The cruise collection is a clever invention, tucked somewhere between the grand pronouncements of the spring/summer and autumn/winter fashion seasons. One might imagine this sartorial punctuation (also known as ‘resort’) as a cunning ruse by brands to further lighten the wallets of the well-heeled. Yet, like so many of life’s more refined pleasures, its origins are rooted in practical necessity.

Picture the early 20th century when the winter chill set in (Gabrielle Chanel introduced the first resort collection in 1919). Stores were awash with furs and heavy tweeds, perfect for a stroll through a frosty park. But what if one’s inclinations – and one’s means – led one to sunnier climes? Escaping an icy Paris for the sparkling azure of the Biarritz coast, say, like the women who inspired Chanel. And so, the cruise show was born, a novel concept that offered a mid-season wardrobe injection designed for travel to sun-soaked locales.