Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2014

Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2014

Feminine charm prevailed yet again this S/S 2014 season for Parisian designer Isabel Marant. Delicate pieces oozing with whimsical allure were annealed with leather, grommets and structured arabesques.

Elisabeth Erm opened the collection in a boxy, sharp shouldered tuxedo jacket comprising of elongated torso, satin nonchalant lapels and sleeves worn cuffed mid elbow length. A  layered, white frothy, lace mini dress brimming with innocence produced femininity combined with the tuxedo jacket equalling masculinity. A grosgrain ribbon acted as a sash belt adding casual cool to the equation.

A ruffled pure white camisole with ethereal qualities featured embellished panelling. This look was twinned with leather 3/4 track pants complete with lace up, grommet and blanket stitch pocket detail creating a cutting edge aesthetic. Leather, braided cuffs were the accoutrement of choice.

Hana Jirickova modelled a pair of distressed, muted salmon, denim shorts, deconstructed and frayed throughout were teamed with a lace boatneck top dissected at the shoulder seemingly held together by sutures.

Romanticism ruled on a dramatic, ruffled, sheer jacket featuring sculptural rounded shoulder. A Breton scoop neck tank accompanied the jacket and was complete when paired with relaxed, flesh trouser and beaded tassel lariat. A tiered, leather rah rah skirt with halter layered puristic cami was street or boudoir applicable. Hardened femininity was a reoccurring theme for Marant.

White, broderie anglaise, lace up trousers accessorised with cumbersome plaited leather belt were teamed with pale ice vo vo sheer scoop basic tank and a collarless ruched sleeve and bodice jacket with raw edge ruffle detail.

An indigo wash denim blazer featuring black lapels and sensual lace inserts was pieced together with matching floral lace tee and ivory pink, utilitarian trouser with robust hardware.

Svetlana Zakharova modelled a chiffon, flounce, spaghetti strap, mini dress featuring peach coloured blossoms reminiscent of a Cezanne painting. A leather strip bow belt attenuated the waist.

A dash of insolence was evident on a leather boatneck, long sleeve, drop waist tunic, tiered lace hemline in ultra short proportions. Country and western influences and Marant DNA was mixed with French savvy.

A lace, scalloped triangle bralet was full of enchantment, this was paired with black denim Bermudas and an organza, ruffle shrug.

Footwear continually dominates a Marant collection yet this season Marant didn't quite hit the mark with her rendition of a bulky Mary Jane crossed with a bootie complete with stud and grommet embellishment cascading down the t-bar strap of the shoe. A sturdy, suede cone heel ensured stability. Only time will tell if this shoe is as well received as Marant's famed wedge sneaker.

By Courtney Jones.