Jason Wu Resort 2014

Jason Wu Resort 2014

Eponymous designer Jason Wu's latest display was an admirable, irrefutably modern line up. Amplified,sinuous tailoring bestowed hardened, feminine qualities.

A capacious, monochromatic, tuxedo jacket featured two gargantuan toggles, embellished black and white pencil skirt complete with palm leaf detail. A cropped, ebony, ribbed, bouffant sleeved, midriff baring, crew neck sweater replete with high low hem was a sassy addition twinned with high waisted, knee length pencil skirt and a muted grey hem panel. The abstract, enlarged, flourishing print was the focal point of the garment. Cat eye inspired wayfarers, a box minaudiere in black with gold trimmings and clasp was teamed with strappy black and white shooties complete with white polka dot criss cross detail breaching the breadth of the foot.

A tree frog green, patent leather overcoat paired with pristine, white shirting was worn tucked into tailored gunmetal, silver and white print shorts. This was just one example of the succession of bourgeois ensembles on offer. Mid calf gladiator heels were back with vengeance, toughening up the aesthetic of the collective.

A chartreuse, high waisted, tropical print, tap short and matching bralet was the epitome of fifties, screen siren chic. Head to local Australian design duo, Ginger and Smart this spring to emulate this look. When I attended their MBAFW collection I found analogous runway looks in shades of sorbet, perfect for an iconic, Australian summer. A neutral trench featuring large collar and colossal gun fold detail lent an understated air to the look.

A succession of denim looks high on limpidity were on display and included a medium wash, loose fitting tee and pencil skirt, double denim ensemble, a 3/4 sleeved round neck tunic with simplistic oversized two pocket detail and prominent gold stitching detail. Lastly a cropped denim, pillow sleeved aviator jacket was paired with a tropical cami and denim a-line skirt. Quintessential modernism mixed with nineties denim finds reigned supreme.

Sleek, polished swimwear in clean minimalistic lines included a trompe loeil effect one piece in black and white with tropical print deep plunge v-neck panel and black cross over strap decolletage detail. A mammoth keyhole graced another one piece swimsuit with waist cutouts referencing athleticism. An emerald, duchesse satin, balloon sleeve button coat was married with navy boy leg swimwear and matching bandeau top.

Artisanal, embroided, palm leaves played a starring role on eveningwear. A gauzy, chiffon, cutaway, phosphorescent dress encapsulated the models lithe body. Black satin breast pockets, placket and collar were sexy yet demure. Dainty craftsmanship bursting with pulchritude was clearly evident.

A breathtaking, ornate, boatneck ebony dress was an example of pure inhibition. A culmination of seductive closing runway looks comprised of a cutaway peony pink flesh, transparent halter sheath which would right at home in the boudoir. An asymmetrical, deftly draped floor length snow white gown, a lemon butter open back, tailbone peplum gown, very Grace Kelly and finally a duchesse satin strapless bustier, triangular torso cutout floor sweeping gown complete with full, diaphanous skirt. Creating a strong nod to the House of Dior.

Please feel free to view my blogs.

www.modestyling.blogspot.com and www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com

Book me for personal fashion styling consultations- courtney@modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

 

Burberry Resort 2014

Burberry Resort 2014

Burberry Resort 2014 Collection was a heady mix of polished luxury deconstructed and provocative librarian twinned with classic, heralding Burberry DNA. Ladylike, panache contours were evocative of sugar and spice woven with a dash of naughty and nice.

The introductory look constituted of an ivory angora jumper with ribbed cuffs, shoulder and band detail, jewelled collar featuring oversized citrine gems with bronze and crystal accents. This was paired with a transparent, stretch lace, tube skirt which had a crochet like effect. The skirt was of midi length proportions, Christopher Bailey's choice hemline of the collection. It was married with towering, sculptural, peep toe wedge ankle booties in the shade of winter white. These boots would look right at home in an art installation at the Museum Of Contemporary Art.

A military inspired, boiled wool trench in ebony was worn belted by an ultra skinny leather belt buckled and knotted ever so chicly. A juxtaposition of a thick, cumbersome wool paired with a fine, delicate belt. Structured, peak shoulder detail and wrist strap detail added finesse. 

Ethereal, dark glamour came in the form of a Victorianesque, high neck, lace blouse featuring flat front navy placket. A soft sumptuous clutch in the hue of bubblegum pink was tucked under the arm offering a strong volt of colour. 

Architectural lines graced a collarless, peplum jacket complete with flower like corsages acting as epaulets, a matching streamlined trouser finished the look. A midnight, doily lace overcoat had Japanese, kimono references, this was paired with a transparent, ebony, lace shift.

Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli influences were apparent on numerous runway looks including a white, intricately embellished tee featuring diamond and floral sequin motifs married with Spanish lace, scalloped hem tube skirt, completely sheer, leaving little to the imagination. Opaque undergarments are a necessity.

A charcoal, long sleeve, button down polo top was accompanied by a sequin, gossamer, a-line skirt starring exquisite craftsmanship on embroided flowers. The time honoured khaki trench was reinvented with jewelled rosettes scattered throughout the body of the trench adding a touch of allure and ostentation.

Shades of pistachio made appearances on a stretch lace, knee length dress complete with tiered columns of lace on the bodice. A mint cashmere cardi complete with Mother of Pearl buttons was teamed with matching cashmere cami which was tucked into a burnished bronze tube skirt with white back panelling. Pastels continued to reign supreme on an ice blue, sculptural jacket which sat neatly on the hips, this in turn was paired with a white floral stretch lace dress.

An inviting eveningwear look came in the form of a deep forest green, off the shoulder, exposed decolletage, midi length, body con dress with cross over bust ruched lace detail with refined embellished waist belt.

Leather envelope clutches and crocodile totes dominated the runway in vibrant shades of strawberry red, eggplant, emerald, butterscotch caramel and peach Bellini.

Feel free to view my blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

Book me for me personal fashion styling consultations- courtney@modestyling.com.au

By Courtney Jones.

Versus Versace Fall 2013

Versus Versace Fall 2013

Donatella Versace's Versus Versace Fall 2013 Collection conjured up imagery resplendent of 80s 90s punk rock rebellion twinned with geometric references.

A stark, monochromatic colour palette of black and white dominated the runway.The opening look comprised of a psychedelic, geometric print bomber jacket worn casually cool with sleeves pushed up, a nonchalant approach with an I don't care attitude to match. The fabric featured grids and swirls in a monotonous pattern which also made its way onto matching leggings and shell top. Black, flat, midi, lace up moto boots completed the look. A practical addition perfect for pounding the pavement. Street chic with a twist. 

A white, crew neck, shift dress was a simplistic, modish addition updated with side torso cutouts held coquettishly together by the famed Versace safety pin. Who can forget the much talked about, risque number Gianni designed back in the 90s, which was donned by Elizabeth Hurley on the red carpet.

Hints of Balmain nostalgia crept in, referencing Olivier Rousteing's Spring / Summer 2013 collection. Think Anna Selezneva modelling a Harlequin print, halter, onesie.

An edgy, tailored blazer in ebony cut a sleek silhouette, married with graphic, man style trouser lending an androgynous appeal. Pointy toed ankle boots complete with reed thin stiletto heel amplified the arabesque adding a dangerous aesthetic.

Streamlined leather pants with flat front gold zip fastening oozed of 80s rock n roll. Perfect stage attire for musicians or for all those wannabes wishing to emulate a rock chick, bohemian style. A leather biker jacket toughened and complemented the look. Gold stud trimmings graced collars, lapels and epaulets adding a punk spin.A vinyl, leather tunic packed  plenty of spunk complete with stud undulating panels and full length zip, a sensual addition replete with naughtiness. An 80s, indigo wash, cropped denim jacket had a grunge air to it. This was paired with black leggings with gold stud piping.

A cobalt, oversized, fur chubby offered an injection of colour. A tapered, matching, cobalt trouser and turtleneck was sure standout. A bold, body skimming, fire engine red tunic with sleeves was deconstructed and held together by gold, gargantuan safety pins acting as sutures. An unlikely combination comprised of a magenta, leopard print shell twinned with striking, canary yellow trouser.

An unadulterated, white, elongated blazer was worn nipped in at the waist, paired with white skinny leg jeans featuring gold belt motif plastered throughout the fabric.

Leopard print made yet another appearance on a bomber jacket with black ribbed cuffs, think college baseball jacket paired with high waisted, black vinyl, a-line mini complete with side split, held together by two safety pins.

Closing runway looks consisted of an ebony, stretch mini dress with asymmetrical neckline, long sleeves with peek a boo side torso held together precariously once again by the safety pin.

For those longing for a more refined silhouette opt for the floor length, maxi version with side split detail adding just the right dose of cheekiness to the equation.

I'm pictured bottom left wearing my interpretation of the trend. My leather bomber jacket is by Bettina Liano and rubberised biker leggings by Shakuhachi.

Please feel free to view my blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

Book me for personal fashion consultations- courtney@modestyling.com.au

By Courtney Jones.

Shakuhachi Fall 2013

Shakuhachi Fall 2013

Australian designer Jessie White of famed, eternally cool, cutting edge label Shakuhachi showcased a covet worthy collection resplendent of 80s 90s Amazonian glamour married with motorsport references.

A manifestation of garments channelled Olivier Rousteing's House of Balmain. Sensational news for all those fashionistas craving Balmain's aesthetic on a beer budget.

Pictured garments included a bold, punchy, cape coat in orange blanketing fabric with split sleeve detail, falling mid thigh, $420. This look was paired with leather Greek fisherman cap, $180 and mock croc high waisted tailored shorts in micro proportions.

A Versacesque 'Tie dye long sleeve dress' in citrus and noir, $180 was a body moulding number complete with slashed sleeves. Statuesque glamazons pay attention, this dress was made for you. Wallflowers need not apply. Nineties punk rebellion allusions were on display.

Art Noveau overtones were evident on a 'Harlequin' leather shift dress featuring burnished gold embellishment, racer front neckline and relaxed style mini dress paired with statement making leather and gold pyramid choker.

Not quite ready to invest mega dollars into the leather legging trend? Then Shakuhachi's libidinous 'Rubberised biker leggings', $180 in black and oxblood are for you. A  high gloss sheen, creating a spray on second skin effect,caressing every curve of the legs and behind. I was lusting after these leggings from the moment I laid eyes on them. Here I am pictured wearing my pair in the decadent shade of oxblood. The techy fabric is ultra comfortable and light weight.

Update your basic wardrobe staple white tee this season with Shakuhachi's 'Mesh Mash' tee in white, $170. Opt for a textural finish of lace and mesh which promotes a modern spin on the classic.

Other garments included relaxed, boyfriend style, distressed, shredded, acid wash jeans worn cuffed. Quilted fabric played a starring role on a shift dress, a-line mini and a boxy vest featuring 4 enlarged pockets, gold press stud detail and collarless gold front zip closure. 

All garments are available at Shakuhachi's flagship boutique in Paddington and online at www.shakuhachi.net.au

Please feel free to view my blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

For personal fashion styling consultations- courtney@modestyling.com.au

By Courtney Jones.