Emilio Pucci Spring / Summer 2012

Emilio Pucci Spring / Summer 2012

There were midriff baring, gypsies aplenty this season. Models strutted down the runway in gorgeous peasant blouses, with lace inserts and billowing sleeves. Barely there camisoles in scarlett and black lace resembled underwear. Red lace bras were teamed with peak shoulder, tuxedo blazer and relaxed, man style pant.

High waisted, cascading, sheer maxi skirts had a Spanish / Flamenco feel to them. Bermuda shorts regularly frequented the runway. A gold, mosaic, cami dress was ultra sexy and a black cutaway, silk gown with tiered lace and chiffon skirt was pure elegance. Empire necklines featured on garments that included a lemon citrus and pale grey dress.

The signature Pucci print was evident on scarf belts and chiffon blouses that tied at the waist.The colour palette was an amazing kaleidoscope of colour. Shades ranged from scarlett to fuschia, lime to lemon, and lavender to turquoise.

Oversized, beaded crosses, worn choker style, adorned models necks. Ornamental earrings dangled from models ears. Stunning, statement pieces that completed the look beautifully.

Eyes were rimmed with kohl.This look was dramatic and smouldering. Hair was worn loose and undone with a side part.

Hervé Léger by Max Azria Summer 2012

Hervé Léger by Max Azria Summer 2012
The house of Hervé Léger is known for its ultra sexy, feminine, body con dresses which are designed to hug the body in all the right places and Max Azria continued to live up to that reputation this summer season.
Models were the epitome of empowered warriors and goddesses. There were plenty of body con, bandage dresses on display but this season the designs featured plenty of intricate detail, which included peekaboo cutouts exposing lots of flesh.
Standout pieces included a champagne, jacquard, bandage panel dress with a bandeau, ruched bust and flounce hemline. There was a black, strapless dress with macrame neck detail, a chocolate body con number with nude splices and for the cooler nights a fitted, collarless, leather jacket with brass plate panels.
Aztec influences were present and ikat prints featured on dresses in shades of soft blush, nude and camel. Braided harnesses were a welcome addition that toughened up the look. The finale piece was a show stopping white,Grecian style, plunge neck dress with thigh high splits and a fringing detail. The waist was cinched via metallic plates.
The colour palette consisted of rose gold, pearl gold, champagne, apricot, ice blue, dove grey and metallic silver.
Footwear was bold. Suede, bandage, warrior sandals swathed models shins and came in shades of tan/ ivory, camel/ terracotta and black.

Michael Kors Spring / Summer 2012

Michael Kors Spring / Summer 2012

This collection had strong African influences.

Garments included khaki, tie dye, kimono cape with utilitarian short, oversized striped kaftan, belted leopard one piece swimwear, ivory crochet, tasseled asymmetrical poncho, red snakeskin, plunge neck shift and a strapless maxi in shades of muted khaki, tie dyed.

Safari and tribal accents were evident throughout.

This ethnic collection would work exceptionally well into the wardrobe of every jet setting young woman. Everyday staples included khaki cutaway tanks, tangerine cashmere sweaters, sumptuous suede mini with pocket detail in desert sand and the very luxe, python trench. There were plenty of ponchos and kaftans to throw over sexy, cut out, snakeskin maillots. For night time opt for the feather, tiered, maxi dress worn by Frida Gustavsson. Animal prints aren't going away anytime soon and this collection featured leopard print (small and large), zebra, tiger and snake.

Michael Kors accessories were statement making and made a strong impact on the runway. Covet worthy accessories included a burnt orange snakeskin choker, a toffee / ivory ponyskin over the shoulder satchel and snakeskin desert booties. Gladiator sandals added an edge to garments. Take note, this style of footwear is best left for long, lean, legs as the under the knee style shortens the leg dramatically. Belts featured attached mini purses at the hip which resembled a bumbag.Octagonal cuffs were stacked. Necklaces featured large, circular discs.

Overall this collection was eminently wearable.

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2012

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2012

This fall season the Roberto Cavalli woman is a rock n roll, gypsy.

Key pieces included deep olive, structured, brocade blazer, copper embellished top with breastplate detail and diaphanous maxi dresses in snakeskin print.

Skinny scarves featured fringing and feathers which resembled an exotic bird. Fabrics were fluid and opulent. Intricate detail featured heavily on garments. Luxurious fox fur stoles, vests and jackets completed the look. Layering was a key element in the collection.

Animal prints that were prevalent included leopard, zebra and snake.

The colour palette consisted of olive, burgundy, navy, nude, musk and metallic shades such as copper, bronze, gold and gunmetal grey.

Accessory wise, think big and bold. Animal print cuffs and gold scalloped cuffs adorned models wrists. Flower motif necklaces graced models decolletage. High heeled snakeskin moccasins and vertiginous lace up ankle booties were a glamorous accompaniment.

I have included images from the Cavalli fall campaign which was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. It stars supermodels Natasha Poly, Mariacarla Boscono and Karen Elson.