Sun, sea, and sand. In these early days of the summer season, who doesn’t eagerly anticipate a little R&R – and with the help of Stan Herman, the experience can now come with a fashionable touch.
Sandal Resorts International has tapped the CFDA member to design the new team uniforms. They launched timed to a special occasion: Sandals Resorts International marks its 40th anniversary this year, and Herman’s inaugural “Anniversary Collection” just debuted at the new Sandals Royal Curaçao.
It is, as SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart noted, “a modern collection that is as chic and sharp as it is comfortable for the Caribbean. Most important, we want [the team] to feel as much pride in representing Sandals as we do to have them along for the journey. From the moment we met with Stan, introduced him to the team and watched the magic of his ability to turn their ideas into tangible designs, we knew we had found a true partner.”
For Herman, designing uniforms comes naturally. Throughout his impressive fashion career, he’s created some of the most memorable ones for well-known, wide-reaching brands, including JetBlue, United Airlines, and TWA.
But this task presented him and his design associate Michael Schwarz with an exciting new opportunity, as they worked on a wide range of looks ranging from check-in to beach, from bell service and butlers to restaurant staff, and from day-to-evening – “pieces,” Herman said, “that guests might even envision in their own personal wardrobes.” Colors range from washed blue, aqua, turquoise, and sand – adding to the destination’s sense of calm and relaxation – and comfort, ease of care, and sustainability are paramount to each design. “We try to capture it from the moment they step out of the airport,” he added.
“For us, it was a terrific challenge. You had a great company with a point of view. Michael and I met with the President, and we really liked him and the direction he was going with Sandals,” the designer, a former President of the CFDA, said.
“Stan and I went down to the Caribbean and there was so much inspiration. A resort experience is about an environment and its guests,” Schwarz added. “It is so immersive, and we made a collection that still felt within the essence of the environment. Our inspiration comes from the source. We took in the essence and the color stories and put together a wardrobe.”
The Sandals opportunity was presented to Herman by Scott Currie, President of Anchor Communications.
Stan Herman and Adam Stewart will present the Anniversary Collection with a fashion show at the Curaçao property on June 25th.
“It’s an exciting experience,” Schwarz added, “and if you are stuck on that Caribbean beach, and it’s beautifully groomed and beautifully serviced from entrance to water, it’s just a magical experience.”
