Tuesday, May 31, 2016

GINGER AND SMART RESORT 2017

GINGER AND SMART RESORT 2017

Design duo Genevieve and Alexandra Smart of Ginger and Smart produced an effervescent collection brimming with practically minded pieces. Charming, sophisticated garments flourished on the runway offering freedom of movement.

Swimwear was introduced to Ginger and Smart's Resort 17 collection, the show opening with a sleek, optic white, semi transparent, undulating one piece. Details included a round neck, keyhole, underwire bust, long sleeves, form fitting panelling and an open back design. Accessories comprised of raffia pool slides, arctic white weekender with rose gold hardware and a minimalistic bum bag worn nonchalantly on the hip. A mesh characterful sunhat featured a gargantuan brim which covered the model's entire face and back falling elegantly under the glutueus maximus, the ultimate in sun protection for an exotic excursion abroad.

A cornflower blue, sheer, off the shoulder kaftan oozed with fluidity. Swimwear was paired underneath consisting of high waisted black bottom, diamond torso cut out, floral, halter neck, crossover bust in delectable watercolour shades of cobalt, lavender, mocha and pearl. Simplistic oyster grey, strappy leather pool slides concluded the breezy number.

Energised cool dominated on a terracotta, off the shoulder one piece with sensual torso cut out. The swimwear acted as a bodice when married to a floral, high waisted, panelled, diaphanous midi skirt in delicate shades of blush, rose, sky, ink and lilac adding tenderness. The wraparound style featured plenty of body baring flesh on a hot summer's day.

A bold cabana stripe, asymmetrical, cropped flounce top starred in a colour palette of electric eggplant, azure, lime splice and vanilla. A matching voluminous mullet skirt was teamed to the crop and exuded good times and balmy nights spent in paradise. The striking shades and silhouette sure to garner plenty of attention.

A royal blue, sheer, lace tunic, offered gossamer airiness. Elongated sleeves worn off the shoulder engulfed fingers. A halterneck, t-bar design was layered to an athletic, cutaway royal blue one piece adding a geometric element to the softened arabesque.

Other key garments included a liquid silk, dusty pink, halterneck, bias cut, midi slip dress modelled by Nicole Pollard. A zig zag, wraparound woven mini skirt was layered to the dress with raffia fringing cascading from the hem. Minimalism versus maximalism came in the form of a snow white, v-neck asymmetrical crop layered to a bulky, raffia infested matador cropped jacket. A spliced torso melded effortlessly into a wraparound raffia mini skirt. Billowing, languid trousers offered an elegant interplay of draping when layered to the textural mini. 

A fashion forward display evoking relaxed Australian prestige.

By Courtney Jones. 

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER FALL 2016

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER FALL 2016

Parisian designer, Alexandre Vauthier delivered a hedonistic collection laced with sensual fabrics in alluring body con silhouettes.

German model Toni Garrn featured throughout the Fall 2016 presentation and evoked blonde bombshell glamour perfectly.

A fire engine red, patent leather jumpsuit is sure to get your motor running. The utilitarian garment oozed with sex appeal. Details included a plunging neckline, bouffant sleeves worn pushed up ever so insouciantly, oversized pockets and a skinny leg arabesque. Scarlet stilettos and bed head tresses concluded the saucy number.

A slinky jersey evening gown injected seductive glam into the equation with a spliced torso and decolletage revealing a flirtatious game of peek-a-boo. A thigh split offered freedom of movement. Black, strappy stilettos were highlighted by delicate diamantes.

A scalloped, funnel neck, transparent, raven, leopard lace dress featured three quarter sleeves, mullet hemline and a satin sash waist tie. The cascading lace screamed modern day gothic glam. A rouleau strap, deep decolletage, sheer bodysuit was paired underneath. 

A vanilla military inspired pea coat starred brass buttons and black patent leather elbow patches. A floaty, feminine, poetic dress featured layers of fluid chiffon in the passionate shade of vermilion. Cut-out, over the knee, suede thigh boots were highlighted by lace up suede detail up the back of the leg.

Military shades crept in on a cutaway, halter, khaki tank which was teamed to a languid, sport inspired, patent leather trackpant complete with cigarette leg, elasticised waist and gargantuan zip pockets.

An olive, wool, pea coat was paired to a liquid pewter, body caressing dress. Sexy drapery fell mid thigh. Taupe over the knee thigh boots finalised the tactile, neutral ensemble.

A candy apple red, v-neck, wraparound dress featured long sleeves with gold button cuff detail, an asymmetrical hemline cut dangerously high on the upper thigh and a satin obi belt to attenuate the waist.

A racy pantsuit consisted of sleek, form fitting, black, highwaisted trousers, racy boudoir meets the boardroom mesh triangular cami married to a panelled obi belt with multi ring detail. A peak shouldered tuxedo jacket was worn nonchalantly over shoulders. 

A molten metal, metallic gold pleated maxi skirt screamed of seventies disco connotations. A matching gold lame cami was twinned to the skirt. Bronze, T-bar sandals were an indulgent addition.

An inviting collection for the enduring socialite.

By Courtney Jones.

Monday, May 9, 2016

MICHAEL KORS FALL 2016

MICHAEL KORS FALL 2016

Design stalwart, Michael Kors produced a timeless fall collection enriched in opulent brocades, decadent furs and tailored tweeds. Although not a ground breaking collection by any means, Kors stuck to the tried and true formula of precision cut suiting and floaty, feminine dresses which worked effortlessly in the working woman's wardrobe. Bare pins were very much in attendance, slightly impractical in the fall months but Kors declared he "Likes bare legs for winter".

Julie Hoomans took to the runway in a pine lime, wool pea coat. Ostentatious plush fur graced the cuffs and collar. A matching lime, cable knit jumper was paired to an indigo, a-line, tweed mini skirt. An elongated, paisley skinny scarf adorned the neck and featured in shades of sky blue, navy and white. Masculine, patent, fringed loafers concluded the punchy ensemble.

A rich, cornflower blue, double breasted coat oozed with polished panache. Three quarter sleeves revealed extended spliced sweater and Peter Pan blouse which was married underneath. Enormous, round sunglasses complete with white frames and ebony lenses added a Jackie Kennedy element to the chic number.

A saturated lilac, wool melton pea coat added a jolt of colour to the runway. The bold hue continued to star on a ribbed, cable, turtleneck, cashmere sweater. A breezy, ostrich plume, a-line mini skirt added frivolity to the luxurious separates. White, high shine, fringed leather loafers and a mini mauve satchel complete with silver chain handle concluded the look.

Chanel connotations were injected into a lavender, thigh grazing, tweed coat. A muted grape fur shawl collar graced the neckline and featured onyx, charcoal and white flecked fur panelling. A ribbed charcoal turtleneck was worn underneath. A hipster, a-line mini matched the coat and brimmed with youthfulness. Sharp, pointy toe ankle booties were cut low on the ankle and were punctuated by grey and raven leopard print.

Other standouts included a heavenly, oversized fur coat in honeyed neutral tones. A seventies inspired paisley, pussy bow blouse poked coquettishly from underneath a mocha, tweed shift dress. Mammoth, tortoiseshell round sunglasses were the accessory of choice, perfect for those wishing to go incognito or dodge the paparazzi.

Quintessential elegance for the New York woman with a desire to look stylish and sophisticated as well as attaining a fashion forward approach to dressing.

By Courtney Jones.  

GUCCI FALL 2016

GUCCI FALL 2016

Designer Alessandro Michele produced a collection bursting with eighties, retro nostalgia. Peasant folklore teamed with opulent geek chic ruled the runway with a series of garments beckoning to be worn by a beatnik bohemian.

A floaty, feminine, asymmetrical, bouffant shouldered, billowy evening dress featured floral embroidery in shades of magenta, fuchsia and sage. Chocolate fur trimmings added a kitsch element to the decolletage. Diaphanous pencil pleats adorned a floor grazing, voluminous skirt which starred in a colour palette comprising of lemon meringue, mint, ballet pink, muted orange and strawberry.

A gold lurex, shrunken sweater, was punctuated by knitted peak shoulders in cornflower blue, navy and sky with parrot motifs emblazoned across the bust. An eye motif encased in flames added a pop art edge to the mix. Striped sequin cuffs, neckline and sweater band added the bling factor. An undulating, coruscating, sequin midi skirt featured sheer ebony backing which brimmed with gossamer airiness. Gucci's signature racing stripe decorated white socks. Peep toe tomato sandals complete with ankle straps were paired to the socks.

A high neck, sloping shouldered trench coat was ignited in a menagerie of exotic, reptilian skins. Patches of waxy snakeskin leather in shades of fairy floss, azure, royal blue, emerald and claret featured throughout. Decadent, chocolate brown fur cuffs screamed of grandeur. A forest green and scarlet canvas belt attenuated the waist with a gold centrepiece. Opaque raspberry tights were paired to zebra, round toe Mary Janes.Colossal sized olive reading glasses added a bookworm vibe to the ensemble.

Eastern suburbs local Julia Nobis took to the runway in a renaissance inspired, spiced pear full length gown. Details included flared, tiered, sleeves with diamante cuffs, high neck ebony fur collar, bejewelled necklace bib and a black velvet belt. Eighties derived black lace gloves were accessorised with gold knuckle duster rings. The dress was finalised with a romantic, fluid fishtail flounce which bounced frivolously with every stride Nobis made.

Other garments to frequent the runway included a rich, jacquard coat complete with karakul aqua collar, a Spanish ruffled cape coat in the shade of vermilion teamed to a vintage pussy bow tea party dress  and a scintillating candy stripe suit consisting of masculine tuxedo jacket and languid narrow trousers in shades of rose,silver and fuchsia.

Kooky librarian meets deluxe hippie with a series of bold shades, clashing prints with a dash of offbeat kilter.

By Courtney Jones.       

LANVIN FALL 2016

LANVIN FALL 2016

Lanvin's Fall 2016 collection was steeped in 80s glam, powerhouse connotations. The design team behind the collection did their best to emulate former designer Alber Elbaz's adept craftsmanship but fell flat with several ill fitting garments making their way onto the runway. Some key features of Lanvin's DNA remained apparent with sensual satins and rich brocades very much in attendance, with a dash of masculinity thrown into the mix. 

The show opened with a boxy, oversized, quilted tuxedo jacket in the shade of ice silver. A matching, sculptural, midi skirt featured undulating flounces bouncing with every stride the model made on the runway. A court shoe cross bootie, let's say 'courtie' was the footwear of choice with details including a pointed toe and a diamond cut-out across the breadth of the foot.

A structured bronze brocade, intarsia, plunging, asymmetrical peplum blouse featured bouffant sleeves and deep decolletage. Languid, peach velvet trousers accompanied the blouse. Collarbone grazing crystal drop chandelier earrings were statement making to say the least. A metal, restrictive choker in burnished gold oozed with tribal qualities. 

An ostentatious, plush fox fur coat starred in sea foam green tinged with butterscotch accents. A sumptuously soft vanilla leather belt attenuated the waist and cascaded to under the knee cap. Almond toe, lace up, leather boots were a covetable addition. A muted turquoise leather satchel concluded the ensemble which brimmed with consummate class.

Flash trash dominated on a high shine, metallic gold, trench coat. A patent, vanilla, waist cincher featured an Art Deco inspired gold strip centrepiece. A scalloped, crystal encrusted choker and thread drop earrings accessorised the deluxe number.

An eveningwear dress evoking Old Hollywood glam comprised of a mauve rose collage bodice consisting of satin, lace and brocade pieces which worked effortlessly when teamed to a diaphanous, crystal pleat, full lavender skirt. A luxurious fudge and mint flecked stole graced one shoulder falling elegantly to the elbow.

Dark romance played a role on a cropped navy and muted sage, brocade bolero jacket. A delicate, ebony, transparent, high neck, lace, long sleeve blouse screamed of femininity. A midnight, intarsia brocade, fish tail, midi skirt exuded uppercrust elegance. A sapphire fur stole concluded the look. 

Kaitlin Aas modelled a charming satin mini dress. Details included black and silver lace bishop sleeves conjuring Gothic glam, high neck scalloped bib and a dark slate blue liquid mini skirt. A pistachio lace panel trailed from above the knee to the mid calf offering a modest silhouette for cocktail hour.

Given Lanvin's hefty pricetag the current design team will need to up the ante in precision tailoring to continue accommodating for the affluent, fashion savvy woman.

By Courtney Jones.       

SAINT LAURENT FALL 2016

SAINT LAURENT FALL 2016

Well it's official, Hedi Slimane's Fall 2016 collection was his final at the helm of the luxury Parisian house. His highly anticipated departure led to the newly appointed, Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello, famed for his high voltage, sexed up, body con garments with a dose of rock n roll.

Slimane's climactic collection comprised of 80s powerhouse connotations, think voluminous shoulders teamed with narrow waists all finalised with sheer black stockings.

Models proceeded to glide down a staircase of an ostentatious 18th century house located on the Rue de 1'Universite.

Porcelain, matte skin, ruby glossed lips and smokey eye makeup was teamed to a pewter, iridescent, tiled, turtleneck mini dress. A patent, wide, waist cincher drew in the waist. An opulent, ebony, fur coat with oversized shoulders fell to the mid thigh. Fierce, pointy toe reptilian courts concluded the lavish ensemble.

Exaggerated shoulders ignited a burnished gold mini dress. Details included square neckline, undulating gold and silver embellishment and a python, boxing belt attenuated the waist, haute couture precision dominating.

A kaleidoscope of colour highlighted an asymmetrical, hand beaded dress. Shades of cobalt, aquamarine, emerald, fire and persimmon punctuated the saucy number. A gargantuan triangular shoulder dominated the silhouette commanding to be donned by a modern day rock goddess. Slicked back hair, kohl rimmed eyes and diamante clip on earrings concluded the high octane garment.

An onyx, plunging decolletage, sequin spangled, mini dress featured colossal sized wing shoulders complete with vermilion patent belt, gold ring choker and complementary buzz cut. Metallic fuchsia lacquered pumps were the footwear of choice.

A sweetheart, gold lame mini prom dress featured a drop waist and full bubble skirt. A monochromatic leather moto jacket featured black spray paint graffiti motif throughout. A collarless, sumptuous leather, bouffant sleeved bomber jacket was punctuated with gold eyelets. A sequin, leather and polka dot strapless mini was teamed underneath. For the flamboyant and outrageous- a masculine leather biker jacket encrusted with silver hearts. A kitsch addition, married to a sapphire sequin bustier, gold snakeskin belt and highwaisted, tiered, polka dot mullet skirt, cascading to the mid calf.

Decadent, grandiose, plush fox furs made an appearance on the runway. An eye catching electric blue fur coat with amplified  shoulders was an absolute standout.

A shrunken Breton stripe turtleneck micro mini dress in coruscating sequins was married to the coat resulting in an ensemble steeped in sheer grandeur. The collection closed with a cherry red fox fur cape coat in the shape of a mammoth love heart. A sweetheart, raven liquid, ruched mini dress was paired to the avant garde coat. Minimalistic gold cuffs adorned wrists. The arabesque oozed of excess. Perfect for the rock n roll chanteuse with a penchant for modern contemporary silhouettes.

By Courtney Jones.