This week I had the pleasure of attending the Ports 1961 pre-spring 2010 collection. Held above their Meatpacking District store, the event was a warm, intimate gathering that gave me plenty of space and time to individually touch and examine each piece; a rarity and experience that enhanced my interest and appreciation in the collection. Dubbed “The Tea Room Collection” and inspired by the 19th century Art Nouveau artistic collaboration between Charles Mackintosh and his wife Margaret MacDonald, the collection was steeped in hidden details, lustrous fabrics, and smartly tailored accents. There was a bit of beading work applied to some jackets, tops and dresses (see left), while other looks stood out for their rich hues of silky plums and nudes (my favorite is the dress at right).  Speaking of favorites, Ports 1961 was kind enough to send me creative director Tia Cibani‘s top five looks, seen below.

For current collections and more info, visit Ports 1961