cynthia_rowley / Instagram
American designer Cynthia Rowley took her label on the road for the first time to showcase her Resort 2017 collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. Both ambitious and fearless, the celebrated Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) award-winning talent has been in the fashion industry for more than 25 years. Known for its signature contemporary and feminine designs, the label has been spotted on everyone from Jessica Alba, to Emma Roberts, and Blake Lively who donned an embroidered Cynthia Rowley floral number during the Cannes Film Festival. The mother-of-two spearheads her New York-based fashion empire, which includes ready-to-wear, swimwear, and accessories, as well as cosmetics, home décor, and more recently, a line of athletic wear.
On the catwalk, Rowley revealed a vibrant collection that we mentally took notes to pack for our next vacation. In a jewel-toned color palette, flowing silhouettes and tailored separates were speckled with florals, embroidered motifs, and Aztec prints that were unveiled alongside Rowley’s new surf and swim collection. Wetsuits dominated the swimwear lineup in an array of graphic prints and color block iterations. You don’t need to know how to ride a wave to want one of the fitted, long-sleeved, boy short wetsuits. Certainly, the refreshing offering will be favored here in the region where stylish yet modest beach clothing can be hard to come by.
Cynthia Rowley Resort 2017 collection
Following her runway show in Australia, Cynthia Rowley made a quick stop in Abu Dhabi (via Etihad Airways, of course). Below, the designer reveals her travel diary exclusively on Style.com/Arabia, which features her take in a number of sights during her layover in the UAE capital—including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Meanwhile, a full day of dune bashing and sand surfing in the Al Khatim desert was topped off by sipping on cappuccinos sprinkled with 24-karat gold leaves at the Emirates Palace Hotel. In the slides below, get a behind-the-scenes look at Cynthia Rowley’s Abu Dhabi tour.
Who wore it better? We were so excited about our new swimwear collection that we both brought the same suit.
A magical moment at the mosque.
Keep hydrated, and keep going.
Making the most of a layover, we stopped for a fashion moment in the middle of dune bashing, ATV riding, and sand surfing.
Bill, is that you?
Enjoying a traditional feast!
Contemplating staying one more night.
24-karat gold coffee. Why don’t they serve this at Starbucks?
Homepage image: cynthia_rowley / Instagram
