Shona Joy Spring 2014

Shona Joy Spring 2014

Sydney based designer Shona Joy's latest installment was a culmination of modern contemporary garments in abstract expressionistic prints. Fractured blossoms channelling artist Georgia O'Keefe were prevalent throughout. Saturated hues in elongated silhouettes offered striking arabesques.

The collection commenced with the 'Gallery Bustier Midi Dress'. Features included a v-spliced neckline, exposed gold back zip and panelled polyester floral print in shades of midnight, grape and clouded dove grey. This multi hued print continued on a succession of garments including a cutaway crossover body con dress, shift dress replete with ebony mesh inserts, racer font crop top and matching high waisted pencil skirt.

Bold turquoise, white, black and peach sorbet shades flourished on a racer mini shift dress with a dose of athleticism thrown into the mix. The print continued to star and amplify a sweetheart bustier cleverly draped mini dress, a maxi dress complete with asymmetrical hemline and gathered waist creating an interplay of draping. A more modest option for those not wishing to sport micro proportions this spring. For the lover of separates, a trend set to explode this summer, the boxy tee and relaxed mini short is a great option sure to satisfy the artist within with a strong penchant for all things Prada.

Colour blocking played an integral role in the collection and was evident on a bright tangerine, white and black off the shoulder, body con dress complete with shoe string straps, cut-out triangle detail at the side torso and centre front. The polyester, viscose and elastane blend was a winning combination, fashion forward and practically minded. Cotton polyester rayon lace in the shade of black frequented a mesh spliced midi dress. The transparent panels added a sensual edge to the demure silhouette. The fabric also dominated on a bustier jumpsuit and for the fashion fearless- culottes.

Leopard devotees will rejoice at the snow leopard 'Impressionist Racer Mini Shift Dress'. Updated with fresh spearmint and white panelled hem. Kimono fans will covet the poetic 'Mini Robe Dress'. Fluidity and romanticism reign supreme with billowy sleeves adding an oriental twist.

1. Impressionist Mini Robe Dress

2. Obscura Wrap Mini Dress

3. Graphite Off The Shoulder Bodycon Dress

4.Gallery Fitted Crop Top / Gallery Pencil Skirt

5. Palette Relaxed Tee / Palette Mini Short

6.Romanticist Spliced Tee / Romanticist Culottes

7. The Minimalist Bustier Crossover maxi

8. Romanticist Mesh Spliced Midi Dress

Shona Joy's Spring 2014 collection is available online at www.shonajoy.com.au and at David Jones, Bondi Junction.

By Courtney Jones.

White Suede S/S 14/15

White Suede S/S 14/15

Designer Jacqui Demkiw of Australian fashion label White Suede produced a sleek, minimalistic collection titled 'Architectural Wanderlust'. Sculptural silhouettes and modern multifaceted, over exposed photography prints starred on an array of garments, creating optical illusions which wouldn't look out of place in a Magic Eye art book.

The collection opened with a shrunken, printed bodice in shades of dark rose, ebony, white and teal. The bodice was paired to a high waisted, body con pencil skirt, with centre split detail. Feminine allure reigned supreme on an effervescent, ivory blouse which featured lace torso panelling and delicate short sleeve detail. A scoop back added sensuality to the mix.

The elixir of youth was prevalent on an ensemble that consisted of waxed, leather flip short in relaxed micro proportions and digi print sculptural bustier. Sporting references crept in on a reptilian snake print neoprene crop top in shades of navy and Aegean blue. The crop was married to a matching high waisted tulip skirt , a bourgeois addition. Vibrant shades of azure were evident on a cut-out shoulder dress which featured spliced torso and decolletage in an electric landscape print complete with jolts of luminous white emblazoned throughout. 

Saccharine bubblegum pink punctuated several garments including a  deep v fold dress, cleverly draped tulip dress with captivating back design and a scuba inspired, racer front scoop neck dress complete with white zipper.

Monochrome arabesques which are a big trend this spring/ summer dominated the collection and starred on garments including a peplum bustier, architectural bodice, curved hem pencil skirt, leather cami and charming lace blazer. 

A muted rose, Aztec inspired print highlighted a thigh grazing mini dress with sheer fabric strips swathing the model's torso. The print was also a hallmark feature on a cropped bustier, tulip skirt, strapless dress and silk tracksuit bottom.

Sumptuous racewear oozed of grandeur. Standouts included a cut-away knee length lace dress with subtle peplum detail and a strapless version that comprised of angular, panelled opaque and lace bodice with asymmetrical lace tail finalised with stark black and white above the knee a-line skirt.

Tailored finesse flourished throughout. Think rigorously, defined silhouettes exuding consummate class.

White Suede's flagship store is located at 116 Oxford St, Paddington, 2021. Selected garments are available at Myer's Sydney City store. The entire collection is available online at www.whitesuede.com .

By Courtney Jones.

Ginger and Smart S/S 14/15

Ginger and Smart 'DUALISM' S/S 14/15

Adept design duo Genevieve and Alexandra Smart of Australian label Ginger and Smart produced an irrefutably modern S/S 14/15 collection aptly titled 'DUALISM'. The collection delved into the realms of double vision and duality with the duo drawing inspiration from the art form of double exposure photography. 

The collection opened with an azure, teal and midnight cap sleeve, midi length dress featuring undulating reptilian fabric in a fluid silhouette. The exotic reptilian print also starred on a cropped boxy blouse with perforated sleeves, knee length elongated body con number, relaxed shirt dress and a sleek pencil skirt with plunging centre split in rose gold. Wardrobe staples included dainty, neutral, multi layered camisoles with industrial zip detail toughening up the arabesque.

A minimalistic, silk jacquard, pantsuit in ivory offered structure and texture. The protracted jacket oozed of masculinity. The streamlined trousers fell mid calf. The silk jacquard was reconfigured into a sassy, fashion forward jumpsuit. Clever waist drapery ensued a sleek silhouette with a dose of playfulness thrown into the mix.

Graphic ombre lace was a standout on a reptilian tiled, funnel neck, three quarter sleeved, midi dress in shades of ice silver and gunmetal. Sumptuous cocktail attire came in the form of the 'Broken Beauty' strapless dress. A feminine, sculpted dress complete with trompe loeil panelling and sensual centre split adding a provocative edge.

A dramatic floral print was present on a boatneck, waisted, knee length dress which embodied dark glamour with a hint of romanticism. A racer front dress, drop waist midi skirt and relaxed blouse also featured in the floral print. Bold graphic candy stripes in peony pink and turquoise were prevalent on a bustier, high waisted pencil skirt and shift dress. A blush, quilted, cropped bomber jacket brimmed with joie de vivre. A sweetheart bustier complemented the jacket and the look was complete when teamed to high waisted shorts in relaxed proportions.

Ginger and Smart's 'DUALISM' collection is available at boutiques and selected David Jones stores nationally. You may also purchase the collection online at www.gingerandsmart.com

By Courtney Jones.

Billion Dollar Babes S/S 14/15

Billion Dollar Babes S/S 14/15

Australian designer Michelle Cooke, of Billion Dollar Babes produced a jubilant line up for her S/S 14/15 collection. The collection kicked off with BDB's Resortwear line. Think exotic, maxi embroidered kaftans in staple shades of midnight and black, perfect beach to bar ensembles. Bohemian references reign supreme, brimming of energised cool. Gathered peasant blouses teamed with nautical striped bikini bottoms are a chic cover up option. Ideal for a tropical paradise sojourn. A sassy tropicana, halter jumpsuit comprised of gathered neckline, attenuated sash belt and palazzo pants in relaxed proportions. The tropicana print continued to feature on an azure, wraparound, flounce cap sleeve maxi dress complete with thigh high split, adding seductive charm.

Sporting luxe references crept in and were evident on a boxy mesh muscle tank and mesh jogging short. A drop waist, crew neck, short sleeve, flounced hem dress was a sizzling number for the bold. A striking, ombre, shirtmaker maxi dress in delectable shades of duck egg blue and indigo was a standout garment. The diaphanous skirt oozed of class.

Cocktailwear comprised of an asymmetrical, turquoise, graphic print dress with side split detail. A knee grazing, body con version was a sassy annexation. Lace played an integral role in the collection and starred on charming tennis tops, dainty pencil skirts and lace up kaftans in shades of spearmint, black and ivory.

Enticing eveningwear consisted of a bourgeois, v-neck knee length dress with slimline belt creating a defined silhouette throughout the waist. The body skimming godet arabesque was a flattering design and is available in shades of daffodil and staple summer white. For those seeking a floor length gown this style featured in sizzling black. Enchanting lace panels punctuated a floor sweeping evening dress. A scintillating, intricately embellished navy and nude gown is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Clever drapery was prevalent on a boatneck maxi featuring ruched waist and sensuous open back, cowl neck detail. A fine silver chain graced the back, body jewellery at its finest. A lustrous sequin adorned dress complete with ribbon straps and waist bow belt featured in shades of azure, blush and black. Metallic accents flourished on a gold, peak shouldered column dress with circular disc pattern. Sheer sophistication teamed with allure best describes this sultry number. Lackadaisical glamour came in the form of a crisp white shirt worn unbuttoned to the navel and knotted at the waist. Sleeves rolled up nonchalantly. The classic shirt was married to a sequin maxi skirt in ice silver and ebony.

Billion Dollar Babes exclusive collection is available online at www.billiondollarbabes.com.au

 

1. Amelia Lace Dress

2. Penelope Dress

3. Amelia Beaded Dress

4. Lily Shirt Dress

5. Lily Embroidered Kaftan

6. Lily Peasant Blouse

7. Bridget Dress

8. Lola Godet Mini

9. Bridget Dress

10. Stellar Dress

11. Penelope Skirt

12. Penelope Dress

 

By Courtney Jones.

MIMCO

MIMCO Roxstar Earthgazer Collection

Mimco's upcoming Spring/Summer 2014 collection aptly titled Roxstar Earthgazer, is a cornucopia of celestial delight. The intergalactic expedition showcases a treasure trove of charming accessories brimming with panache.

Futuristic wrist bling features on ornate cuffs, textural mash ups are prevalent on a glistening, patent, exotic zebra print envelope clutch complete with wrist strap. A relaxed, slouchy hobo in the shade of flamboyant peacock green is sure to garner plenty of attention. The staple shoulder satchel is updated in Crayola box blue and poppy. Embossed, circular disc detail lends a certain sixties sass.

Femininity and romanticism rule on 3D, pillbox racewear. The floral extravaganza includes shades of blush and ebony with spot and crystallised netting completing the look. Opulence dominates on a multi layer, capacious, rose gold chain bracelet, complete with lustrous pearl and jewel facet spike charm. A striking, guilty pleasure.

Other standout accoutrements include varsity stripe cuffs and necklaces, decorative sandals, a star emblazoned hardcase, jewel encrusted headwear, crystal and feather crowning glories and scintillating minaudieres bursting with pulchritude.

An enticing display replete with finesse and impeccable glamour.

Items available at Mimco boutiques nationally and online www.mimco.com.au

1. Zebra M Pouch $129

2. Gidget Trio $199

3. Big Top Dot Heel $249

4. Moontide Hardcase $199

5. Astro Cuff $149

6. Dim The Lights Wedge $229

7. Spot The Rox-Star $199

8. Clambake Wrist $129

9. Fintasia Day Pouche $399

10. Sorority Heel $299

11. Demure Debutante $229

12. Alma Stretch Wrist $89.95

13. Origami Hip Multi $299

14. Narrow Hinged Bangle Mariner $69.95

15. Narrow Hinged Bangle Poppy $69.95

16. Astro Block Heel Yolk $249

 

By Courtney Jones.