LOVER

LOVER S/S 14

Supremely skilled design duo Susien Chong and Nic Briand of Australian label LOVER produced yet another covet worthy collection titled 'Zodiac' for their S/S 2014 line. Ethereal lace, a LOVER hallmark feature continued to dominate and starred on a plethora of garments including pencil skirts, tapered trousers, camis and LOVER'S signature lace dresses adored by fashionistas globally.

The collection opened with a sweet yet sensual midriff baring crop in delicate ivory lace. The crop top was married to a matching high waisted midi length skirt. Vertiginous black lace court shoes completed the look. For those seeking a more modest approach, the sculptural 'Hero Wrap Jacket' with belted waist detail and sharp shoulder is a bourgeois transeasonal piece transcending from day to evening ever so effortlessly. 

Leather continues to play an integral role in the S/S collections and LOVER'S 'Virgo' short sleeve dress oozed of tailored chic. Features included a butter soft waxy finish, crew neck and curved flounce detail cascading from the torso falling mid thigh.

Softened peach and a blue dove grey floral starred on a cocoon, sloping shouldered blouson scuba sweat. Adding a dose of sporting luxe to the mix were pleated leather shorts.

For cocktail hour a sumptuous cheongsam style metallic silver midi dress in floral lace was a captivating creation with impeccable glamour reigning supreme. Quintessential racewear or cocktail attire.

A midnight cutaway halter dress in duchesse stain brimmed of sass and sophistication. The scalloped mini length hem revealed  whimsical pleated lace grazing the top of the knee cap. A pencil skirt version was recently worn by ubermodel Rosie Hungtington-Whiteley at ModelCo's product launch.

A scarlet, high neck, cap sleeve sheer lace sheath featured high-low hem paired with a nude plunging slip underneath. An alluring number sure to light up any room.

Hardened femininity came in the form of the attitude bearing 'Warrior Leather Pant'. High waisted with volume throughout the hip area leading to a streamlined tapered cuffed ankle. The pants were teamed to an enticing, black lace cropped crossover top, scalloped lace edges added sweetness to the fearless fashion forward look. The 'Vee Vee Splice Top' also doubles as an ensemble when paired to the 'Vee Vee Splice Dress' as worn by Miranda Kerr. The dress additionally features in the shade of cornflower blue.

Grecian Goddess connotations were evident on a v-neck dandelion emblazoned dress. Bound strips acted as a waist cincher throughout the mid torso area. Diaphanous cascading side high-low hem added playfulness to the Pre-Raphaelite-esque garment.

Lover is available at its flagship boutiques located at The Strand Arcade and Westfield Bondi Junction. Selected garments are available online at www.loverthelabel.com.

By Courtney Jones.

Manning Cartell S/S 14/15

Manning Cartell S/S 14/15

Manning Cartell's 'Marigold' S/S 14/15 collection was a culmination of deftly draped silhouettes twinned with hardened femininity. Punchy contours enveloped the model's lithe physique. Textural prints in eye catching shades oozed with avant garde qualities.

The collection opened with a phosphorescent muted lilac 'Frostings Cross Over Dress' in Italian lurex organza. The dress featured flounce flip skirt complete with centre waist triangle cut-out and structured bodice with asymmetrical neckline. The dress was married to a matching lilac boxy jacket with white collar and cuffs, gargantuan bust pockets and exposed off centre zip.

Polished perfection came in the form of the 'Wallflowers Column Dress'. A saccharine cotton candy pencil skirt fell below the knee and starred a delicate sweet pea print. The v-neck cami style bodice complete with dainty rouleau straps featured in ebony, colour blocking still playing an integral role, unmistakably very Manning Cartell.

A high voltage raspberry patent finish bralet was a compelling addition. The body baring crop was twinned to a sleek, high waisted pencil skirt with angled dart detail at the side torso. The skirt featured a grey marle centre panel on the back adding finesse to the garment. Sculptural arabesques dominated on a burnt mandarin boxy, apron style crop complete with oversized armholes and minimalistic white trimmings. A full circle skirt in ecru accompanied the 'Frostings' top. This graceful skirt oozed of old Hollywood glamour with a concoction of grandeur thrown into the mix. 

Hardened femininity with conceptual Art Deco references highlighted the 'Fractured Roses Dress'. A racer front, waxed leather bodice adjoined to a midi length pencil skirt featuring colossal sherbet and tangerine blossoms and graphic pinstripe detail. Side torso cut-outs added sensuality. 

A bold, exotic, intarsia zebra print starred on a cropped 3/4 sleeve knit. The fine knit was teamed to an asymmetric front wrap skirt falling mid calf. The wrap opening revealed a short skirt underneath. Decadence with a dash of provocativeness best describes this look.

A caged, floral Harlequin print graced a body skimming strapless dress. The classic silhouette of the dress was updated with modernistic print and torso cut-outs, impeccably glamorous for the fashion forward femme fatale.

Summer suiting brimmed with architectural lines. A monochromatic ink jacket with drop shoulder and tapered sleeve was worn nonchalantly over the shoulders of a stark, crisp white shirt complete with concealed placket and finalised with a bourgeois 'Neo Couture Skort'. Details included curved hem and welt pockets. Athleticism references were prevalent. Sporting luxe continues to be a hallmark feature in designer collections throughout adding a certain robustness to feminine silhouettes.

Manning Cartell's 'Marigold' collection is available at their Paddington boutique, located at 110 Oxford Street. Myer and David Jones, Bondi Junction also stock selected garments from the Manning Cartell line.

By Courtney Jones.