SIMKHAI Cover Ups: Resort Luxury Reimagined
When Jonathan Simkhai launched his eponymous label in 2010, he set out to redefine modern femininity through unexpected textures and architectural silhouettes. Nowhere is this vision more beautifully realized than in SIMKHAI's cover up collection, where resort wear transcends its utilitarian origins to become something altogether more sophisticated.
The Coralia maxi dress exemplifies Simkhai's approach to elevated vacation dressing. Hand-crafted with intricate crochet work that requires hours of skilled artisanship, this piece features charmed details that catch light like jewelry against the skin. The sand multi colorway speaks to Simkhai's understanding of how women actually dress for vacation—in pieces that photograph beautifully but feel effortless to wear.
What sets SIMKHAI apart in the crowded resort wear market is the designer's background in ready-to-wear construction. Each cover up is built with the same attention to fit and finish as his runway pieces, using techniques like French seaming and hand-finished hems that are rarely seen in beachwear. The result is a collection that bridges the gap between poolside and dinner, where a cover up becomes the foundation of an entire vacation wardrobe.
The signature sky blue that runs through the collection reflects Simkhai's California upbringing and his understanding of how color translates in bright sunlight. This particular shade of blue—neither navy nor powder, but something more complex—flatters a range of skin tones while maintaining its vibrancy against sand, pool tiles, and yacht decks.
Consider the Thyri pareo, where traditional Balinese fringe techniques meet contemporary lace construction. The piece can be styled as a skirt, dress, or classic wrap, but it's the quality of the lace—sourced from Italian mills that supply major fashion houses—that elevates it beyond typical beach fare. Similarly, the Lidie crop top uses the same precision construction found in SIMKHAI's mainline collection, with reinforced seams and interior bonding that maintains shape even after saltwater and sun exposure.
At Lola Dré, we've observed how our clients gravitate toward pieces that work across multiple contexts, and SIMKHAI's cover ups deliver exactly this versatility. The Solia mini dress transitions seamlessly from morning beach walks to evening cocktails with the simple addition of statement jewelry and sandals. This adaptability reflects broader shifts in how modern women travel and dress—seeking pieces that work as hard as they do.
What ultimately distinguishes this collection is Simkhai's respect for craftsmanship traditions within a contemporary framework. Each piece represents hours of specialized hand work, from the precise crochet tension that creates the Coralia's drape to the individually applied fringe that gives the Thyri its movement. In an era of fast fashion, SIMKHAI's cover ups offer something increasingly rare: pieces designed to be treasured across multiple seasons and destinations.
