Monday, May 9, 2016

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.      

Sunday, April 3, 2016

POLO RALPH LAUREN FALL 2016

POLO RALPH LAUREN FALL 2016

Designer Ralph Lauren delivered a classic, contemporary collection fusing country, the south west and city slicker connotations for the modern day American woman. It was an exceedingly wearable collection paired with Lauren's luxurious design DNA. 

An oversized, ribbed, knitted jumper in the delectable shade of peanut brittle was worn nonchalantly off the shoulder. A matching slouch beanie oozed of casual cool. A sumptuous suede, pencil skirt featured an asymmetrical hemline and was worn tucked into the cosy knit. A milk chocolate and cream, ponyskin, cowhide and suede tote featured suede fringing while peep toe, terracotta suede booties added a sophisticated edge.

A ribbed, oatmeal cardigan starred deluxe fur panelling. A streamlined, classic white shirt was paired to the cardigan and vanilla fudge , leather skinnies complete with ankle zip detail. Fringing highlighted suede, braided, latte hued stilettos with ankle strap. Fringing continued to make an appearance on a honeyed, buttersoft, gargantuan, drawstring hobo.

Downtown cool reigned supreme on an insouciant ensemble comprising of a basic grey marle tee, tweed waistcoat which was layered to a terracotta leather, knee length coat. Grey wash, hipster denim skinny jeans were tucked into midi length, tan cowboy boots.

A sensual, seventies suede outfit modelled by Aussie model, Bridget Malcolm consisted of a shrunken, tan suede blazer and matching narrow suede flares. A white shirt was worn unbuttoned adding allure.

A muted khaki slip dress incorporated boudoir dressing. The slip dress was highlighted by a plaid, monochromatic shirt which adorned the waist. An androgynous leather biker jacket was thrown over the shoulders. Chunky charcoal, knitted socks were married to platform, suede, clogs.

Metallic accents ignited pewter, moto skinny jeans. A cashmere, charcoal turtleneck poncho was married to a military green fluid blouse. A Navajo inspired hobo in neutral tones added earthiness to the free spirited number.

A black and white pinstripe suit was updated in youthful proportions. Tailored shorts featured a loose leg silhouette. A masculine, oversized blazer was coupled to a sleek waistcoat. An ebony boiled wool pork pie hat accompanied the dapper combination.

A series of luxe, athleisure wear closed the collection and included a silver, metallic quilted jacket, molten metal puffer vest, full length tights in block colour and Ikat prints, lacquered 3/4 tights with contrasting olive panelling teamed to an American Indian print derived hoodie.

A practically minded collection with a succession of garments that are loyal, reliable and hard working in a woman's everyday wardrobe. 

By Courtney Jones.

AUTUMN WARDROBE STAPLES

AUTUMN WARDROBE STAPLES

Clockwise from top left-

1)DIESEL Dress $300

CLARINS Lip Perfector $33

LINDA FARROW Round Sunglasses $790

CHLOE Jodie Bag $2280

AQUAZZURA Suede Boots $1345

CLARINS Eyebrow Pencil $34

ISA ARFEN Faux Fur Jacket $1302

DIOR Nail polish $35

CHANEL Hoop Earrings $1955

AMICI Fedora $36

REPOSSI Stacked Gold Ring $2949

2) MARISSA WEBB Military Jacket $650

YSL Nail polish $35

STARBUCKS Iced Coffee

YSL Camouflage Satchel $2938

LINDA FARROW Gold Aviators $1440

DAVID YURMAN Gold Bracelet $7160

LOUIS VUITTON Bag Charm $ 475

MICHAEL KORS Watch $296

SEED HERITAGE Leather Mini $270

CLARINS Lip Balm $33

CHANEL Eyeshadow Quad $98

YSL Mascara $42

AQUAZZURA Tulum Sandals $1095

3) RIVER ISLAND Suede Western Jacket $280

BOOHOO Embellished Clutch $46

DANIEL AVAKIAN Silk Neck Tie $85

DIPTYQUE Candle $100

TOO FACED Eye Palette $47

ALEXANDER WANG Tank $775

ANTIK BATIK Belt $85

ISABEL MARANT Earrings $185

TOO FACED Lipstick $27

FRAME DENIM Ripped Skinny Jeans $390

RAY BAN Round Sunglasses $220

ISABEL MARANT Suede Sandals $955

GUERLAIN Bronzer $69

ISABEL MARANT Beaded Bracelet $91

4) BALMAIN Sequined Dress $5570

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Aviators $250

TOM FORD Shoulder Bag $1870

REPOSSI Chrome Gold Ring $3065

TORY BURCH Watch $405

BALMAIN Leather Jacket POA

STUART WEITZMAN Thigh Boots $1530

GIVENCHY Foundation $66

GIVENCHY Bronzer Brush $64

TOM FORD Eau de Parfum $325

CHANEL Lipstick $48

BY COURTNEY JONES.


 



Saturday, March 26, 2016

CHLOE FALL 2016

CHLOE FALL 2016

Designer Clare Waight Keller of Chloe produced a floaty, feminine collection brimming with eclectic pulchritude. Exotic travels abroad inspired by Anne- France Dautheville were on the agenda. Billowy fabrics, slick, buttersoft leather in relaxed proportions set the tone for the rich in bohemia design acumen.

Marleth Kuusik modelled a peanut fudge, leather safari jacket. Four oversized pockets frequented the torso and a leather belt attenuating the waist was knotted nonchalantly. Cropped, leather trousers featured teal and white racing stripe detail. Round toe, tan leather booties finalised the chic ensemble, bursting of downtown cool.

A chocolate, collarless, sloping shoulder, oversized fur coat was teamed to 3/4 leather pantaloons complete with knee patch and side lace up detail. An ivory brightly embroidered kaftan was paired underneath adding an artisanal edge. An alabaster silk scarf was wrapped several times around the neck and knotted insouciantly for a seventies vibe.

A midi length kaftan starred elongated sleeves and a plunging neckline. The free spirited garment was highlighted by hand embroidery and beading in shades of burnt mandarin, canary yellow, saffron and fuchsia. Black leather midi boots were a heavy addition to the breezy number. Perhaps function over fashion for muse Dautheville who rode a motorbike on her sojourn throughout Europe and the Middle East.

A barely there, silk chiffon, poetic blouse featured a cascading, ruffled bib which fell elegantly to the mid thigh. A long, loose, ebony skinny scarf adorned the neck. Leather trousers concluded the monochromatic ensemble.

Sam Rollinson modelled a peach sorbet, heavenly, diaphanous, full length dress. Deep decolletage, sheers shoulders and sleeves which flared into tiers of gossamer airiness oozed with femininity. Patchwork floral fabrics frequented the torso and skirt ruffles which flowed into a balayage of dusty pink and salmon.

For the ultimate in biker chic- leather overalls with sexy zip up closure. Loose, undone tresses and a burgundy scarf added plenty of renegade attitude.

A voluminous, alabaster, shearling coat was a cosy accession. A cream blouse was coupled underneath the coat and worn tucked into khaki, highwaisted, leather pantaloons of 3/4 length. Hippie, globetrotter connotations reigning supreme.

Frederikke Sofie modelled a standout, delicate, floaty, trapeze maxi dress. Details included gathered high neck and over extended sleeves. An explosive watercolour of blooms in hues of cobalt, mint, lime, peony pink and yellow erupted throughout the dress' entirety, billowing with every stride Sofie took on the runway.

A patchwork shag coat was the perfect addition for the ultimate bohemian la femme. Unruly collages of faux fur in a colour palette comprising of maroon, orange, turquoise, mocha and rose worked harmoniously together. A burgundy body skimming slip dress was paired underneath.

Grand, peasant folklore themes incorporated beautifully with luxurious garments dominating the runway from start to finish.

By Courtney Jones.


 

ROBERTO CAVALLI FALL 2016

ROBERTO CAVALLI FALL 2016

Creative Director, Peter Dundas of Roberto Cavalli presented a bohemian, Marrakech inspired collection reminiscent of Dutch style icon and actress, Talitha Getty. Exotic sojourns abroad called for embellished maxis, rock star shrunken suiting and sumptuous furs worn with a devil may care attitude.

Emma Harris opened the show in a free spirited, midi length, intarsia, patchwork fur coat in shades of butterscotch, ebony, dove grey and teal. A scintillating sequin scarf in the shade of emerald fell nonchalantly to the mid thigh. A deep decolletage, amethyst and gold maxi dress concluded the seventies derived ensemble.

Paula Galecka took to the runway in boysenberry, velvet flares. A grape, collarless, hand beaded blouse was worn plunging to the navel and layered to an opulent, ocelot fur coat brimming with grandeur. A multi print, elongated scarf comprised of various scarf prints in a colour palette consisting of lavender, lemon and midnight.

For the bold- an olive, gossamer lace, maxi slip dress offered plenty of allure. The floor grazing, transparent number featured scalloped, plunging neckline, ruffled chest and a drop waist. Lingerie as outerwear continued to dominate runways throughout. A lustrous, leopard sequin scarf and full length reptilian and aubergine fur coat were teamed to the barely there slip for modesty.

An off the shoulder, silk chartreuse evening dress was a captivating addition. Delicate pleating featured on flounce tiered, bust sleeves and skirting. A peek-a-boo key hole added a provocative edge to the billowy number. An embellished, tasselled scarf adorned the neck.

A pewter, textural silk, shrunken bolero featured structured shoulders and scintillating monkey motifs. A mid-wash chambray shirt was paired underneath. Highwaisted, subtle, skinny flare trousers matched the bolero and oozed of rock n roll status. A sugilite velvet scarf added a jolt of jewel tone colour.

Dark bohemian glam reigned supreme on an ebony and leopard intarsia, panelled fur coat. A fishtail, lace maxi dress was coupled to the decadent coat and starred gold and mint foil, coruscating under the runway lights.

A metallic bronze, poetic, diaphanous dress was the only mini hemline to frequent the collection. Puffed, flared sleeves, scalloped lace hem and gold pailettes kindled the star spangled garment. Under the knee, platform snakeskin boots in forest green were the footwear of choice.

The collection closed with a sheer, ice silver, sequin, column dress with fishtail hem, leaving very little to the imagination. Caviar beading enveloped curves and evoked old Hollywood glam. Russian supermodel Natasha Poly recently donned this particular runway number to the Oscars. Starlets will be clamouring to get their hands on this covetable collection.

By Courtney Jones.

ALTUZARRA FALL 2016

ALTUZARRA FALL 2016

Paris born designer, Joseph Altuzarra delivered an eclectic collection for his New York Fall 2016 show. Gypset, globetrotters with a penchant for all things luxurious were on the agenda with tailored garments mixed with exotic, bohemian prints and fabrics very much in attendance.

An Ikat, monochromatic, structured blouse featured a raw, frayed, subtle v-neck, peak shoulders and a collage of multi diamond and zig zag patterns throughout. The artisanal blouse was worn tucked into a midnight, paisley, knee length skirt. Two provocative thigh splits oozed with sensuality and mystique. Under the knee, jacquard boots flourished with dainty, ebony flowers.

A black and white, oversized snood was paired to a cabernet, tasselled skirt. The crimson popped delightfully against a stark, white, body skimming pencil skirt with black accents. Industrial zippers featured on the skirt pockets adding a nonchalant edge. Ladylike pearls dangled freely from lobes. 

A beetroot, woven blouse inspired by antique Indian textiles was coupled to aubergine,drawstring, languid trousers complete with black velvet trimmings. An unlikely combination for the free spirited woman. Navy, almond toe, reptilian ankle boots were a striking accessory.

Dutch model Romy Schonberger, modelled an ivory knitted turtleneck complete with black, blanket stitching cascading down the centre. A floral, leather bomber jacket was adorned with large, black, leather pockets, delicate flora and a plush shearling collar was layered to the knit. A scarf print pencil skirt oozed with finesse and featured centre, button closure with a seductive split revealing plenty of thigh, baring flesh.

Rock n roll dominated on a ribbed, teal, slouch knit sweater enlivened by fuchsia, sky and ebony v shape fringing, very Isabel Marant. A slimline, jogging pant punctuated by teal stripes finalised the insouciant, athleisure number.

The collection closed with a succession of fluid, handkerchief hem maxi skirts and evening dresses emblazoned with silver, spangled sequins and soutache embroidery. Texan catwalk fave, Vanessa Moody modelled a standout, plunging, vermilion and burgundy full skirted maxi dress brimming with gypsy, ostentation. Adept artistry shone bright on the hand embellished garment, think black sequin rosettes, borders and undulating lace patterns in ice silver. Style cues derived from Indian saris, ethnicity reigning supreme.

By Courtney Jones.