BALMAIN FALL 2016

BALMAIN FALL 2016

Designer Olivier Rousteing of Balmain produced a hedonistic, sizzling collection steeped in opulence. Feminine, sculptural silhouettes reminiscent of Alexander McQueen's design DNA featured, pulsating energy echoing throughout. The decadent collection was held at the Palais Royal and played host to a menagerie of celebrities, all ready for their close up.

Model of the moment, Kendall Jenner opened the show in a powdered storm grey, pinstripe, sharp shouldered, full length, cardigan coat teamed to matching body con tank. A restrictive, high waisted, corseted skirt fell on the upper thigh. Details included boning, silver hook and eye and sumptuous fur panels.Suede thigh high boots emulating Stuart Weitzman's 'Highland' style concluded the look.

Tami Williams exuded 80s prowess in a powerhouse suede and fur sleeve, crossover, wrapped jacket. The voluminous jacket was paired to high waisted, flat front, stretch suede leggings. A signature boxing belt in chrome finalised the ensemble.

Danish beauty Josephine Skriver modelled an ice vo-vo, baroque inspired creation comprising of a high neck with cut out shoulder detail, ornate rose gold pearl embellishment and copious rows of tasselled pointrines dangling from the bust and sleeves. A white and gold cincher nipped in the waist which flowed fluidly into a scalloped hem mini skirt adorned with delicate, undulating beading. 

Statuesque Karlie Kloss took to the runway in a ballet pink, corseted camisole. The structured bodice celebrated the female silhouette. Ethereal, transparent lace trousers caressed legs and starred cascading silk waterfall ruffles. A corrugated crystal plate choker with gold hardware was oversized and hardened the romantic garments. A powder puff blue, tapestry silk brocade ignited a striking, off the shoulder, long sleeve, corseted blouse. Sheer panels highlighted the decolletage with brocade seams concluding the peplum blouse. Matching body conscious, stretch trousers encased every curve of Katya Ledneva's lithe physique.

Catwoman references were evident on a  sensual, black velvet, bodysuit. Long sleeves, structured shoulders, nude panelling and velvet breast cups exuded a modern day gothic renegade. Stretch flat front trousers with darting concluded the fierce look.

A spectacular collection brimming with couture like finesse. Perennial party girls rejoice, Rousteing has delivered yet again.

By Courtney Jones.

COACH FALL 2016

COACH FALL 2016

British born designer, Stuart Vevers of Coach, produced a charming Fall 2016 collection. Artisanal elements coupled with bohemian luxe, western, sporting and aviation connotations ultimately resulted in a street style ready collection for the quintessential Brit.

A series of voluminous, college bomber jackets opened the show with sloping shoulder detail, blouson sleeves, emblazoned with kitsch, iron on transfers. The jackets frequented in Crayola box bright shades including cobalt, cherry and mandarin. Floral, flounce mini dresses were teamed to the masculine bombers adding femininity to the mix. Mod squad burnished pewter and gold midi boots featured chunky, sculptural heel and bejewelled boot harness.

Military elements crept in on a utilitarian, toffee, canvas trench which came complete with turmeric and peach oversized fur collar. A ladylike blouse with pearl buttons was married underneath and worn tucked into a patchwork, a-line, butterscotch and raven mini skirt. Metallic, gunmetal grey, studded ankle boots were the footwear of choice, perfect for the rock renegade.

Vevers delved into the seventies decade delivering a salmon and coral, scalloped shirt dress adorned with embroidered flowers. A chocolate and snow white, oversized fur gilet accompanied the dress. An oxblood, leather, large size bowling bag featured grommet detail and brimmed of polished panache. Arm candy sure to be seen on it girls globally.

A plaid, floral, diamond, borderprint blouse was an eclectic addition. Shades consisted of midnight, custard and merlot. A honeyed brown, shearling duffle coat was a lovable standout. A pleated, tan, suede, thigh grazing mini featured white stitching detail. An ivory, shearling duffle coat version was paired to a collared, patchwork, mini dress.

A high waisted, free flowing skirt was highlighted by a bold, Pucciesque scarf print in shades of mustard, cornflower and royal blue. A blue plaid western shirt was tucked neatly into the skirt. Details included ruffled panels and contrasting mint and emerald, scalloped collar.

Tough moto chic was evident on a quilted, black, leather jacket in boxy proportions. Bold patches added character. A floaty, silk dress starred in a striped, navy and orange graphic print. An Hermes inspired print also graced the guava collared dress.

An enticing display for the quirky fashionista not frightened to take fashion risks and stand out from the crowd.

By Courtney Jones.

SAINT LAURENT PRE FALL 2016

SAINT LAURENT 

PRE FALL 2016

French designer, Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent held his Pre Fall 2016 collection at the iconic Palladium Concert Hall located on Sunset Boulevard, California. Seventies, rock n roll swagger ruled the runway with models transmogrified into bona fide rockstars.

A chevron, leopard fur, midi coat was an absolute standout, paired to a bold tomato red, pussy bow blouse adorned with gold, glitter polka dots. Leather culottes in relaxed proportions were teamed to an ultra wide, black leather belt with gargantuan gold, ribbed metal buckle. Under the knee, almond toe, snakeskin boots added a sleek edge.

An indigo and sky paisley midi dress featured a high Victoriana collar, bib insert and pleating which fell under the bust. A sumptuous, snow leopard, fur gilet accompanied the dress. Velvet boots were encrusted with cascading, diamante flowers adding a regal touch to the bohemian ensemble.

Staz Lindes ignited the runway in an electrifying, lustrous, bronze, funnel neck midi dress. Bishop sleeves and an a-line silhouette brimmed with seventies style connotations, ideal for an uber cool songbird. A reptilian, boxing belt complete with tortoiseshell ring buckle attenuated the waist. Dramatic, burnished gold glitter eyeshadow was for the flamboyant.

A deep, plunging, peasant folklore maxi starred a scintillating, peacock print and sequin embellishment. A handkerchief hemline and billowy sleeves added poetic insouciance. The trusty, classic, skinny silk scarf was knotted nonchalantly on the side of the neck. 

A plush, panelled fur coat in shades of alabaster, ebony and flecked terracotta starred in an amplified arabesque. A coruscating, silver, beaded, turtleneck was married to leather, patchwork, culottes and gold, python, leather boots, insanely hip for those with a rebellious streak. 

A scarlet, velvet midi dress complete with black tulle, jesters collar and tulle, tiered lace cuffs evoked an enchanted, fairytale costume. A monochromatic, black sequin version featured a delicate, white lace collar, oozing with fragility.

Intricate, beaded, craftsmanship was on display on a dapper, decadent, turtleneck midi dress. Undulating fauna in coral and cornflower blue were punctuated by the ice silver, column beading. Peak, structured shoulders with flared sleeves were finalised with characterful ostrich feather cuffs resembling cheer squad pom poms.   

Start honing your music skills in order to sport this serious, rock n roll, stage get up!

By Courtney Jones.  

 

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.