BURBERRY PRORSUM 2016

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2016

Venerable designer Christopher Bailey of Burberry delivered London upper crust elegance for his Spring 2016 collection. Bailey's designs are invariably imbued with a sense of sophistication; think sensuous, guilty pleasures steeped in luxury. The collection opened with a transparent lace, ebony, drop waist tiered slip dress, complete with scalloped hemline. A lattice panel plunged to the navel. The spidery slip evoked gossamer airiness toyed with a suggestive game of hide and seek. A lightweight canvas trench with gold accents was layered to the dress for modesty. Mammoth chains festooned platform pool slides complete with rubber soles which added a nonchalant approach to the ensemble. 

Model Lameka Fox took to the runway in a mushroom, lace, empire line mini dress. Details included deep decolletage neckline, long sleeves, contrasting black lace panelling under the bust which flowed effortlessly into a body skimming, thigh grazing arabesque. Gold regimental buttons encrusted pool slides combining ostentation to the mix. 

Lace galore continued to dominate the runway and highlighted a sculptural guipure lace and mesh trench dress. Bailey's ingenuity prevailed yet again. Floral applique flourished throughout lending a playful edge.

A sheer peony pink, embellished, shapely mini dress comprised of insert mesh pleats, structured bodice and lattice panelling; a heavenly textural delight. Caged gold and black platform ankle booties strengthened the silhouette. Matte berry stained lips, translucent satin complexion and a neutral eye complemented the flirtatious standout. 

A contemporary skater dress featured in goffered silk. A floral print in a colour palette consisting of mulberry, milk and ink illuminated the youthful concoction. A grommet and gold chain nylon backpack was slung low on the rear and oozed of the nineties grunge factor.

Binx Walton modelled a lemon curd, crew neck, stretch lace tiered mini dress brimming with girlish charm. The saccharine number called for a high tea session for ladies who lunch. The unanticipated combination of heavy pool slides complete with badge motif continued to frequent dainty creations aplenty.

For the Burberry vixen; an aspirin dot mesh, transparent, maxi dress in the shade of oxblood. Details included spliced keyhole, concertina collar, built in ebony mesh waist cincher and provocative thigh high split. Release your inner starlet with this sophisticated, fashion forward, eveningwear number.

Gothic glam reigned on a billowy, box pleat, cape coat which was of midi length proportions. The arresting coat was twinned to a midnight, vintage style, silk mini dress. Intricate beadwork showcasing couture craftsmanship graced the dress in floral patterns consisting of shades including gold, topaz, silver and ruby. An under the bust mesh insert revealed a window pane of flesh.

A romantic collection fused effectively with techy sportswear, with a strong nod to the 1940s.

By Courtney Jones.

COACH SPRING 2016

COACH SPRING 2016

Coach designer Stuart Vevers delivered an effervescent Spring 2016 collection replete with pulchritude. Lush bohemian florals in a riot of colour were splashed across an abundance of garments reminiscent of timeless style icon Ali Macgraw's signature look.

Botanic decadence flourished on a midi patchwork floral dress. Cobalt, fire engine red, lavender, emerald and ebony ignited the dress which starred in relaxed proportions. A raven, ruffled collar featured dainty bow and covered buttons descended down the placket. A raspberry red, leather moto jacket hardened the feminine silhouette, details included quilted shoulder inserts and tan suede ties. Ankle boots comprised of panelled camel, floral, black and white. An edgy accessory for the fashion forward woman. 

Spells of chiffon highlighted a granny inspired, scalloped floral blouse. An embroidered patchwork motif was emblazoned throughout the decolletage area. An a-line royal blue and ink quilted leather mini skirt brimmed with tough girl attitude. A small toffee leather satchel was embellished with camellias in hues of mustard and white. A leather chain strap handle exuded ladylike demure.

A biker vest was updated in a playful azure floral with leather trimmings and industrial zips. A flounce skirt with jade accordion pleats was teamed to a ribbed grey marle and floral Henley tee. A sweet yet sinful combination.

Seventies nostalgia dominated on a fudge hued leather coat complete with rum n raisin leather and desert sand suede inserts. The coat fell mid thigh and was punctuated by oversized gold buttons. A drop waist mini dress evoked an enchanted secret garden. Mammoth rounded square shades in yellow gradient were a characterful addition pulled off perfectly by Texan model Vanessa Moody.

A knitted kitsch, cobalt, turmeric, black and white crew neck jumper featured patterned moon, clouds and mountainous terrain. The knit was layered to a white high neck scalloped collar complete with dainty neck tie. A relaxed leather flounce skirt was adorned with patchwork motifs. A snakeskin bowling bag in neutral undertones completed the look.

A rigid, shrunken, geometric patchwork leather jacket blossomed in shades of powder puff blue, russet, paprika and muted olive. A ribbed diamond knit was teamed underneath the jacket. A scalloped terracotta suede and quilted leather mini was a rustic inclusion enlivened with bohemian qualities.

A lapis blue and burnt orange suit starred in elongated proportions. The slimline jacket featured oversized lapels and pockets. Body skimming flares with front flat placket oozed with deluxe hippie connotations. A paisley, keyhole, dolman sleeved blouse added a poetic element. Tiger loafers, charm bracelet and leather floral  studded cuff added pop art and tenderness to the mix.

A captivating collection for the Talitha Getty inspired jetsetter.

By Courtney Jones.

 

SPRING ESSENTIALS

SPRING ESSENTIALS

1. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

Channel your inner bohemian with a textural suede a-line mini pared back to the staple chambray shirt in relaxed proportions. An ethnic inspired shift dress evokes exotic excursions abroad. Statement making gladiator block heels ooze of polished perfection. Accessorise with the lust worthy  fringed bucket bag. With a strong nod to the seventies embrace the free spirited aesthetic. Ostentatious gold sunglasses are steeped in grandeur.

ANNA SUI Printed dress $579

RAILS Carter shirt $240

EMILIO PUCCI Suede mini $1350

SEED HERITAGE Jane gladiator heel $179.95

ETRO Paisley bucket bag with leather fringe $1195

Michael Kors Bradshaw watch $495

ISABEL MARANT Gold plated cuff $780

REPOSSI 18k gold ring $10080

LINDA FARROW Gold aviators $1560

CLARINS Lip balm $34

2. MINIMALISM

Clean, sleek, sophisticated tailored lines in a crisp colour palette consisting of black and white ensure your monochromatic ensemble works effortlessly with your everyday life. Birkenstock inspired slides teamed to a simplistic LBD add the casual cool factor to the equation. Perennially chic stripes adorn a shell blouse, leg lengthening flares married to a streamlined sleeveless duster coat are the ultimate go-to for the working woman. A boxy ladylike tote will withstand the test of time. A masculine watch adds a dose of androgyny to the mix.

ALEXANDER WANG Dress $250

BASSIKE Blouse $380

Pieces Vest $120

SEED HERITAGE Flare pant $185

COUNTRY ROAD Sandal $90

GIVENCHY Graphic heels $1670

LANVIN Nomad tote $3405

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Watch $299

SAINT LAURENT Sunglasses $485

3. 90s GRUNGE

The 90s grunge trend continues to dominate and is especially popular amongst festival-goers. Uniform distressed denim cut-offs and a signature plaid shirt will ensure you conform with the youth of today. A logo less acid wash backpack is a everyday essential. Tattooed charm tiered choker necklaces and round sunglasses complete the look. The ankle boot is updated with a modern edge featuring exposed heel and double buckle fastening.

RAILS Plaid shirt $185

TOPSHOP Crop top $28

RILEY Denim shorts $125

SENSO Ankle boots $265

H and M Backpack $43

WET SEAL Choker $15

VINTAGE Trucker cap $22

FOREVER 21 Sunglasses $8.40

4. GLAMOUR PUSS

For the sassy and sensual, indulge in a titillating form fitting dress in raspberry. Polka dot mesh inserts offer a hint of body baring flesh. A rigorously cut blazer nips in the waist and broadens the shoulders. A figure hugging leather pencil skirt with industrial zips means business, enlivening the arabesque. The caged vertiginous stiletto brims with empowerment, tassels add a feminine touch. Finalise with the signature Chanel quilted handbag, the ultimate in opulence.

BALMAIN Draped dress $3505

BALMAIN Double breasted jacket $2775

DIESEL Leather skirt $910

SOPHIA WEBSTER Lacey heel $980

CHANEL Bag $9020

URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow $30

GIVENCHY Le Rouge $54

CHANEL Nail polish $41

CHANEL Mascara $53

By Courtney Jones.

 

ALEXANDER WANG SPRING 2016

ALEXANDER WANG SPRING 2016

Designer Alexander Wang, advocate of all things downtown cool, continued to take the fashion set by storm with his latest spring installment. Nineties grunge looks were street ready with a pulsating energy prevalent throughout. A rebellious streak injected attitude into the collection with tomboy mashups reigning supreme.

Lexi Boling opened the show in a milk hued cropped, scoop neck tank complete with rib panelling and chain strap detail. The navel baring crop was paired to hip hugging dove grey and black candy striped languid trousers. A mahogany crocodile belt sat low on the hips adding opulence to the casual ensemble.

A cobalt leather bomber jacket featured sloping shoulders and white varsity stripes, brimming with sporting references. A white Henley tank accompanied elasticised cornflower blue striped boxer shorts which were layered to distressed denim shorts in ink; an innovative design destined for the model off duty pack. Gargantuan chains festooned ebony platform pool slides. Rivets adorned the perimeter adding an industrial edge.

Military surplus dominated on a khaki, boxy, shrunken, structured jacket. A mesh figure hugging tank was married to generously cut culottes in striped mushroom and raven. Accessories included colossal chain link drop earrings and a mesh baseball cap. Understated utilitarian chic commanding the silhouette.

Urban jungle connotations lingered with Molly Blair modelling an olive full length vest finalised with a raw unfinished hem. The parachute silk was twinned to a mesh overlay. A basic oversized black mesh tank was layered to a grey marle cut-out sports crop and the boxer- denim short combo with built in leather detailing. Caged chrome studded slides amplified the rangy arabesque.

A waxed leather contemporary bustier featured silver strap chain detail. A faded black denim high waisted maxi skirt starred in relaxed proportions. Frayed hem and centre split brimmed with devil may care attitude. An oxblood patent bucket hat and mottled mustard sneakers were the accessory of choice.

A combat green colossal sized parka was embellished with statement making leather fringing. A revealing mesh turtleneck tank featured ribbed lady bug red and black striped neckline. Cropped, 7/8, black wash denim jeans were punctuated with distressed knee detail and fishnet overlay.

Seventies fringing continued to frequent a ninja black, leather embossed, bustier modelled by Alexander Wang favourite, Kasia Struss.  A floor grazing white denim maxi offered monochromatic appeal to the ensemble.

German model Anna Ewers closed the collection in a racer front, cut-away leather maxi dress. Trompe l'oeil effect fringing encompassed the torso, creating feminine allure. Grommets and lace inserts offered a juxtaposition of soft versus sinewy for the neo siren woman with a penchant for all things avant garde.

By Courtney Jones.

Anja Rubik's Model Off Duty Style

 

ANJA RUBIK'S MODEL OFF DUTY STYLE 

Iconic, Polish ubermodel, Anja Rubik is worshipped for not only her catwalk prowess and piercing editorial gaze but for her enviable, nonchalant street style. The catwalk veteran has walked for the likes of Versace, Givenchy, Balmain, Gucci, Chloe, Emilio Pucci, Anthony Vaccarello and Victoria's Secret. She's graced fashion glossies including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, i-D, Numero and is the Editor in Chief of 25 Magazine.

Rubik is frequently spotted on the streets of New York in her model off duty uniform which comprises of wardrobe staples including thigh grazing leather mini dresses, IRO suede trenches, Giuseppe Zanotti lace up stiletto peep toe booties, rock siren skinny scarves and poetic blouses with a bohemian twist by quintessential French house Chloe.

Look to international designers Zadig and Voltaire, Sandro, Alexander Wang, Rag and Bone and Frame Denim to emulate Rubik's on point, insouciant style. Locally embrace designer fashion labels Bassike for basic tees, Camilla and Marc for tailored blazers, Michael Lo Sordo for feminine tailoring with a masculine edge, Viktoria and Woods for polished minimalistic chic and Watson X Watson for seventies inspired patchwork minis.

You too can attain Rubik's covetable wardrobe with the following key pieces;

1. FOREVER NEW Cassie denim shirt $50

   BALMAIN Moto leather skinny pants $4140

   TABITHA SIMMONS Pace lace up ankle boots $1450

   MCM Stark weekender $1600

2. SAINT LAURENT Washed denim khaki shirt $1010

   ISABEL MARANT Izard twill shorts $340

   RAG AND BONE Harrow boot $650

   ISABEL MARANT Cruz bracelet $240

   VANESSA MOONEY Concho wrap choker $68

   CANNCI Slouch bag $490

3. ROBERTO CAVALLI Silk blouse $650

   POLO RALPH LAUREN Bartly waistcoat $420

   ONE TEASPOON Bonitas denim shorts $99

   VALENTINO Rockstud gladiator sandals $1790

   ANTIK BATIK Tam bucket bag $445

   CHLOE Jersey scarf $270

   RAY BAN Round metal sunglasses $270

 

By Courtney Jones.

    

 

 

 

SEED HERITAGE SPRING / SUMMER 2015

SEED HERITAGE SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

The countdown to spring is upon us so now is the perfect time to update your wardrobe with admirably wearable pieces from Seed Heritage. Seed offers a sophisticated approach to casual spring / summer freedom.

Contemporary strides with a nod to the seventies, military surplus, utilitarian chic and safari style are just some of the pitch perfect trends on offer this season.

The hero piece of the collection is the Bluebell denim romper $150. This mid wash denim creation imbues insouciance and features cap sleeves, plunging v-neckline with button fastening at the bust. A triangle cut-out on the waist adds a sensual edge to high waisted denim shorts complete with gargantuan pockets. This piece was inspired by Stella McCartney's denim playsuit which retails at $1091. Splurge versus steal...get the look for less, I know which one I'd be purchasing! Offset your denim look with sumptuous fudge coloured accessories. Polished block heel sandals with ankle strap, eyelet belt and a neat boxy satchel were the order of the day.

A crisp white blazer with waist sash and silver ring hardware is a must have and was teamed to relaxed, frayed hem culottes. Diagonal fringing was splashed across the shorts adding earthy undertones to the city slick combination. Tactile suede Jane Gladiator heels $179.95 were influenced by Italian shoe designer Gianvito Rossi's version which retail for $1100.

The Flora Wrap Dress $149.95 starred in viscose and cotton. An indigo floral print adorned the bohemian number which comprised of long sleeves, tie waist and v-neckline, ideal for cool spring nights. Roll sleeves up for a nonchalant daytime approach.

Conjure exotic, safari expeditions in the Collection Tie Suede Dress 4399.95. The boxy sand hued shift is a great neutral wardrobe staple. Details include dipped neckline, gold eyelets, lace up front tie and gargantuan side pockets. If separates are your go-to opt for the Collection Wrap Suede Fringed Skirt $449.95. The luxurious nude skirt features an asymmetric hem falling from the mid thigh to the knee, revealing cascading suede fringing descending to the mid calf. The seventies style decade continues to reign supreme. Team the skirt to a basic, cutaway, funnel neck bodysuit in a form fitting arabesque.

Other key pieces include the apron style,Collection Silk Tie Top $149.95. Dainty rouleau straps, tie waist and waterfall panels cover the torso, power draping at its best. Marry the camisole to slim fitting flares for urban elegance.

Channel Grace Kelly in the Collection One Shoulder Wrap Dress $169.95. This radiant inclusion features a swirling skirt, cummerbund waist sash complete with colossal sized bow and an asymmetric neckline. A refreshing dress steeped with a playful defining quality.

Stay golden in the collection Eyelet Flare Short $129.95. An elasticised waist, front pleats and punctured eyelets light up the flirtatious garment. Twin to the matching Eyelet Crop Top $129.95. The ivory top features scoop neckline and eyelet trimmings, understated charm, splendid for a nautical sojourn. There's something to be said for summertime simplicity.

The new Seed Women's S / S collection will arrive in stores and online from August 2015.

By Courtney Jones.