LANVIN PRE FALL 2016

LANVIN PRE FALL 2016

Design stalwart, Alber Elbaz departed Lanvin October 2015 after 14 years at the helm of the prestigious Parisian fashion house. Chomena Kamali and Lucio Finale were appointed acting Creative Directors, the result a sumptuously good collection steeped with sophistication and impeccable glamour.

The collection opened with a black, waxy, rubber coated trench complete with bouffant drop shoulder and raw unfinished hems. A white, poetic, high neck, scalloped, broderie anglaise blouse added drama to the ensemble which also included a floor grazing, regally hued, ruby, velvet maxi skirt. Accessories comprised of colossal, multi drop, diamante earrings, diamond patterned neckerchief and a small, neat, pearl encrusted boxy satchel.

A silk chartreuse pinafore swept the floor and starred in languid proportions. A tuxedo, wraparound blouse added polished panache to the fashion forward combination. A compelling patchwork, for fur coat featured in shades of toffee, vanilla fudge, butterscotch, and flecked mocha. A dark chocolate leather belt attenuated the waist, leather continued to adorn the cuffs and collar. The coat was married to suede culottes in the shade of maple. Victoriana themed, desert sand ankle boots were the footwear of choice with dainty almond toe and dark chocolate velvet shoelaces.

A generously cut, velvet, sapphire trench resembled a luxurious bathrobe.Voluminous, velvet palazzo pants matched the trench. Sleeves were pushed up insouciantly, on a pink and white candy stripe, ruffled shirt which was paired underneath. An ebony, fabric choker was emblazoned with dainty, red, bows.

Velvet continued to reign the design acumen and frequented a strapless, maxi dress with black bodice and crepe bandage straps that crossed over the decolletage and tied on the shoulder. A suede, mauve, belt drew in the waist which flowed fluidly into a lace, velvet and mesh panelled skirt. The colour palette included eggplant, ballet pink, maroon and noir. 

Poetic mash ups dominated on a deep, v-neck, flounce blouse in shades of aquamarine and cocoa, with gold foil detail. An alabaster, scalloped lace insert finalised the blouse which sat high on the hip. Mustard, tailored trousers in relaxed proportions brimmed with seventies connotations. For cocktail hour, a semi transparent, long sleeve, lace mini dress complete with ruffled bib will ensure you're queen of enchantment. Patent, leather, sharp pointed brogues added an androgynous edge.

Monochrome commanded a tailored, striped vest with origami qualities evident. Matching architectural, maximist culottes were of midi length and made for the fashion fearless. A buttersoft, leather, pleated camisole was a dapper accession. The billowing cami was teamed to an alabaster, fishtail midi skirt, a romantic ensemble with a modern day approach. 

A characterful collection oozing with ostentation for the self assured woman.

 

By Courtney Jones.  

 

CHANEL PRE FALL 2016

CHANEL PRE FALL 2016

Designer, Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, delivered a Pre Fall 2016 collection enriched in Parisian upper crust elegance. Poised, lady like demure ruled the runway with a dash of come hither thrown in for combined attitude.

Models emerged from a faux Paris Metro Station in striking arabesques. Australian model Catherine McNeil, made her catwalk comeback and opened the highly coveted position in a monochromatic black and white, oversized, check, tweed coat worn nonchalantly over the shoulders. The coat was teamed to a thigh grazing, tweed shift dress in alabaster. Signature chain ribbon trimmings graced the hemline, pockets and neckline. Tights in a collage of lace were paired to white mules complete with pointy, black, toe cap.

A bourgeois, polished, ebony pea coat featured statement making gold insignia buttons. A silk satin, bow embellished, mini dress oozed with finesse.

Androgyny came in the form of an oversized, waxy leather coat, with enlarged collar worn protruding from the neck finalised with diamante encrusted buttons. A relaxed, silk, shirt dress was teamed underneath and brimmed with masculine qualities. A scintillating silver collar graced the neck and starred a large, circular, ring centrepiece.

Leather continued to frequent the runway and ignited a petal applique, three quarter sleeve mini dress with leather panelling. A full length, wool coat was a textural delight. A patent leather, quilted, cap sleeve crop complete with lace insert was twinned to a navel baring pencil skirt, featuring a scalloped lace hem which fell delicately above the knee. An onyx, diamante chain belt dangled from the torso while sparkling diamante cuffs adorned wrists. Kohl rimmed glitter eyes and an undone, demi-beehive evoked Brigitte Bardot with sex kitten connotations prevalent. 

Sanne Vloet modelled an ornate, wheaten turtleneck emblazoned with crochet, beading and Nordic Fair Isle  knitted inserts. A languid maxi skirt, pearl bejewelled cuffs and pearl spangled footwear concluded the look.

Vanessa Moody took to the runway in an ostentatious, sweetheart neckline, lace velvet, baby doll, drop waist, mini dress. Strips of crushed velvet cascaded from the hips. Silver and raven floral buttons plunged down the centre. A tantalising, lavish number, finalised with a crush velvet bow choker and gargantuan silver hoop earrings.

Intricate craftsmanship ignited a couture midi length gown. Floral applique showcased a colour palette comprising of storm, ink, oyster grey and midnight. A patent leather tie and white collar shirt were seamlessly moulded into the dress exuding grandeur  and consummate class. A quilted, wool, full length coat starred the matching blooms with enchanted romance dominating throughout.

Gossamer airiness took centre stage on an Art deco inspired, high neck, bishop sleeve, blouse. Black lace, gold and silver beading flourished, brimming with old world charm. A drop waist, midi length, lace swirling skirt exuded femininity. 

Stylish majesty reigned supreme on a black scalloped lace and navy panelled, apron, evening gown. The transparent skirt revealed the hallmark feature lace tights. Dainty feathers strewn throughout added fragility to the sheer number. Accessories comprised of a metal ring choker layered to scalloped lace neck piece and a sapphire hued minaudiere. 

A breathtakingly beautiful display set to seduce the fashion pack.

By Courtney Jones.