Our relationship with touch remains one of the most analyzed aspects of our existence, and Ports 1961’s Spring Summer collection this year chose to take it a step further. The brand’s artistic director, Karl Templer, wanted to dissect the connection between clothing and our bodies, a relationship that’s endlessly engaging our senses. Our clothing defines us in a way, so why shouldn’t we examine its physicality, how garments sit on our skin?

With special emphasis placed on sensory appreciation, the collection featured flowy silhouettes that moved gracefully on models as they walked down the runway. Many looks offered a balloon or bell silhouette, drawing attention to how everything from the gowns to the coats was moving in sync with the models. Many pieces emphasized the intersection between elegance and comfort, mirrored in the Ancient Roman and Egyptian style influence: asymmetrical draping, gold accessories and detailing, and abstract lines. Templer really wanted us to see how the clothing fit on the models, with substantial attention paid to the way they calmly twist around the body.

The setting was fittingly modeled after a Roman coliseum. Models walked down a long, white hall adorned with thick columns, with the warm sunlight gently kissing the fabrics. The color palette complemented this with muted warm colors and the occasional black and white look. Some models also wore tops with heightened necklines mixed with bright accessories such as pendants.

Over anything else, the collection embraced luxurious comfort over extravagance, perfectly suited for this introverted era.