Vera Wang Pre Fall 2013

Vera Wang Pre Fall 2013

Vera Wang delivered a majestically, sumptuous Pre Fall 2013 Collection, punctuated with oriental magnetism.

Kel Markey opened the show in a burnished, molten, iridescent, raised flower motif shift dress with shoulder pleating detail, waist cinching black leather belt complete with asphalt, elbow length, slouch leather gloves. Sheer, ribbed, black ankle socks bunched around models ankles. Chocolate, peep toe platforms were the preferential footwear. 

Jacquard and damask fabrics resembling rich tapestries exuded regal qualities. A decadent, opulent, amethyst brocade blazer with elongated sleeves and matching tapered trouser was a dapper accession. A black lace blouse featured an oversized, grosgrain bow neck tie. 

Saturated hues of magenta and scarlet highlighted embroided, scalloped hemmed, shifts accompanied by mocha fox fur chubbies. The brocade theme continued on narrow, floor sweeping column skirts, peplum and ruffled hemmed tanks and cleverly draped jacquard wrap dresses swathing models torsos.

East meets west orientalism glided in on modern day, cutting edge, drawstring neck kimono featuring flared sleeve twinned with a tulip skirt.

Tuxedo style chiffon wrap jackets were a sculptural, avant garde addition with a play on proportions. A sleeveless, button up blouse married with embellished, silver rosette applique panelled skirt possessed Japanese influences. A satin, chocolate box trench with beaded collar and pocket detail was a covetable garment. Other standout garments included cocoon shrugs, pussy bow blouses, a lace damask jacquard embellished panelled boatneck dress and molten metal lace shirting.

Jewellery comprised of a series of embellished neck collars and chokers often featuring undulating forms. Ombre and black two tonal leather elbow length gloves were a stylish addition.

Trend prediction alert- Brocade Baroque will host a large presence in Australian Autumn / Winter collections. Key pieces to look for include; brocade sharply tailored blazers, velvet and corded flares, religious scenes plastered on body con numbers, high necked lace blouses, tapestry hotpants, paisley jeans, leather lace up skinnies, embellished hobos, patent pumps and ruffles aplenty. Shades include wine, sapphire, emerald, ruby, gold, bronze and ebony.

By Courtney Jones.

Gucci Pre Fall 2013

Gucci Pre Fall 2013

Gucci designer Frida Giannini's latest Pre Fall 2013 offering consisted of an admirable line up of refined finesse without a hint of ostentation. An integral part of the collection featured strictly disciplined garments with defined silhouettes whilst on the other end of the spectrum poetic, freedom of movement eveningwear was bursting with vivacity and pulchritude. Consummate class prevailed, one of the hallmark features of the Gucci house.

Polished, demure, lady like garments included khaki, baroque, digital lace print dress, complete with subtle, sculpted shoulder detail and midi length sleeve, a boiled wool double breasted coat with flared sleeves and nipped in waist, a bold leopard ponyskin exotic trench with sleek black skinny trousers worn underneath and a mahogany covered button cheongsam pillow sleeve dress.

Luxurious, decadent fur wrap tops coquettishly enveloped models shoulders oozing old Hollywood glamour. Feminine pencil skirts grazed models knees and featured vertical flounce detail.

Equestrian and military influences crept in on garments and were evident on a tailored, simplistic, olive boatneck knee length dress with button shoulder detail, cropped pea coats, teal military coat cut with precision, married with plush leopard fur collar.

A profusion of tartan garments made their way down the runway and had qualities reminiscent of Ralph Lauren collections. An oversized, tartan print chiffon halter neck dress was midi length and modelled by Karmen Pedaru. A maroon tartan shell top with matching slimline cropped trouser lent an elongated silhouette. A tartan peplum wrap jacket had features resembling ponchos, blanket wraps and pashminas.

Enchanting lace numbers frequented the runway and included a succession of enticing dresses featuring baroque lace off the shoulder body skimming numbers, scalloped lace keyhole insert, peak shoulder floor grazing eveningwear. A delicate chiffon polka dot high neck blouse with lace motif conjured sheer femininity.

Accessories consisted of T-bar leopard and patent court shoes with dainty bow detail, long black and leopard leather gloves which ruched up models forearms, large black and leopard totes with bamboo handles, envelope clutches with buckles bolstered as centrepieces and oversized belts played a starring role with gargantuan square buckles and eyelets in gold hardware. Jewellery included two tonal gunmetal and bronze bullet collars and chocolate hexagonal multi faceted statement cuffs.

Hair was worn with a side part and luxurious curls cascading over models shoulders. Lips were deep mahogany and eyes soft, smouldering in delectable shades of mocha.

By Courtney Jones.