Designer Douglas Hannant Presents His 2012 Resort Collection Aboard the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

by JILL LYNNE (text & photographs)

It had been eight years since I boarded the Intrepid.

During the 1990s I spent so very much time there, it felt like a second professional home. It was a special time, a particular moment infused with hope and fun. Presidents, Popes, Dignitaries, Celebs and VIPs from the world-over peopled the decks. And I learned so very much. Perhaps most of all, for the once pacifist hippy-chick – a new respect for our military who so valiantly protect us.

I was the official photographer for the late, great Zachary Fisher and the important philanthropic Fisher Family – one of the dedicated New York families who “built” Manhattan. In 1978, the now legendary Zachary Fisher saved the historical, battle-weary aircraft carrier from being relegated to scrap, developing the existing Intrepid Museum.

Grumman F9F-8 Cougar developed for combat in Korea, 1951.

Sikorsky HH-52 Seaguard, the Coast Guard's first gas turbine-powered helicopter.

Grumman E-1B Tracer, carrier-based aircraft for early warning surveillance, 1954.

Then in 1982 the family founded the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation, serving military victims and their families. In 1990, the Fishers began the Fisher House Program, dedicated to providing comfort homes for military families of the hospitalized. There are now 29 such Fisher Homes. In addition, the family generously supported worthy charities and arts institutions.

I worked on the Committee for The Fisher Family Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research. Created in 1994 when Elizabeth was diagnosed with the disease, establishing in partnership with David Rockefeller – the largest, most modern Alzheimer’s Research Lab – at Rockefeller University.

"Hot" models in rollers elevating to the Flight Deck for the show.

Amanda Crown, Ellen Crown, Lucia Hwong-Gordon, Liliana Cavendish, and Patty Raynes.

R. Couri Hay aboard the Intrepid.

Gillian Hearst, Christian A. Simonds, Esq. and Alexandra Lebenthal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle, Susan Shin, and Tana Chung.

SuperTroopers Fashion's Marylou Luther and friend ... Jason Tyler and Stephen Williamson.

Lillian Stern, Martin Chalk, Diana Hsu, and Aida Khoursheed.

Ever-So-Cool James J. Murphy ... Designer Renato Armijo and Coconut Grove's Camille Thiry Russler of the "Ever After" Boutique.

After being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton for his exemplary life and good deeds, Zachary Fisher passed in 1999.

In 2003, with the tragic deaths of his son Anthony M. Fisher – to whom the reigns of the Intrepid had been left, and his wife Anne – it seemed the end of an era.
We were all heartbroken. Many left ...


	Designer Douglas Hannant.

So on this recent steamy New York evening, I returned to the Intrepid afloat in myriad memories and reminiscences.

I was delighted to note that the” new” Intrepid has been slicked up, super organized and efficient, clean and corporate, educational with dynamic visuals and vital American history.

The juxtaposition of ardent sizzling fashionistas against a backdrop of military aircraft on the Intrepid’s Flight Deck was in itself amusing. A curious backdrop for Douglas Hannant’s 2012 Resort Collection Runway Show.

Resort Wear has always been one of my favs – affording an opportunity for the Designer to “break-out” of the traditional and experiment.

This was one of Hannant’s best Collections. He pushed the edge in form and shape. The colors were vibrant. The models jauntily appeared in plucky sailor hats. Plaids and diagonals strutted down the runway, while wispy fabrics fluttered in the occasional welcome breeze. 40’s hairstyles with lush red pouting lips. Ridiculous-to-walk-in, but appealing-to-view, too-high wedgies (even in strappy boot styles). Shorter-than-short-shorts.

A new playfulness prevailed and the crowd enjoyed!