With a collection described by VOGUE as both minimal and romantic, it’s easy to see why Anna Sui’s resort 2025 pieces are such a hit with critics. Sui herself describes the collection as: “romanticisms, pre-Raphaelite, feminine.” It’s that duality that’s evocative of Sui as a person and designer.
Thoughtful, composed, articulate, and always nodding toward the past with glimpses of the future could sum up Sui’s ethos. For this most recent collection, Sui took cues from a pre-Raphaelite exhibition she saw at the San Domenico Museo in Forlì, Italy. The designer’s next stop in Italy was Venice which saw her staying in the John Ruskin room at the Gritti Palace (a Two Key property), where Ruskin was the champion of the Pre-Raphaelites. “Italy is La Dolce Vita!,” exclaims Sui. “The lifestyle cannot be beaten and in addition the celebrations of the local crafts and artisans is so inspiring.” Beyond the artwork, Sui also looked to the architecture and design for inspiration. “Many of the paintings were displayed on gorgeous Pre-Raphaelite blue walls,” says Sui who employed the hue throughout the pieces.
Art was a key thread throughout with Sui reviving the Rossetti and Sleeping Beauty prints for resort. “The prints were part of a vintage collection. The Roses and vines print were evocative of the Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose series of Painting by Edward Burne-Jones.” Punctuating the looks were another retro touch with a modern twist, John Fluevog shoes which first appeared in the 1990s. “We had done these boots for my Spring 1993 collection but this season I chose denim in blue and black for the base to match the collection.”
And while Sui is already at work on next season to be shown this autumn, New York lies at her core.
Below, discover Sui’s favorite spots in the Big Apple including where she’s gone since the 1970s and what secret spot made the fashion set fall in love with literature.
Explore more insights on New York from our Inspectors, chefs, and celebrities.
What is the perfect spot for a date night?
The Central Park Boathouse
What’s the ideal family friendly spot?
Serendipity, I discovered it when I arrived in NYC in the 1970's. Ever since then, I've made it a tradition to bring every generation of my family.
The best place to be seen?
The Swan Room at Nine Orchard
The best place to hide?
The National Arts Club.
The best place for a cocktail?
Bemelmans Bar, Carlyle Hotel.
The best place for a classic, traditional NY meal?
Bar Pitti, besides loving the food its always quite a scene with familiar faces and friends
Which museum is your must see in New York?
Neue Galerie is really a gem. The spectacular collection of Klimt is a highlight. And they feature such interesting exhibitions. My favorite was their exhibition of the Entire world of Dagobert Peche. The walls were covered in his wallpaper, and they featured his designs in clothing, jewelry and metal objects, cabinets and mirrors, and his artwork. He was a true genius of the Wiener Werkstätte
Where’s your hidden gem in the city?
Last season we showed at The Strand Book Store on the Rare Book floor. Many people were not familiar with this department of the Strand. It’s a hidden Treasure!
Address Book:
The Central Park Boathouse
East 72nd St +, Center Drive, New York, NY 10021
Serendipity 3
225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
The National Arts Club
15 Gramercy Pk S, New York, NY 10003
Bar Pitti
268 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Neue Galerie
1048 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
The Strand Book Store
828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Hero image: Huy Luong
