Chris Leba’s Romantic Touch: A Review of the R13 Resort Collection

Chris Leba has taken a romantic turn with his latest R13 resort collection, featuring scattered little hearts in various forms. From printed to knitted to flocked, these hearts are both cute and moody, adding a whimsical touch to his designs.

In the previous season, Leba explored the darkness that had pervaded culture, drawing inspiration from gothic influences like Nosferatu. However, with summer approaching, he seems to have embraced a more lighthearted vibe for resort. “You have to have an angle,” he remarked about his mended hearts club concept.

For this collection, Leba has incorporated dressier elements, such as longline coats in bright reds and seasonal prints, as well as luxurious blouses in exquisite fabrics. One standout piece is a sheer blouse with flocking that mimics devoré, adding a touch of sophistication to the ensemble. He has also introduced slimming tailoring in a white stripe fabric with hidden stretch, striking a balance between fit and comfort.

Leba’s take on holiday dressing is refreshing, with silver foil trousers, chiffon blouses, and a lace-y circle skirt that exudes femininity. The collection also features two convertible bottoms – a mini skirt and a skirt-pants hybrid, both crafted from leather and adorned with chunky zippers down the center front. Additionally, leather shorts and jackets embellished with studs of varying sizes add a touch of edginess to the lineup. “It’s all about mixing the soft with the hard,” Leba quipped.