MIU MIU SPRING 2017

MIU MIU SPRING 2017

Legendary Italian designer Miuccia Prada carved out a dandified Spring 2017 collection enriched in 60s and 70s post Italian war glamour. Pitch perfect style fused with retro connotations resonated with a succession of garments oozing with radiance and old world allure.

Look one was modelled by Dutch newcomer Birgit Kos and comprised of a raven, halter, bandeau swim top complete with button hole strap closure, Aztec embroidery plastered across the chest and a ruffled hem embodying girlish charm. Matching, high waisted full briefs completed the flirty swimwear set conjuring up images of 50s style pin up girls. An understated, black apron skirt was tied casually around the waist, exposing legs. A perfect beach cover up. Patent, black, double strap slides featured a tomato red, platform heel. An embellished, artisanal swim cap adorned the head adding sass to the ensemble.

Anastasia Panasenko modelled a 70s derived, graphic print bikini bralet in shades of khaki, mandarin, vanilla fudge and black. The abstract print continued to dominate on matching, high waisted, boy leg swim briefs. Eclectic, rimless, burnt orange sunglasses were oversized and sat low on the bridge of the nose. Peony pink pool slides were accented by mammoth camellia motifs adding flower power to the equation.

Gigi Hadid modelled a pristine, military green, tailored shirt. Sleeves were of 3/4 length. The wardrobe staple was worn tucked into high waisted, embroidered knickerbockers. A bouffant silhouette billowed from hips. A simplistic, polished, mini satchel was clutched neatly. Navy and fairy floss pink platform wedges in patent leather were a leg lengthening accession.

For those seeking less body baring mash ups look to the high shine, patent leather pea coat. The knee length inclusion starred contrasting white buttons and was nipped in at the waist by a slimline, toffee leather belt. The chic coat was teamed to a 60s inspired, high neck, blouse ignited by a graphic, oblong design in shades of cherry, muted pink and white. Paisley knickerbockers were twinned to the playful blouse. Pearlescent, peep toe, platform, T-bar wedges were the footwear of choice.

A culmination of cornflower blue garments dominated the runway and included a boiled wool pea coat, a terry floral robe, a belted trench and a delightful, voluminous petal clutch.

Italian nostalgia melded with coquettish enticement very much on the agenda.

By Courtney Jones.    

PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI SPRING 2017

PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI SPRING 2017

Italian designer Lorenzo Serafini of Philosophy created a wondrous Spring 17 collection enriched in guilty pleasures. A sensual game of hide and seek featured throughout with sylph silhouettes and flirty feminine garments reigning supreme on the runway. Serafini cited the cult Brooke Shields movie The Blue Lagoon as inspiration for his design acumen fused with Victoriana references.

A series of admirably wearable petticoat dresses in virginal white, oozing with tenderness opened the collection, think whispers of silk highlighting spidery slip dresses complete with rouleau straps, handkerchief hemlines and chevron lace panelling adding an ethereal touch. Wide, leather wrap belts festooned with gold studs nipped in the waist resulting in an 80s arabesque. 

American model Taylor Hill modelled a patchwork lace, halter, maxi dress. Opalescent pink flounces framed the decolletage. Delicate aspirin dot mesh starred in ebony, scalloped citrus lemon lace and boudoir ballet pink lace trailed effortlessly. Slouchy, black leather ankle boots hardened the enticing number.

A whimsical, liberated, bourgeois slip dress featured a transparent, ruffled lace bib in pearly pink. Playful layers of lace ignited the thigh grazing ensemble injecting luminosity. The staple leather wrap belt continued to attenuate the waist.

Victoria's Secret model Stella Maxwell modelled a sheer, ivory, round neck, subtle bishop sleeve blouse. Pearl buttons highlighted the placket. A black, waxy leather corset belt was married to the floor grazing, billowy, frothy lace maxi, romance very much in attendance.

Anna Mila Guyenz modelled a Spanish style, flounce, swirling skirt with asymmetrical mullet hemline. The high waisted skirt featured a bold flora and fauna design in shades of lemon meringue, forest green and peony pink. The underside was punctuated in hues of midnight and lemon curd. Raw effects including a frayed hem added earthiness to the flamenco style skirt. A leather tassel lariat dangled freely form the neck. A braided leather wrap wristlet brimmed of bohemia. Relaxed, floral midi boots were the footwear of choice taking all things botanic to the next level.

Other key garments included distressed denim corsets teamed to frayed denim cut-offs, bibbed blouses and a cutaway drop waist tunic all in the shade of mid western blue. Dusty  musk, sensual suede high waisted trousers were of 7/8 length and emblazoned with gold studs. A fanciful, grandpa collar, lavender peasant dresses with dip dye citrus yellow flounce hem offered freedom of movement. A fringed, leather, biker jacket in molten metal shades of striped mint, mauve and lime offered a futuristic spin on the staple moto jacket.

A stellar display embodying sheer insouciance with a dash of romance thrown into the mix.

By Courtney Jones.