May 22, 2019

DRESSCODE: THE FASHION CRUISE

Love, exciting and new
Come aboard, we're expecting you
Love, life's sweetest reward
Let it flow, it floats back to you

(L-R) BOB MACKIE, HALSTON, GLORIA VANDERBILT, GEOFFREY BEENE on The Love Boat Fashion Cruise

Oh, the glitz and glamour of a life at sea! We've been yearning for a little vacay to escape this May Gray in LA- and we've taken some inspiration from one of our favorite campy shows, The Love Boat. There's no better departure than to cruise along with the "celebrities on the sea," and we would have loved to sail away with our favorite designers on board! Bob Mackie, Gloria Vanderbilt, Geoffrey Beene, and Halson historically joined the cast of The Love Boat for a day in 1981, wrapping up with a finale fashion show on deck. The 2-hour Fashion Cruise episode was one of the first times a fashion designer was highlighted on-camera to the mainstream public, giving a face to the designs worn by the celebrities they dressed.

After catching a clip of the episode at the 1996 VH1 Fashion Awards Jeremy Scott stated, ''So beautiful. It blew my mind. Madonna, eat your heart out -- I want to be Halston!" (Read the full New York Times article on the episode here.)

Keep scrolling for our fave five looks inspired by the show, suitable for all activities on board- whether you're looking for Love or steering the ship through troubled waters. Be sure to check out a clip from the Fashion Cruise at the end!

ISTANTE Golden Jacket & Skirt Set
LOUIS FÉRAUD Chevron Ascot *Available In-Store

Throughout its 10 year run over 250 episodes, The Love Boat featured hundreds of star-studded guests that included Andy Warhol, Janet Jackson, Gene Kelly, Betty White, Tom Hanks, and Morgan Fairchild. We may be a little biased, but we're partial to Halston!

All of these celebrity guests needed something to do while on board, and this is where Your Cruise Director was an integral part of the voyage. Always ready and always prepared with a smile, this golden-hued Istante by Versace jacket and skirt set makes a cheerful, strong statement. Lead the crowds in this bright, bold set.

Did you know that The Love Boat was based on a book?

Real-life cruise director Jeraldine Saunders revealed the world of luxury cruises in her tell-all book, The Love Boats.

RODIER Belted Scarf Collar Dress
HERMÉS Golden Medieval Armada Scarf

Smart packing and versatile pieces are the best way to maximize space- and enjoy the cramped quarters that come with the territory. A button-front gauzy cotton dress by Rodier can take you everywhere- from day drinks on the balcony and an aprés swim shore excursion to drinks by the bar and a formal dinner. Add an oversized Hermés scarf and you're ready for anything!

HERMÉS Golden Medieval Armada Scarf

Did you know?

The Love Boat was filmed on the Pacific Princess and the Island Princess, two working cruise ships. Real passengers paid thousands of dollars to be on board and have the opportunity to appear as extras during filming.

PATRICK KELLY Denim Wide Lapel Flare Jacket
ADOLFO Gold Crown Silk Bow Blouse

The Love Boat was essentially a floating city on the open sea. A polished, professional go-between the crew and passengers is a necessary part of any voyage, and Your Purser was just that. He or she balances the expectations of catered clients with the workload of a busy staff. Such a power position needs a strong look to match, and this denim Patrick Kelly jacket fits the bill. A sharp silhouette that's full of personality paired with a whimsical silk printed Adolfo blouse means business, in the most fun way. The perfect look for anyone who deals with clients.

WILLIAM DE LILLO Glass Bead Seahorse Belt

A few deliberately chosen accessories take the stress out of packing, elevating minimal looks and creatively accenting outfits for repeat wearings. Plus, there's no better place to rock a seahorse belt by William de Lillo than over a breezy maxi dress while on board a ship bound for an exotic destination.

DONNA KARAN Diamond Dot Chiffon Bias Dress

At the end of the day, the whole idea is to relax, enjoy oneself, and possibly experience a little love, all to the soundtrack of waves and an endless sunset; it is called The LOVE Boat, after all. This sheer chiffon dress by Donna Karan is perfect for embracing romance and dancing the night away. Billowy sleeves and a long skirt are ideal for effortlessly catching that ocean breeze with a glass of wine in hand.

You may also see a familiar face when ordering that glass of wine- Isaac the Bartender (played by renaissance man Ted Lange) brought Isaac's suave humor to five different television series, including Charlie's Angels, Martin, and Weird Science!

LES BERNARD Anchor Charm Necklace

Collecting seashells on the seashore was never easier nor more beautiful. A cluster of shells on an anchored chain by Les Bernard is the perfect wear-with-everything accessory. Way less kitschy than anything at one of those tourist traps on a shore excursion, we'd pair this chunky chain with everything in our suitcase.

GIANFRANCO FERRE Rope Print Silk Jacket & Blouse Set

The best look on board is inspired by the most important person on the the ship- and that's Your Captain. While we don't want to steer the boat, we do want to swipe that hat! (In our opinion, the best thing to wear while on sea!) Paired with a printed silk jacket and blouse by Gianfranco Ferre, we get a little Magnum PI vibes on our favorite cruise vacation, and we're not mad at that. Add a pair of white shorts and boat shoes, and you're ready to solve crimes at sea!