BY MALENE BIRGER

BY MALENE BIRGER SPRING 2017

Danish designer Malene Birger unveiled her Spring 17 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week. The collection was steeped in modern contemporary relaxed silhouettes. Admirably wearable wardrobe staples were on the agenda oozing of effortless chic.

Italian model Greta Varlese opened the show in an oversized, midi length, vanilla trench. The boxy arabesque brimmed of nonchalance. Sleeves were pushed up insouciantly. A studded waist belt was worn casually. Elongated, flare, loose trousers in the shade of oyster featured open button, side splits revealing windows of flesh. Black, cumbersome, strappy, flatforms strengthened the ensemble. An exotic, leather, python bucket bag in shades of khaki, mustard, chocolate and lemon zest was the accessory of choice. Crystal strip, drop earrings added a dose of glamour.

A deep decolletage, wraparound blouse starred in white with press stud detail frequenting the cuffs and base of the blouse. An over extended, cabana stripe, skinny scarf was draped around the neck. Hip hugging, languid, leather, peg leg trousers screamed biker chic. A heavy duty silver zipper and press stud waist detail added androgyny to the mix. A stark white, drawstring hobo bag was embellished with black beading throughout. Fairy floss pink, furry court shoes added an avant garde edge.

A black and white, candy stripe, diaphanous maxi offered freedom of movement. Details comprised of a scoop neckline, cutaway thick black shoulder straps and a mullet hemline. A matching skinny scarf adorned with tassels accessorised the resort ready number. Order that mojito now!

Heavenly monochromatic looks continued to dominate the runway with a sleek, tailored, plunging, longline vest falling elegantly to the knee. Raven loungewear pants were teamed to the clean, minimalistic vest. The hallmark skinny scarf highlighted the neck, trailing with every stride Line Brems made on the catwalk.

Danish model Mathilde Brandi modelled a simplistic, high neck, racer front, body skimming, midi dress. The sporty arabesque oozed with Scandinavian style connotations. A drawstring tote was emblazoned with scintillating silver beading carried casually by a narrow leather strap. Peep toe, ballet pink, fluffy courts added an injection of colour to the LBD ensemble.

Luxury loungewear was taken to the next level with a cobalt pajama set complete with white piping igniting the runway. Collarless, v-neckline with side split hem graced the tunic while undulating piping was evident on relaxed, subtle flare trousers. A shrunken, collarless jacket in the shade of custard was worn leisurely over the PJ set, the ultimate in finesse.

By Courtney Jones.

GUCCI RESORT 17

GUCCI RESORT 2017

Italian designer Alessandro Michele held his latest resort offering at the ostentatious Westminster Abbey. When asked as to why the designer chose the aristocratic location Michele responded, "To dive in this gothic sea of inspiration! The punk, the Victorian, I can work all my life!"

A succession of haphazardous prints in a kaleidoscope of colour ignited the runway with retro connotations reigning supreme.

Poetic elements shone brightly on an electric purple, velvet, structured, bouffant sleeve mini dress. A delicate frothy lace bib in the shade of vermilion framed the shoulders and cascaded down the bodice of the dress. Chevron lace panelling  frequented the skirt and cuffs. A statement vanilla, floral centrepiece adorned the neck. Scalloped, patterned, black lace stockings, tough ankle boots bedecked with multiple straps and buckles screamed rebel biker chic. Sleek cat-eye sunglasses with hand painted gold floral detail featured on the frames.

Peasant folklore was evident on an emerald green, midi length, ponykskin, leopard coat. Plush lavender fur cuffs graced elbows while yellow and red slouch sleeves oozed of 90s grunge. A seafoam, opalescent, pleated midi skirt offered ladylike demure. Accessories comprised of cornflower blue, tiger emblazoned bowling bag complete with signature Gucci racing stripe strap. Cumbersome, almond toe leather loafers with ankle strap added a granny'esque' vibe to the eclectic ensemble. A glittery jade hat featured a centre flower crown in a vibrant coral. Oversized sunglasses complete with yellow lenses brimmed of 70s swagger.

Australian model Maddison Stubbington took to the runway in a canary yellow, romantic, velvet mini dress. A ribbed, ruffled bib in the shade of tomato and a turquoise bow flourished on the bodice. An elasticised waist resembling a garter drew in the waist. A cobalt, leather hobo featured scintillating, embellished ferns. Under the knee chevron socks in the shade of ebony were paired to round toe, reptilian high heeled sandals in neutral complete with 3 buckle closure which crept up the leg. Bronze, jewel encrusted, knuckle duster rings adorned fingers while an emerald floral brooch starred as a centrepiece to the turquoise, frayed bow.

British model Karen Elson modelled a floor sweeping vintage derived maxi dress which screamed polished, beatnik bohemian.  Striking, bold peacock print was plastered throughout which worked harmoniously against the eye catching tangerine shade of the dress. Details included 3/4 subtle bishop sleeve, grandpa collar, crochet tasselled motif keyhole, bouffant shoulders and a billowy skirt. Narrow cat-eye sunglasses highlighted cheekbones. Elongated, collarbone grazing, crochet earrings matched a voluminous crochet, crown headband. A leather cuff and bronze chain slave bracelet hardened the 70s inspired number.

A charming collection enriched in stylish majesty for the hippie at heart.

By Courtney Jones.

VERSACE RESORT 17

VERSACE RESORT 2017

Donatella Versace's Resort 17 collection embodied sheer luxury in which the house is famed for. A dose of athleticism was thrown into the equation adding a utilitarian edge. Shrunken silhouettes offering plenty of skin were on the agenda with a monochromatic colour palette dominating throughout.

Sleek, clean, minimalistic lines were evident on the opening look modelled by Dutch native Roos Abels. The ensemble comprised of a streamlined, 3 button closure blazer with elongated sleeves accented by a jolt of cobalt on welt pockets and on button holes revealing finer details and craftsmanship. A funnel neck, white top was splashed with Versace's Italian tiled border print. Precision tailoring dominated on  7/8 skinny leg flare trousers. Fire engine red and cobalt side panelling ignited the arabesque. Matching panelled socks were on display, perfect for the woman who likes to sport coordinating under garments. Leg lengthening, high shine, patent platform strappy sandals and a ladylike boxy satchel in ebony complete with silver hardware screamed of powerhouse connotations.

A two tone black and royal blue leather parka threw sporting luxe into the mix.  Athleticism continued to frequent with the parka teamed to a black and white, pleated, netball skirt. A stark blanc and noir round neck blouse was worn tucked into the thigh skimming mini. Sculptural patent platform heels were finalised with velcro ankle straps and tomato, lavender, ink and white panelled socks.

A cropped, cocoon shouldered, candy stripe jumper was highlighted by shades of cherry, vanilla, lemon, cornflower blue and raven. A vertical candy stripe pencil skirt fell to the knee extending the silhouette to extreme streamlined proportions. Striped flatforms added the athleisure factor.

A ribbed, languid, slouch knit, hooded cardigan starred blue and white racing stripe trimmings with the letter 'V' for Versace placed around biceps. A midriff baring polo crop was worn buttoned to the top of the neck. 3/4 nylon trackpants came complete with side zip detail. An intergalactic cobalt leather satchel was plastered with star motifs and a star charm keyring. A heavy duty leather strap resembling a guitar strap was married to a silver chain short handle, strengthening the kitsch accessory.

A simplistic, waxy leather shift dress consisted of a round neck and stripe detail which starred on the right hand side of the bodice, geometric qualities reigning supreme. Colour infused Art Deco cuffs adorned wrists. A crisp red, black  and white satchel complemented the dress effortlessly. 

Polished panache was very much in attendance with flesh baring limbs, signature Versace style prevalent throughout.

 By Courtney Jones.

90s MODERN GRUNGE

90s MODERN GRUNGE

Embrace a sensual, body caressing satin slip in iridescent silver.

Team a fudge, minimalistic, streamlined, wool vest to a cropped, rouleau strap, bustier.

The staple Mini Rockie bowling bag is updated in the hard working, neutral shade of military green. 

Model off duty must have- destroyed denim cut offs evoke sheer nonchalance. Pair to a large open knit jumper. Accessorise with an edgy, leopard, ponyskin bumbag and waxy, almond toe ankle boots complete with oversized silver buckles. Two tone, reflective, aviator shades in molten metal and liquid gold are the ultimate in luxury eyewear.

Clockwise from top left-

ALEXANDER WANG Mini Rockie $1120

TOPSHOP Metallic Slip Dress $72

ALEXANDER WANG Mesh Jumper $700

ALEXANDER WANG Denim Shorts $390

ALEXANDER WANG Leopard Bum-bag $765

ALEXANDER WANG Ankle Boots $1150

ALEXANDER WANG Bustier $935

DIOR- Aviator Sunglasses $772

ALEXANDER WANG Wool Vest $1045

 

By Courtney Jones.