At a presentation of his new Organic resort collection, John Patrick cited the cultural catchphrase "Make art not war." The designer claimed the lineup was a tribute to the late artist Jimmy Mirikitani, a fixture of downtown New York who lived by this motto and painted prolifically, who sold his works (Patrick bought several pieces during the nineties) out of a makeshift street "atelier" in Soho. Mirikitani was more of a guiding spirit this season than a direct reference, but one could argue that the designer has always been about making clothes not war.

Patrick isn't trying to stage a fashion revolution, but is instead focused on creating beautifully crafted, sustainable basics like the perfect little hand-loomed cashmere cardigans and slim white summer suits here. He maintains an unwavering dedication to details, and counted out each of the 16 gores on a full eyelet skirt made for twirling. Feminine pieces like tank dresses (done in delicate lace or with allover floral embroidery) were paired with sporty sweatshirt jerseys, while crisp cotton anoraks were shown with needlepoint-accented pinstriped board shorts. The result was a mix of artisanal and athletic that felt utterly modern.