian flair, designer Serafina Sama’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection evolved from pieces muted in palette and packed with detail to looks ready for a retro boogie on the beach.

Revisiting themes from her debut Resort 2016 collection, Sama’s opening looks secured next season’s return of the all-American favorite, gingham. Sama’s take showcased ruffle-tiered skirts, dresses, and tops in the classic black and white checkerboard. The nostalgic pattern soon took a modern form in a symmetrical square print on following separates.

Evolving further, hot pops of pink, orange, and olive soon enlivened navy rainwear, structured overcoats, and asymmetrically ruffled dresses. While the mix of hues read a bit sporadic at times, the designer’s studied eye with shape and proportion held the collection together.

Particularly striking was a simple white gown featuring a one-sided long sleeve and stunning oversized tie neckline. The simplicity and femininity in form carried further into a boxy, plaid coat and a ruffle-hemmed top and skirt in head-to-toe orange.

Sama’s direction continues to explore a variety of aspects, and with this season’s accentuating ruffles and flamboyant forms, feminine ease is sure to translate into the chic wardrobes of the 2016 Isa Arfen dresser.
David Bologna is an editor. Email him at [email protected]