The fashion industry operates on a seasonal calendar, with each season bringing new trends, collections, and styles. One of the key seasons in fashion is Resort Season, also known as Cruise Season or Pre-Spring. This article explores the abbreviation for resort season fashion, its significance, and other related fashion season terms.
What is Resort Season in Fashion?
Resort season, also called “Cruise” or “Pre-Spring,” is a transitional fashion season that falls between the main Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections. It was originally designed for wealthy clients traveling to warm destinations during winter, requiring stylish yet comfortable clothing.
Today, resort collections are released by luxury brands and high-street labels, offering versatile pieces that bridge the gap between seasons. These collections typically launch in November and remain available until early spring.
What Are the Fashion Seasons Abbreviations?
Fashion seasons are often abbreviated for convenience in the industry. Here are the most common abbreviations:
- SS – Spring/Summer
- FW (or AW) – Fall/Winter (or Autumn/Winter)
- RES (or CRU) – Resort (or Cruise)
- PRE – Pre-Fall
These abbreviations help designers, buyers, and retailers quickly identify collections.
What Are the 4 Seasons of Fashion?
The traditional fashion calendar consists of four main seasons:
- Spring/Summer (SS) – Light fabrics, bright colors, floral prints (released in late winter).
- Fall/Winter (FW or AW) – Heavy fabrics, dark tones, layering pieces (released in late summer).
- Resort (RES or CRU) – Transitional wear for holidays (released in November).
- Pre-Fall (PRE) – Early autumn styles (released between main seasons).
Some brands also introduce “Capsule Collections” outside these seasons.
What Does RTW in Fashion Stand for?
RTW stands for “Ready-to-Wear” (Prêt-à-Porter in French). Unlike haute couture (custom-made luxury fashion), RTW refers to mass-produced, standardized clothing sold in stores. Most fashion weeks showcase RTW collections.
Fashion Seasons Calendar
The fashion industry follows a strict calendar for releases:
| Season | Release Period | Worn During |
|---|---|---|
| Spring/Summer (SS) | September-October | March-August |
| Fall/Winter (FW/AW) | February-March | September-February |
| Resort (RES/CRU) | November | December-April |
| Pre-Fall (PRE) | May-June | August-October |
What is the Abbreviation for Resort Season Fashion in India?
In India, the fashion industry follows similar abbreviations:
- RES (Resort)
- CRU (Cruise)
Indian designers like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, and Tarun Tahiliani release resort collections catering to destination weddings and winter vacations.
What is the Abbreviation for Resort Season Fashion 2022?
In 2022, the abbreviations remained consistent:
- RES 2022 (Resort 2022)
- CRU 2022 (Cruise 2022)
Brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton showcased their resort collections in exotic locations.
Fashion Seasons Months
Here’s a breakdown of fashion seasons by months:
- Spring/Summer (SS): March – August
- Fall/Winter (FW/AW): September – February
- Resort (RES/CRU): November – April
- Pre-Fall (PRE): August – October
Fashion Seasons Calendar 2025
The 2025 fashion calendar is expected to follow the same pattern:
- SS25: Released in Sept-Oct 2024
- FW25: Released in Feb-Mar 2025
- RES25: Released in Nov 2024
- PRE25: Released in May-Jun 2025
Fashion Season Names
Besides the main seasons, fashion also includes:
- Haute Couture (Custom luxury designs)
- Capsule Collections (Limited-edition releases)
- See-Now-Buy-Now (Immediately available runway pieces)
52 Fashion Seasons
Some fast-fashion brands (like Zara, H&M) operate on a 52-season model, releasing new styles almost every week to stay trendy. This contrasts with traditional brands that follow 2-4 main seasons.
Fashion Seasons PDF
Many fashion schools and institutes provide PDF guides on seasonal calendars. These documents include:
- Key release dates
- Trend forecasts
- Buyer’s guides
You can find such PDFs on websites like WGSN, Vogue Business, and Fashion United.
Conclusion
The abbreviation for resort season fashion is RES or CRU. This season plays a crucial role in the fashion calendar, offering transitional styles for travelers. Understanding fashion season abbreviations (SS, FW, RES, PRE) helps in navigating the industry, whether you’re a designer, buyer, or fashion enthusiast.