ROBERTO CAVALLI PRE FALL 2016

ROBERTO CAVALLI PRE FALL 2016

Creative Director, Peter Dundas worked his magic yet again on a standout, Baroque inspired collection bursting with pulsating energy. The collection derived from the seventies and was aptly photographed in the opulent Palazzo Clerici in Milan.

Dutch model Romy Schonberger portrayed a deluxe hippie in a boxy, black, velvet blazer which was ignited with fire engine red blooms, leopard print and undulating patterns. The elongated blazer was paired to a floor sweeping, drop waist, tiered maxi dress. Stars, flora and fauna oozed with decadence while lace panels added sensuality. 

A teal, electric cobalt and turmeric fur chubby was a lavish addition. A velvet, patchwork maxi skirt accompanied the jacket and starred in shades of chocolate, sapphire, cherry and oyster grey.

An alabaster, Mongolian fur coat fell to the knee, details included, tan braided leather cuffs and toggle. A turquoise kaftan and pant set was married to the bourgeois, bohemian number, finalised with black aviators and leopard sneakers complete with white, leather, toe cap.

Glam rock mindset was prevalent on a star spangled, black and gold, v-neck kaftan with scarf tie. A floral scarf was layered to the neckline adding combinations of clashing prints. Signature leopard punctuated a narrow tuxedo pantsuit. A poetic, lustrous, pleated blouse was worn underneath, ideal for the enigmatic rebel.

Animal motifs continued to dominate throughout and featured on a silk, skinny, scarf. The scarf was paired to a scoop neck, embellished evening gown. Intricate craftsmanship played a pivotal role , with dark romance reigning supreme.

Bleached, high waisted denim displayed a flare leg arabesque with silver, sequin stars emblazoned near ankles and the hip area. An aquamarine, metallic, leather belt drew in the waist. A sharp shouldered, velvet blazer in raven exploded with beaded fireworks, a bronze lame, high neck, ruffled blouse brimmed of nonchalance.

A lavish, statement making, ebony poncho was a dramatic addition. The fur collar and fringing offered gypset qualities. A grommet trimmed, tiered maxi skirt concluded the look.

The collection closed with a liquid, scintillating, ice silver, sequin evening dress. The boat neckline was highlighted by ornate, swirling, fauna beadwork. The body skimming silhouette was striking, destined for the social circuit soiree.

An enlivened collection from Mr Dundas brimming with vivacity and allure.

By Courtney Jones.        

BURBERRY PRE FALL 2016

BURBERRY PRE FALL 2016

Christopher Bailey's Pre Fall offering was tinged with seventies, retro, connotations. Quintessential, British style was on the agenda and resulted in striking silhouettes with a dash of attitude.

Amazonians need only apply to wear the sumptuous, patchwork, raccoon and fox fur duffle coat in voluminous proportions. Shades of flecked honey, charcoal, vanilla and licorice punctuated the statement making coat. Black, leg lengthening flares were polished and featured crisp, white stitching.

The archival trench was updated this season in heavenly chocolate suede. A protruding collar was worn high at the nape of the neck. The trench fell to the knee cap and an ebony, suede wide belt graced the torso, complete with gold hardware buckle. A mini chartreuse, crocodile and Burberry check satchel was suspended from a capacious, gold chain handle. Narrow, navy, tailored trousers engulfed footwear.

Aviation references were prevalent on a shearling, oversized, bomber jacket. Butter soft caramel suede was highlighted by colossal sized, double breasted, gold buttons. A tasselled chain backpack oozed of downtown, London chic.

Shearling continued to star on a military inspired, khaki parka. The cosy, fashion forward addition embodied utilitarian qualities. A black, neatly collared blouse was worn tucked into raven, elongated trousers that sat low on the hip. A textural check and leather satchel finalised the look.

An A-line, neutral trench with chocolate stitching brimmed of classicism, clean, polished lines took centre stage, a Burberry staple designed to withstand the test of time.

Dark romance kindled a form fitting, crew neck, t-shirt. The sassy tee was paired to dark indigo, denim trousers with a bohemian element prevalent. A boiled wool cape coat offered regimental qualities to the mix. A compact, bordeaux hued satchel was a textural delight in fabrics consisting of suede and ostentatious crocodile.

A series of feminine dresses closed the collection including a funnel neck, short sleeve,drop waist, pleated mini which starred in forest green and mandarin hued fauna and flora, complete with black piping. Wooden, platform, block heeled ankle boots in suede were the footwear of choice. Seventies nostalgia crept in on a black, chiffon, maxi dress. Details included buttoned epaulets, preppy collar, chest pockets, white zig zag panelling and ruffled skirt, monochrome peasant folklore for the statuesque beauty.

An undeniably charming collection fused with Burberry's heritage, hallmark features.

By Courtney Jones.

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Calling all lovers, with Valentine's Day just around the corner here is the perfect gift guide to ensure your beau / secret admirer is spoilt rotten this February 14.

Cupid 101- Always include a card *gents;) with a personalised message. This heartfelt gesture will strike a chord with the smitten receiver! 

Kisses, Courtney. xoxox

 

FOR HER

Clockwise from top left-

COLETTE Pink Chandelier Earrings $22

CHANEL Lipstick $52

COSABELLA Dolce Cotton Babydoll $135

PREEN Chantilly Sunglasses $325

SEPHORA Heart Makeup Sponge $11

MOET and CHANDON Brut Rose Champagne $80

MARC by MARC JACOBS Tether Rose Watch $390

PEARSONS Mixed Peonies POA

AQUAZZURA Wild Thing Sandals $805

SAINT LAURENT Leather Monogram Cabas Bag $2120

LA PERLA Begonia Balconette Bra $150

URBAN DECAY Moondust Eyeshadow $30

BENEFIT High Beam $34 

FOR HIM

Clockwise form top left-

'BEER BITES' Beer and Food Recipe Book $35

NUDIE Jeans $130

BALLY Tye Leather Wallet $395

GLENFIDDICH 21 Year Old Single Malt Whisky $315

NIXON The Kingpin Watch $285

CALVIN KLEIN Boxer Trunks $49

BEATS BY DR DRE Studio Wireless Headphones $535

DIESEL DM0167 Aviators $260

PANASONIC Arc 3 Wet / Dry Shaver $170

YSL L'Homme Gingembre Cologne $110 

By Courtney Jones.

 

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.

DOLCE AND GABBANA SPRING 2016

DOLCE AND GABBANA SPRING 2016

Design extraordinaires, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana produced an uplifting collection brimming with Italian heritage. The colourful, flamboyant display held all the hallmark features of Dolce and Gabbana with kitsch motifs throughout reigning supreme.

Katya Ledneva modelled a lustrous, pewter, brocade pea coat emblazoned with the slogan 'Italia is love'. Embellishment came in the form of colossal sized daisy buttons, tapestry gardenias, jonquil applique, sequined lemons, flora and fauna splashed about. An ornate, gold, flower crown featured a cherub centrepiece. Gargantuan white rosettes and angels were suspended from lobes. Gold slippers complete with gold foil rosettes concluded the look.

A round neck, mesh, transparent midi dress was plastered with black, olive and tomato red botanica. The signature Dolce and Gabbana black bralet was teamed underneath. Crochet doilies adorned the full circle skirt adding an artisan edge. A floral headband was ignited by canary yellow pom poms and cobalt gemstones.

Italy does oriental as Estelle Chen took to the runway in a bold fuchsia kimono wrap dress, highlighted by roses.An ebony, lace petticoat peeked coquettishly beneath the kimono hem.Flower power headphones were the ultimate accessory of choice, finalised with multi tasseled ends. As Chen approached the end of the runway fellow model Eva Berzina snapped a selfie on the runway. 

Warm days spent in Capri called for the wardrobe staple sundress. Thick apron straps, square neckline, full circle skirt and black buttons added plenty of Italian charm. Sweet innocence prevailed on a heavenly white lace insert, baby doll mini dress. Undulating blue and white blooms added a burst of colour. Lavender sandals were heavily embellished with crystal flower motifs.

A diaphanous, boatneck maxi billowed with every stride Larissa Mascarenhas made. Details included an azure and yellow border-print silk chiffon fabric, long sleeves, tapered waist and voluminous skirt. Mammoth, gimmicky lemon and daisy earrings and a lemon decorated tiara were statement making additions.

Hand painted Italian scenery graced a sweetheart neckline bralet in shades of turquoise, carmine, daffodil yellow and khaki. A wide, black elasticised band sat high on the torso and flowed seamlessly into a full swirling skirt illustrated with Italian tourist destinations; perfect attire for an Italian screen siren.

For those who prefer tailoring with a subtle, masculine edge opt for the Spanish, matador inspired,polka dot, three piece suit. Details include cropped, shrunken jacket, matching waistcoat complete with velvet covered buttons and tapered 7/8 trousers. An ostentatious, black velvet and gold minaudiere oozed with decadence.

An effervescent, collection sure to brighten your day.

By Courtney Jones.