It takes a certain savvy to parlay great style into fashion and fêtes, and Cynthia Rowley has that aesthetic X-factor in abundance. Known for both her playful sense of fashion and fuss-free approach to entertaining (see The Swell Girl’s Guide to… series for proof) the designer recently hosted a presentation of her 2008 resort collection at her not-so-shabby-and-100%-chic West Village abode. While the word “presentation” might evoke images of PowerPoint slides, laser pointers, and high school science class (gasp), Rowley’s display was nothing of the sort.

After entering Rowley’s first floor flat, I descended down a narrow flight of stairs and entered into a sun-soaked ground floor kitchen. While waiters whisked by with fruit-kebabs and rows of champagne, the “presentation” took place in the designer’s dreamy courtyard garden. Twelve models—each draped in Rowley’s kittenish resort wear— lounged around the outdoor lap pool.

Cynthia Rowley Resort 2008

Some stood, hunched in floral jumpsuits and loose black pencil dresses, while others leaned on one another (à la the enchanting sisters in the Virgin Suicides) in branch-patterned outfits and bold beaded necklaces. All sported Rowley’s crocheted white espadrilles (“They’re comfortable!” one said). Though the color palate remained simple (mostly white, black, and grey) the collection seemed ideal for balmy weather—and perfect for the design-focused hostess like Rowley herself.—Alexandra Goldstein

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