ATELIER VERSACE COUTURE FALL 2015

ATELIER VERSACE COUTURE

Donatella Versace took us on an excursion to the enchanted garden for her Fall 2015 Couture collection.Sylph like, ethereal beauties took to the runway in breathtaking spells of chiffon brimming with grandeur.

Lara Stone opened the collection in a plunging, chiffon, lilac deconstructed evening dress featuring bell sleeves, frayed edges and chainmail trimmings complete with torso cut-out detail. A delicate flower crown adorned her undone tousled tresses. Footwear comprised of patent, platform, lavender Gogo boots.

A pistachio peplum blouse featured dainty floral embroidered panelling. Industrial silver sutures hardened the billowy blouse which was attenuated by a slimline oversized patent belt. Narrow trousers were spliced to reveal window panes of flesh and fauna applique graced the upper thigh.

A pineapple hued, v-neck, embellished chainmail gown starred cascading applique, rouleau straps and a singular sleeve of chiffon finalised with a raw edge. Canary yellow boots added a kitsch element to the impeccably glamorous dress.

Mica Arganaraz modelled a magenta and azure velvet hand painted, floral fil coupe, floor sweeping gown. A draped asymmetrical panel swathed the torso which flowed freely into a mahogany caged corset. A triangle bralet highlighted the right hand side of the garment. An open back added a suggestive element. Rosie Huntington Whiteley wore this sumptuous creation to the recent amfAR event in Paris.

A bold saturated fuchsia chiffon punctuated a deep decolletage evening dress. A chiffon bib cascaded over the bust to reveal crimson floral embellishment and bias cut skirt complete with thigh high split. Black platform patent sandals featured multi strap, silver suture detail. Ostentatious hippie best describes this diaphanous look.

Gossamer lace corsetry defined by velvet amethyst boning graced a body con mini dress. An open floor sweeping maxi skirt gathered around the waist to reveal ornate iridescent blossoms in shades of cotton candy, ice blue, flame, cerise and Persian rose.

Anna Ewers modelled an oyster grey racer front, gauzy, hand beaded asymmetrical micro mini dress. A rouleau strap, chiffon overlay offered freedom of movement, descending flounces oozed with allurement.

Dark gothic glam dominated on an emerald, sugilite and ebony cocktail dress worn by Maartje Verhoef. A crinkled chiffon scarf graced the neck which proceeded to decorate the bust. Floral, ebony and transparent panelling highlighted the suggestive number. Take note, amazonian prowess required. For the ultimate in showgirl appeal don the topaz marabou corset gown. Plumage engulfed the voluminous dress which consisted of chiffon accordion pleat frayed pieces interwoven with heavenly feathers, a frothy delight. Undulating diamantes formed botanical patterns. A titillating thigh split added the Versace va va voom factor. I'm confident Aussie pop princess Kylie Minogue will be coveting this number for her upcoming performances.

A spectacular couture collection with all the hallmarks Versace is famed for.

By Courtney Jones.

BALMAIN RESORT 2016

BALMAIN RESORT 2016

Advocate of all things embodying feminine allure, Olivier Rousteing of Parisian house, Balmain delivered an empowering collection brimming with undeniable sass and ostentation. Pulsating energy engulfed intricate handiwork as Rousteing took us on an exotic journey back to the seventies decade with safari sojourns and  disco fever on the agenda.

The collection opened with a rigorously cut mushroom peak shoulder blazer which starred lace up panelling detail. A restrictive leather waist cincher in the shade of pearlescent pink drew in the waist. A stretch rose quartz ruched pencil skirt was a figure hugging addition with triple bows gracing the centre of the skirt. Signature vertiginous black suede caged booties brimmed with attitude.

A taupe harlequin check duster coat graced Dutch newcomer Julia Van Os' shoulders. Matching high waisted leggings were teamed to a cross over, deep decolletage bustier. Ysaunny Brito modelled a drawstring , leather shell in honeyed beige complete with safari inspired oversized pockets and interwoven pannier leather strips. A matching a-line mini skirt concluded the dapper ensemble.

The YSL archival 'Veruschka' safari dress was seemingly reinvented to star in desert sand suede. The body con dress was highlighted by structured shoulders, lace up front, chest and hip pockets, attenuated by a suede boxing belt complete with gold hardware.

A languid, burnt terracotta, floor sweeping maxi dress featured colossal sized, cuffed, drop armholes. The fluid silk fabric offered an iridescent sheen. Drawstring toggle waist, parachute pockets and suggestive centre split brimmed with siren-esque connotations. The forever covetable Balmain mini dress was updated in an earthy shade of mocha which featured a tight knit basket weave  bodice complete with textural suede lace up panelling throughout. Statement bamboo earrings oozed of jungle luxe. 

An LED city skyline played backdrop to a seductive khaki jumpsuit flaunting every curve of Van Os' physique. The plunging number featured lace up eyelet detail descending from the armpit to the ankle finalised with a leather waist cincher belt, polished perfection. Technical feats were prevalent on a lustrous chain engulfing, bronze embroidered, textural ebony, three quarter sleeve mini dress, decadence reigning supreme. 

Monochromatic graphic coral branches punctuated a velvet lace up blouse reminiscent of Tom Ford's 2002 YSL glory days. The coral embellishment continued to flourish on a ruffled flounce high-low hem evening skirt which was married to a matador derived cropped jacket.

The collection closed with a cherry blossom pink, cutaway ruffled evening dress. A voluminous top was paired to a romantic mermaid frilled skirt which conveyed sheer elegance. A striking coral collar in ink looked as though it was discovered deep in the depths of the spellbinding ocean.

By Courtney Jones.

WATSON X WATSON SUMMER 15/16

WATSON X WATSON

WATSON X WATSON sisters, Somer and Liberty Watson delivered a S/S 15/16 collection replete with seventies effervescence. Disco connotations flourished throughout resulting in sassy sophistication for the alluring perennial party girl. The collection was titled Day Walker with deconstructed glam proving to be the order of the day.

Model Megan Blake Irwin took to the runway in a reconfigured kimono jacket which featured sloping cocoon shoulders with sleeves pushed up nonchalantly to reveal pinstripe lining which also starred on the collar of the decolletage. A scalloped denim, paisley and quilted tie dye patchwork mini was finalised with lace up detailing which sat seductively on the upper thigh. Pinstripes continued to flourish on a sleek, slimline shirt which was paired to paper bag waist, white shorts and cropped architectural bodice which was worn over the shirt. A charming interplay of layering suffused with the elixir of youth.

An ebony, 3/4 sleeve, beaded fauna mini dress was a tantalising addition. A simplistic shoestring bralet was married to  the dress for modesty. Clavicle grazing crystal drop earrings featured in circular discs and crystal strips by Australian jewellery designer Fiel Sol. Waxy cutout patent clogs concluded the look oozing of casual cool.

Demure proportions punctuated a crisp white midi skirt which was twinned to a tie dye quilted judo inspired jacket. The voluminous jacket was highlighted by dainty delicate florals which added a dose of sweetness.

Urban utilitarian chic dominated on a black roll sleeve tee which was accented by waxed leather inserts creating a heavenly textural mash up. Relaxed leather culottes fell high on the waist with industrial centre zip toughening up the arabesque.

 Strut your stuff to the discotheque in the tomato red, slinky asymmetrical camisole complete with high-low hem which was tucked into tailored shorts with the tail of the cami billowing with every stride Jayne Baily took on the foil covered runway. The generous draping added the glam factor. Scintillating crystal strip cuffs adorned the wrists, the ultimate bling worthy accessory. 

Double denim reigned supreme on a medium indigo wash staple denim shirt, a must have in every woman's wardrobe. The shirt was teamed to  paper bag waisted Capri pants in laid back proportions. A quilted obi sash attenuated the waist creating a feminine silhouette. Nude wooden clogs were the footwear of choice.

Other standouts comprised of an Oxford shirt dress which was paired to a navy sateen trench and a boatneck embellished sheer blouse coupled to contemporary tuxedo 7/8 trousers.

WATSON X WATSON'S Day Walker collection is available to purchase at their flagship boutique located at 29 William Street, Paddington.

By Courtney Jones.

 

VALENTINO RESORT 2016

VALENTINO RESORT 2016

Designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino lent their masterful ways to produce a triumphant manifestation for Valentino's Resort 2016 collection. Intricate handiwork flourished on folk heritage inspired garments bursting with sheer enchantment.

Ine Neefs opened the show in a crew neck salt n pepper knit complete with gold lurex neckline. This wardrobe staple was teamed to an ebony double breasted coat with Ikat derived embroidery which blossomed on the forearms in an array of eye catching shades including emerald, tangerine and azure. A drop waist captivating aspirin dot mesh maxi featured embellished beadwork panelling which brimmed of decadence. The look was accessorised with patterned sneakers, an unlikely combination that worked surprisingly well juxtaposed against the couture refinement.

Ingenue connotations dominated on a statement full length a-line mesh embroidered dress. Long sleeves and high neck detail graced the artisanal garment. Flower and fauna applique starred in shades of cherry, buttercup, forest green and turquoise which offset beautifully against the ebony and mocha bodice. Lavish military surplus was the order of the day on a golden khaki utilitarian jacket complete with embroidered epaulets, pocket flaps and cuffs. A pebbled raven satchel featured stud detail and a wide woven shoulder strap in a kaleidoscope of colour. This updated jacket was twinned to a round neck ethnic pleated mini dress. Earrings resembling dream catchers dangled precariously from the model's lobes finalised with dainty feathers.

A leather intarsia bomber jacket was adorned with the Canadian Maple leaf motif. Other flags to grace the boldly hued moto jacket included the Brazilian flag which was intermixed with the Bolivian flag lending a multicultural edge. A monochromatic scalloped broderie anglaise panelled mini dress featured lace up keyhole and translucent petticoat slip for modesty.

Exquisite craftsmanship ruled on a black gossamer lace ankle grazing dress. The high neckline oozed of poetic romanticism. The sheer body skimming silhouette was scattered with cascading butterflies, bird life and an oversized tree motif which displayed a smirking monkey and robust elephant. A tasselled square clutch complete with tooled purse clasp concluded with a turquoise stone. The seventies continues to reign supreme.

Magical Valentino DNA was embedded into a lavish patchwork floor sweeping dress. Scarlet spidery lace inserts through the mid torso section gave way to delicate floral fabrics in shades of pistachio, grape, flame, cobalt, flamingo and alabaster. A wondrous concoction brimming with tenderness and fragility.

A brocade, empire line full skirted dress featured in micro proportions. The floral print resembled a Monet painting with a field of flowers blossoming throughout the entire dress. Simplistic chocolate leather sandals with crossover ankle detail came complete with gold leaf embellishment across the breadth of the foot. 

A muted cornflower blue evening gown with subtle bishop sleeve was sheathed by ethereal flowers, a shop stopping addition exuding luxurious peasant folklore .

A heavenly intercontinental collection surging with pulchritude sure to grace fashion royalty and glossies worldwide.

By Courtney Jones.