Nautica: Anchors Away

Seamen (no, not that kind) has been a well tread inspiration since the days of Coco Chanel. Nautica was feeling especially at sea this season too, with very literal and preppy -- but nonetheless masculine and totally wearable -- incarnations of the vibe. The show notes said the brand was thinking of the California coast, but it could have been anywhere that there's a beach and some preppy guys, really. Navy blazers were worn with white, tailored pants, over hoodies and sailor stripes. Polos had a white diagonal stripe across them, reminiscent of a divers flag.

The show took place outside at the rooftop pool of the Empire Hotel, across the street from Lincoln Center. The day was warm, and luckily, since we're looking at spring/summer 2012 here, there was lots of flesh and major models (Garrett Neff and Chad White among them). The line of editors, buyers and spectators poured through the lobby and out the front doors due to the fact that only two elevators were hoisting fashion fanatics to and fro, but we snuck up via a side elevator. We did, however, use the stairs on the way back down.

Pictures courtesy of Sarah Olin