Alexander Wang Pre Fall 2015

Alexander Wang 

Pre Fall 2015

For Alexander Wang's eponymous line, the designer experimented with utilitarian, military surplus undercurrents which were admirably wearable. Wang toyed with all things contemporary coupled with eclecticism resulting in renegade garments with ample cool factor. 

The collection opened with an oversized, single button, blazer in the shade of eggplant, generously sized throughout the torso, falling on the upper thigh. The blazer was twinned to a knee length pencil skirt in ebony and royal blue which featured a stiff, white, scalloped hem and knitted gridding with transparent panelling revealing the thighs. The look was accessorised with black fishnet stockings which added theatrical qualities. A large, pebbled duffle bag was minimalistic in all its glory. Ladies get your name on that waiting list now! White court shoes sported cut-outs adding femininity to the mix.

A Missoni inspired cardigan was a textural delight oozing with undeniable charm. The colour palette consisted of tomato, charcoal and raven. Sleeves and bodice featured delphic pleating with 4 row embroidery adding delicate whimsy. The striped colour blocked panelling complemented the deep plunging v-neckline. Black and white plaid, flat front trousers with welt pocket starred in languid proportions adding eighties powerhouse connotations. 

Wang ventured into the boudoir this season with a forest green, sensual, double layered silk petticoat slip dress. The bias cut fell below Vanessa Moody's kneecap. Rouleau straps and triangle bust detail brimmed with luxurious simplicity. Seductive loungewear at its best. A camisole version in liquid ink also made an appearance, twinned to a high waisted, ruched pencil skirt, fishnet stockings and milk chocolate, suede almond toe midi boots.

Black and white candy stripes featured predominantly in the collection which on closer inspection exposed peekaboo cutouts revealing windows of flesh throughout as though the garment was sutured together, acting as a second skin. A monochromatic turtleneck, figure hugging pencil skirt and stretch cardigan all displayed the black and white panelling which in turn was teamed to a glistening pony skin skirt, khaki duster coat and an asymmetrical military green flounce skirt. A structured leather shell top and tunic featured jewel neckline with multiple asymmetrical zips encompassing the torso. The shell was married to mannish plaid flares. the shift dress starred a subtle trapeze hemline which softened the hardened arabesque. 

For those looking for a jolt of colour, the polished trench coat in the shade of wild bamboo offered endless styling possibilities. Wang paired it to a body con ruched dress for a flirtatious edge.

By Courtney Jones.

Balmain Pre Fall 2015

Balmain Pre Fall 2015

Revered designer Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, produced a Pre Fall 2015 Collection replete with grandiose and extravagance. The seventies decade style cue proved to be popular once again with designers this season and Rousteing was no exception to the rule.

Rousteing delved into new territory and experimented with bold, striking floral prints that commanded plenty of attention.

Rousteing states,"For this collection I felt the confidence to further evolve the signature look of Balmain, incorporating new and unexpected prints, colours and cuts".

Hemlines on offer included the signature micro mini proportions and free flowing, floor grazing pants so full in volume they resembled a maxi skirt.

Devon Windsor opened the collection in a monochromatic, photosynthesis inspired floral print Palazzo pant which was teamed to a black and white, candy striped turtleneck knit complete with black cuffs, neck and side panelling detail. A golden chartreuse overcoat punctuated the look adding a dose of colour and the staple leather boxing belt defined the waist creating a feminine silhouette.

The Balmain femme fatale is full of dynamism, uninhibited with a strong appetite for all things opulent updated with a modern edge. An ebony, fine knit turtleneck  sweater with exposed shoulder detail was twinned to a burnt tamarind, ruffle flounce skirt in sensual satin with high-low hem detail. A lustrous candy apple red waist cincher attenuated the waist. Semi sheer stockings, gold toe cap ankle cuff court shoe stilettos and raven woollen overcoat finalised the look.

Azure florals graced a high neck, ruffled mini dress with peekaboo keyhole and fluid, diaphanous Palazzo pant which was paired to a transparent, seductive blouse with a velvet tuxedo blazer thrown casually over the shoulder for an insouciant touch.

Disco fever prevailed on an ice silver, multi fringed cape dress. Crystal encrusted sleeves dazzled conjuring copious amounts of ostentation to the mix. Fringing continued to star on an emerald green, round neck mini dress complete with dolman sleeves and fringing in undulating patterns swathing every curve of the model's torso. High voltage glamour came in the form of a scarlet, ruched satin evening dress with provocative centre leg split. Sharp shoulder, aspirin dot mesh sleeves added the va-va-voom factor. Overblown fur sleeves accompanied a waxy leather blazer which was finalised with billowy, sheer, pleated trousers, leaving little to the imagination, ribbed knit and boxing belt. 

A magnetic, halter jumpsuit oozed of impeccable glamour and decadence. Fire engine red florals and jade green fauna were plastered throughout the garment. A high waisted matching belt elongated the languid trousers which draped casually on the floor. Pointy toed, velvet, crossover ankle strap stilettos concluded the look.

This collection is sure to resonate with the 'Balmain Army' with rigorously cut, defined silhouettes still proving to be an integral role in Rousteing's design mantra.

By Courtney Jones.

Burberry Prorsum Pre Fall 2015

Burberry Prorsum Pre Fall 2015

Burberry's Christopher Bailey produced a charismatic Pre Fall 2015 collection enriched with grandeur and vivacity. This collection revolved around the hallmark Burberry coat and leather moto jacket. The signature trench was virtually abolished with Julia Schurig modelling a single updated version in brindle suede complete with tribal embellished yoke and collar. A cashmere, fringed camouflage scarf in shades of dove grey, sand and mocha complemented the earthy tones featured on the trench.

A sloping shouldered, boxy, blanket wrap, cropped aviator jacket was a voluminous addition. The shearling collar brought an energised cool factor to the mix. A ribbed, scoop neck knit in the shade of buff was paired to 7/8 tailored narrow trousers in ink. The look was accessorised with a free flowing, khaki camo scarf, racy leather stiletto peep toe ankle boots and a crocodile and python mini duffle bag complete with shoulder strap. A heavenly textural delight offset by gold hardware.

A shaggy shearling coat in burnt toffee was an absolute standout, generously cut with 3/4 sleeve detail twinned to a caramel fudge, suede bowling bag with gold chain handle and staple ebony trousers.

Release your inner wild child with a bold leopard print woollen overcoat. A poetic, collarless, button down bib, lace applique tea party dress with drop waist detail, reminiscent of 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' was twinned to the jacket. Opaque raven, ribbed stockings and stretch suede, flat, over the knee boots completed the look. A black pebbled, leather mini duffle bag with bow detail finalised the look.

A dainty, clover print flourished on a navy, silk georgette dress. Features included a plunge v-neck, sheer long sleeves, navy opaque geometric bust and torso panelling creating a trompe loeil effect. The drop waist revealed a romantic double layer, flounce hem falling mid thigh. The clover print continued to star on a round neck, short sleeve, clover strip, transparent mesh, form fitting mini dress. A dark chocolate velvet bow belt attenuated the waist adding innocence to the provocative number.

An oversized Aztec inspired blanket coat in indigo, teal and cloud fell above the knee and was worn with pure insouciance. The tribal design paired to the staple camo scarf added nomadic, globetrotter qualities to the mix.

A pileous coat reminiscent of Scottish Highland cattle exuded rustic, deconstructed glamour. Colossal sized horn buttons graced the coat which brimmed with finesse. A basic scoop neck tee was layered to a black knit and quintessential slimline trousers.

For the rebellious at heart- a cropped, shrunken leather moto jacket complete with leopard collar and multiple zip pockets. This jacket is an absolute must-have! Paired to an ebony, lace shift dress this was an enticing combination of masculinity versus femininity.

A buttermilk and indigo textural shearling bag with mahogany leather trimmings created another dimension to the Gothic glam look.

Another dapper collection from Mr Bailey replete with gusto and fashion forward bravado.

By Courtney Jones.