Has Chris Leba embraced romance? His R13 resort collection is sprinkled with little hearts—printed, knitted, and flocked. Some are tiny and playful, tucked into graphics, while others stand out with a darker, moodier edge.

Last season, Leba talked about the cultural shift toward darkness, referencing Nosferatu and the general vibe that had everyone feeling a certain way. “You’ve got to have an angle!” he said of his mended-hearts theme. But with summer approaching, his perspective has clearly brightened.

For resort, Leba went dressier with longline coats in bold reds and seasonal prints, plus standout blouses in luxurious fabrics—like a sheer style with flocking that mimicked devoré. He also introduced sleek tailoring in a stretchy white stripe, flattering without being restrictive. His take on holiday dressing felt fresh: silver foil trousers, chiffon blouses, and even a lace circle skirt with a mini crinoline at the waist.

The coolest pieces? Two convertible bottoms—a mini skirt and a skirt-pants hybrid (a “skant”?)—crafted in leather with chunky front zippers. Studded leather shorts and jackets added edge, though Leba joked, “They’re super heavy, but it’s all about balancing soft and hard.”