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.