Roberto Cavalli Fall 2015

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2015

Legendary Italian, designer Roberto Cavalli, delivered a decadent Fall 2015 collection for the impeccably glamorous, self assured woman. Orientalist romanticism infused with Cavalli's signature rock n roll aesthetic proved to be a sizzling combination.

The collection kicked off with a series of leopard print garments. The standout being an ocelot full length coat complete with  leather lapels and burnished gold pagoda buttons. The statement making coat was twinned to a poetic, high neck, ruffle dress in zebra print with bell bottom sleeves. A bold, jungle inspired accession for the wild at heart.

Ine Neefs modelled a diaphanous, floor sweeping chartreuse, silk, maxi dress. Billowy bishop sleeves oozed with finesse. A ruffled flounce, renaissance inspired bib was a lavish addition. An ocelot,tailored gilet finalised the look.

Hip hugging, scintillating, sequined 7/8 trousers added seventies connotations to a sleek, narrow black blazer starring gold and ivory Asian floral motif lapel and matching concealed, flat front placket shirt. A liquid silk tie in ebony was worn with pure nonchalance.

An audacious, monochromatic checked blazer was updated to feature grand floral motifs in shades of mango, peony pink, azure and cobalt. The jacket was teamed to a silk, white fringed a-line mini. Vermicelli like strands swished freely with every stride model newcomer Julia Van Os made. Footwear comprised of black leather and teal velvet ankle boots, a textural delight. The silk fringe continued to frequent garments and also starred on coats, sweater dresses and thigh grazing mini dresses. Perfect for the uninhibited, enigmatic woman.

Utilitarian chic was prevalent on a khaki, cropped, ribbed, sloping shouldered parka. A gargantuan fur collar brimmed with ostentation. High waisted ponyskin leather trousers featured mottled cow inserts and gleamed as Josephine Le Tutour took to the runway. A luxurious, cropped crew neck sweater in ink injected youth. Jewellery comprised of a single, fine gold pendant suspended by a gemstone encased by crystal caging. 

A captivating array of eveningwear looks closed the collection. Lexi Boling modelled a navy, gossamer, sensual, racer front column dress. Intricate floral, fauna and gridded beadwork brimmed with Asian enchantment.

A sky blue, ombre chocolate evening dress exuded Grecian Goddess qualities. A cutaway neckline revealed cascading sunray pleating featuring peek-a-boo waist cut out detail attenuated by gold rings and a leather strip. The voluminous skirt appeared lighter than air. A showstopping, plunging open back was red carpet worthy. Are you ready for your close up?

This was Cavalli's last collection at the helm of his eponymous line with news former Pucci designer, Peter Dundas returns to Cavalli yet again, this time appointed as Creative Director.

By Courtney Jones.

Louis Vuitton Resort 2016

Louis Vuitton Resort 2016

The Bob Hope Estate located at Palm Springs, California played host to Nicolas Ghesquiere's Louis Vuitton Resort 2016 collection. Ghesquiere's designs were invariably imbued with retro poise. Consummate class with the utmost precision tailoring was present throughout.

The collection opened with a series of languorous looks including a scintillating, monochromatic cropped long sleeve blouse engulfed in a chain motif. A leather harness encased the torso and featured industrial exposed zip. Matching trousers in relaxed proportions were teamed to leather platform thongs and a minimalistic tote handbag.

A collarless, oatmeal leather jacket starred in shrunken proportions. Bold criss cross leather and eyelet detail plummeted down the placket and forearm adding seventies allure. The moto jacket was married to an obsidian, free flowing jumpsuit complete with triangle cut-out torso with gargantuan origami inspired waist detail. A studded, quilted mini clutch in onyx was the accessory of choice.

Julia Hafstrom modelled a cornflower blue boxy suede jacket with ebony panelling and textural metallic silver leather collar. Statement zips hardened the silhouette. Denim hot pants cut briefly on the thigh featured darting, contrasting bleached denim pockets and centre zip fastening. The look was finalised with platform, combat ankle boots and a luxurious, muted apricot quilted handbag in the Vuitton 'Alma' shape complete with identity tag.

Colour blocking nostalgia crept in on a paprika and persimmon suede overcoat which was a bold accession against the stark blanc t-shirt and languid trousers in which the coat was paired to. Psychedelia dominated on a scuba inspired zip up wetsuit top embellished with undulating patterns in eye catching shades of gold, azure, ebony and scarlet snakeskin. A sequin collar threw ostentation in to the equation. Matching high waisted shorts resembling briefs concluded the look. Valery Kaufman nonchalantly carried the signature monogram LV backpack as she took to the runway.

A full length, candy apple red, butter soft leather dress featured punctured LV floral motifs, thigh splits and deep flounce decolletage. A built in waist tie added shape to the arabesque. A wondrous addition. Victorious printed prairie dresses featured black lace and caged panelling with a strong nod to the seventies decade prevalent. Diaphanous, poetic looks bursting with romanticism.

The show concluded with a series of garments reminiscent of Picnic at Hanging Rock mashed with Gothic glam connotations. High neck, Victorian inspired structured leather dresses complete with scalloped bell bottom sleeves came in a colour palette comprising of alabaster and ink. Puff shoulders and laser leather shapes lent broderie anglaise qualities to the mix. A transparent minaudiere was clutched by model Amalie Schmidt.

Nicolas Ghesquiere works his masterful way yet again on a collection brimming with panache.

By Courtney Jones.

Jason Wu Fall 2015

JASON WU Fall 2015

Adroit designer Jason Wu delivered a Fall 2015 collection replete with breathtaking, polished perfection. Tailored finesse for the irrefutably modern day woman were the hallmark features of the collection that echoed throughout. Decadent military surplus inspired garments opened the collection and included an olive green, boiled wool, boxy aviator jacket complete with colossal fur flecked collar. A midi column skirt in streamlined proportions and a sumptuous fur peplum sweater accompanied the jacket and made for upper crust easy elegance. A plush asymmetrical fur stole worn belted dominated against a simplistic deep decolletage shift dress which fell mid calf. Vertiginous, crocodile, pointy ankle boots featured a stiletto geometric inspired silver heel. Designer decadence ruling the runway.

Graze Hartzel modelled a  khaki, cutaway, halter apron dress which fell below the knee. Details included a tantalizing thigh slit and an open scoop back design. Karlie Kloss modelled an oversized bourgeois  fur gilet in glistening ebony, waist attenuated by a slimline leather belt.  A pencil skirt and high neck jacket in the shade of muddy kale concluded the look.

Uncluttered refinement was evident on a simplistic crocodile peplum shell top. The structured shell was paired to a wraparound asymmetrical wool midi skirt. Neo siren, classic connotations commanded this ensemble. High waisted, dove grey, peg leg woollen trousers offered finesses and were married to a scintillating midnight and ink embellished scoop neck blouse. Delicate beadwork emulating a leopard print pattern gleamed lustrously under the runway's lights.

Jacket and skirt suiting was a winning combination in grey marle wool with Ondria Hardin modelling a cropped, boxy aviator jacket teamed to a matching 3/4 skirt. A silk pussy bow blouse in alabaster added a soft feminine edge. Accessories comprised of a candy apple red, leather satchel which starred in neat proportions and added for a jolt of colour.

Stylish majesty dominated on an opulent muted camel trench coat, an absolute winter staple. A lady bug red silk pussy bow blouse was teamed to the trench and married to a crocodile panelled pencil skirt. The gargantuan reptilian leather panel threw fetishism into the mix.

Other standout garments included a funnel neck elongated peplum shell, sheer intricately beaded tulle floor sweeping gown with open back design and a lavish fur coat in raven which featured obsidian fur flecked fox collar which cascaded down the right hand side of the coat.

An all embracing manifestation of stylish designs  from the ever dependable Mr Wu.

By Courtney Jones.

Ginger and Smart S/S 15/16

Ginger and Smart S/S 15/16

Ginger and Smart Australian design duo, Alexandra and Genevieve Smart produced a radiant S/S 15/16 collection aptly titled 'LATITUDE'. Understated elegance flourished throughout with distinguished lines, fluid and sculpted silhouettes very much in attendance. The collection was driven by a powerful yet gentle shift in perspective due to the awakening of the strange and fragile beauty that surrounds us.

Flame haired model Madison Stubbington opened the collection in a billowy, long sleeved, drop waist midi dress in shades of rosewater and oyster grey. A graphic print flourished over the entire dress adding a modern edge to the feminine aesthetic. Crusader caged charcoal booties concluded the look.

Robustness ruled on the 'Plexus' racer front halter dress in dove grey. The silhouette was attenuated by the 'Encase' leather belt. The gridded dress fell to the mid calf accompanied by a sensual centre split for freedom of movement.

Model of the moment Astrid Holler showcased a strapless, asymmetrical drop waist dress complete with raw hem detail across the decolletage. The bronze number featured a libidinous thigh split. A flirtatious number perfect for balmy summer nights.

Australian flora and fauna were the driving force behind the 'Fracture' kimono wrap blouse in ebony and the swirling silk 'Ghost Gum' full skirt. The languid silhouette was toughened up by charcoal gladiator sandals complete with deluxe rose gold hardware.

Diaphanous pulchritude brimmed endlessly on the 'Oceanic' gown. Details included high neck, contrasting alabaster lace chest panelling, monochromatic print and free flowing skirt with a hint of transparency. 

A boatneck, flounce sleeve lace shift was a romantic addition in virginal white. A strapless body con slip dress in micro proportions was teamed underneath for modesty. Southern Hemisphere laces of desert rose were the inspiration behind the fabric selection. Lace continued to be a hallmark feature throughout the collection and was redefined on a number of garments including a one shouldered lace bodice dress complete with spider orchid print skirt, halter cocktail dress with robust shoulder straps and a cutaway midi dress in the shade of jade.

Sculptural lines ruled on a sleeveless, cropped, v-neck shell in the delectable shade of pearlescent mint. The shell was twinned to the matching full 'Coastal' skirt. A combination brimming with ladylike demure. A Banksia print thrived throughout adding whimsy to the mix.

The collection closed with a succession of eveningwear attire. Burnished rose gold bronze, dissected abstract prints starred on a series of garments including a high waisted pencil skirt with sensual side split, body con plunging v-neck shift and a sleeveless cropped swing top. Raven plumes graced embellished tanks, full circle skirts and an ebony dress which featured a scoop neck, sheer bodice with intricate embroidery which flowed seamlessly into the opulent feathered skirt.

A compelling collection with neo romantic connotations contrasting strength and delicacy, masculinity and femininity.

By Courtney Jones.

Bec and Bridge S/S15/16

Bec and Bridge S/S 15/16

Designers Rebecca Cooper and Bridget Yorston of Bec and Bridge produced a Spring/Summer collection steeped in seventies, bohemian luxe. Practically minded pieces bursting with effervescence dominated the runway and are sure to delight Bec and Bridge's cult following. Pertinently titled 'The Dusk March' the collection delved into a sensual journey through the seductive desert landscape of Morocco.

The collection opened with an obsidian sun ray pleat, languid sun dress with suggestive diamond cut-out torso accompanied by silver arm cuffs and necklace. Knee grazing, robust gladiator sandals in ebony concluded the look. Raw and evocative of a stylish intrepid traveller. Diamond peek-a-boo shapes continued to frequent  and starred on a free flowing skirt revealing a rose gold bronze bikini bottom which was teamed to a wraparound scarf inspired camisole.

Grecian Goddess references reigned supreme on a jewel toned sapphire, lurex asymmetrical dress. Details included elasticised waist and multi strap shoulder adornment, deconstructed glam at its best.

A succession of muted mango garments lit up the runway and featured on a geometric bandage crop, diaphanous hip hugging maxi skirt which was married to a shrunken sleeveless denim vest worn buttoned up to the neck for a play on rigid versus billowy.

Rachel Rutt modelled skinny coral denim jeans complete with biker knee patch inserts. The jeans were married to a midriff baring silk, deep decolletage blouse which wrapped seductively around the torso. Shifting sands that undulate beneath was the driving force behind the nomadic inspired attire. 

Amanda Ware modelled liquid, molten metal scalloped jogging shorts and matching structured triangle bikini top. A round neck, body skimming fishnet top was worn over the top of the bikini for a sassy beach to bar ensemble. The highly anticipated swimwear line from B+B launched at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia and it did not disappoint. Key styles included cut-out monokinis in metallic silver, the classic triangle bikini updated in a star spangled print complete with centre jewel charm ornament, a vivacious opalescent khaki halter one piece with double centre ring detail and a nineties scoop neck one piece in paprika, lavender, rose and faded black asymmetric stripes. David Jones have already placed their order!

The collection concluded with a series of cocktailwear including a deep plunge, bandage wrap long sleeve mini dress with ruched shoulders, injecting pulsating energy into the equation. A midnight hued, tiered maxi with subtle rose gold diamond print was an impeccably glamorous accession with waist cut-outs lending a youthful edge. Dutch model Marthe Wiggers took to the runway in a ruby, sapphire and burnished bronze strip halter maxi. The iridescent strips were scintillating and flowed freely with every stride Wiggers made.

By Courtney Jones.