Emilio Pucci Fall 2013

Emilio Pucci Fall 2013

Deftly designer Peter Dundas of Emilio Pucci unveiled an intriguing Fall 2013 Collection. A discordant mixture of textural fabrics and punchy contours draped lithe bodies erratically.

Sasha Luss opened the show in an intricately embellished, gunmetal grey, navy and sapphire decadent long sleeve blouse, tucked into signature Pucci scarf print, high waisted skirt, high low hem flounce detail in shades of muted lavender, black and white. The look was drawn together with a tiger, ponyskin waist cincher belt and palatial thigh high, second skin, suede boots in rich toffee.

Kasia Struss modelled high waisted ebony tap shorts, paired with beaded fringed collarless jacket in lunar accents. The look was completed with a gauzy, transparent, polka dot blouse featuring plunge, key hole, navel slit alluding suggestiveness.

Dense, woollen cape coats in monochromatic black and white featured Italian renaissance prints complete with generously sized stud trimmings.

Bouffant, dolman sleeved, silk scarf print dresses came in the form of micro proportions. Shades included cotton candy paired with dove grey and azure teamed with black and white, romantic, poeticism reigned supreme.

An injection of colour was evident on a peacock blue, boiled wool pea coat with military magnetism. Black suede over the knee boots featuring beaded adornment offered plenty of opulence.

An abundance of undulating swirls featuring transparent panelling were found on a saccharine, ice blue, body skimming mini dress.

Signature Pucci ostentation and glamour was seen on a burnished gold, sweetheart neckline, long sleeved cocktail dress starring polka dot decolletage insert. Boudoir inspiration played an eminent role in the collection. La Perlaesque lingerie slip dresses in spiderweb lace were married with exotic zebra print robes highlighted by oversized fur cuffs and collars.

Accessories comprised of zebra ponyskin hobos in camel and black, small neat boxy handbags and a fringed beaded drawstring bucket bag, an eveningwear covet worthy item. Suede thigh high boots in shades of claret, black and toffee dominated the runway, pointy toed patent stiletto slingbacks were a more demure option.

Hair maestro Luigi Murenu created soft faux fringes which swept models foreheads. Matte complexions, flesh apricot hued glossy lips, kohl rimmed eyes, lashings of mascara and false eyelashes lent a distinct 60s/70s beauty aesthetic. 

Please feel free to view my fashion blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.com.au

By Courtney Jones.

Saint Laurent Fall 2013

Saint Laurent Fall 2013

Supremely skilled designer Hedi Slimane  of Saint Laurent produced a thoroughly wearable collection this fall season. An interjection of grunge and rock influences flooded the runway.

Models emerged slovenly and dishevelled as grunge went into hyperdrive. On the other end of the spectrum, pristine, polished leather looks were seriously nefarious.

Hanne Gaby Odiele opened the show in a v-neck, metallic foil, fish tail, free flowing mini dress married with mohair, oversized plaid cardigan in mannish proportions. Sheer, polka dot hosiery and flat, buckled, moto biker boots finished the look. A dainty, delicate string of pearls was an ambiguous accessory choice.

A white, ruffled Peter Pan collar featured on a rose bud liberty print smock dress paired with clashing, cornflower blue cardigan emblazoned with considerably sized black stars. The shabby chic theme continued with lace up leather, cumbersome boots.

Australian model Julia Nobis modelled a leather, a-line, mini skirt, coasting hips, complete with double zippers off kilter. A waxed, leather, triangular bra was paired with a structured, knee length trench.

Masculinity and androgyny continued to creep in on multifarious garments including a YSL inspired Le smoking, oversized, pinstripe, black tuxedo jacket, slashed leather skinny trousers, muted plaid shirt dresses and a black molten peak shoulder jacket. Plenty on offer to appeal to the hip, young, indie musicians of today.

A more ostentatious addition came in the form of a flesh, cotton candy fur chubby combined with studded, high waisted knicker and floral pussy bow blouse tucked in for a look oozing of finesse and sophistication with an edge.

Flashes of tawdry and vulgarity were found on scarlet, tartan babydoll dresses, oversized cable knit metallic thread sweater dresses and lumberjack cardigans.

A fox fur cape coat consisting of an abundance of fox tails in shades of dove grey, white, ebony and toffee was teamed with a one shoulder, ruffled mini dress.

This collection is very accessible and easy to emulate. A newfangled approach to Marc Jacobs 90s grunge revival.

Australian designers to look to include Marcs and Fleur Wood for floral dresses, Shakuhachi and One Teaspoon for leather looks, Topshop knitwear, Dr Martens footwear and Wheels and Doll Baby for fur chubbies and embellished knickers.

Please feel free to view my fashion blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

Versace Fall 2013

Versace Fall 2013

Donatella Versace unveiled an audacious display this fall. Dominatrix and fetishistic themes ran throughout the collection. Eighties and nineties excess clubwear reigned supreme and it's sure to get you noticed.

Donatella reinvented Gianni's signature staple classics with an updated, punk twist. Vinyl played a starring role in the collection and featured on an abundance of garments, as did an invasion of the local hardware store with bolts and spikes hanging laboriously from models ear lobes and necks.

A concupiscent, white, vinyl, cutaway, halter bodysuit featured white, fur collar paired with a 3/4 length, cashmere, minimalistic trench complete with silver collar tips. A paradoxical mix of sexy and sensuous paired with a classic cover up.

Kasia Struss ruled the runway with overt prowess in a sexy, black, vinyl bodysuit resplendent of Catwoman. Model Nadja Bender with cheekbones as sharp as razor blades modelled a pair of hip hugging trousers caressing every curve. This was twinned with a vinyl vest held together by an oversized, precarious bolt. The look was finished off with neck junk comprising of spikes, bolts and layered chains.

A v-neck, plunge, black vinyl dress with exposed shoulder detail sauntered down the runway redolent of Azzedine Alaiia. Punk rock connotations were evident on David Bowie inspired numbers with plenty of tartan on display. Form fitting, peek a boo flesh cutouts for the strong, confident, Versace woman were on offer.

Canary yellow was a standout shade on the runway packing some serious punch on a cashmere coat, fur stoles, bumble bee cartoonish collars, mini skirts and vinyl numbers resembling super heroes. Cleverly draped bandage eveningwear with Grecian qualities graced the runway. Karmen Pedaru modelled a white, body con evening dress complete with asymmetrical neckline, one shoulder,torso cutouts and provocative thigh high split.

Footwear comprised of white and black studded, quilted, midi stiletto boot with chrome toe cap and heel. Studs, tassels and heavy duty spikes were found cascading down the front of a variety of boots. Lavish, leather, over the knee boots were statement making. For sheer decadence, embellished, fold over flap ankle booties oozed of exorbitance. Spike punk collars which wouldn't look out of place in a Gothic / Emo's draw were full of rebellion. Spiked cuffs dangled hazardously from models wrists, so dangerous in fact that they could be construed as weapons. Super stylish and armed.

Please feel free to view my fashion blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

Jason Wu Fall 2013

Jason Wu Fall 2013

Jason Wu's Fall 2013 collection was an uplifting display of bourgeois chic married with glossy grandeur, bursting with pulchritude. Injected with sheer glamour, nothing was understated about this collection.
A stark, monochromatic palette ruled the runway, think snow white, ebony and gleaming silvery snakeskin. Pops of colour came in the form of golden chartreuse, lady bug red and cobalt.
An abundance of garments celebrating the female silhouette were on offer.
Martha Hunt opened the show in an effervescent black trench featuring velvet panelling, fur pockets and shoulder pleating detail. A skinny belt and leather gloves accompanied the look.
Sure to be a firm favourite of fashion editors aplenty was a cinched, leather biker vest, nostalgic of the 80s/ 90s powerhouse, supermodel era. The vest featured plush grey and black large fox fur collar teamed with a pristine, french cuffed shirting and man style trousers, exploding with charm.
A heavenly fur coat in the purest shade of white featured tiered sleeves and oversized, rounded shoulders.
Trench coats were an integral part of the collection. A belted, transparent, digital lace printed trench resembled a raincoat, the most dashing raincoat to ever grace ones wardrobe, with collar protruding effortlessly. Ginta Lapina glided down the runway in a colour blocked charcoal and black trench, featuring lace print torso panelling with black sleeves, collar, pocket and classic gun detail.
A shrunken, moto jacket in liquorice crocodile featured peak shoulders and sharp tailoring twinned with mid thigh grazing, whimsical, white, finely pleated skirt. A toffee parka with four ample fur pockets and generous wrist strap detail exuded Burberry's hallmark aesthetics.
For cocktail hour, a white, high necked, sleeveless marabou feathered number was a frothy delight. A mesh and grey lustrous snakeskin bustier dress complete with snakeskin boning and pleating was a flirtatious addition.
Footwear erupted on the scene with power and conviction. Peep toe boots, stiletto heels with braiding detail were a fierce concomitant. Black, satin ribbon high heeled stiletto sandals featured patented heel and were reminiscent of Tom Ford's Gucci glory days. 

By Courtney Jones. 

Prabal Gurung Fall 2013

Prabal Gurung Fall 2013

For Nepalese American fashion designer Prabal Gurung's latest showing the designer appears to have raided an army surplus store, delving deep into the realms of militaria accents, punctuated with modern, sleek tailoring with a grandiose edge.

Military chic was updated with khaki skinny trousers worn bunched around the ankles, teamed with large peplum, flat front jacket paired with luxurious, black, fur snood. A heavily braided leather harness completed the look which resulted in a fashion forward display.

A capacious, chunky cable knit, turtleneck featured exposed shoulders and cut out waist detail.
Robust, spliced, gladiatorial, patella shin boots in crocodile were a covet worthy item, sure to be on the wish list of fashionistas galore.

Perfectly poised modernity came in the form of Ikat Aztec panelling on the cuffs and torso of a waist cinched peplum jacket and an Ikat bustier, duchess silk satin, liquid, tulip skirt.

Provocative, spliced, body con numbers comprising of satin and ponte oozed of femininity with a masculine twist, think mesh inserts and body swathing, bandage strips reminiscent of Roland Mouret's famed 'Galaxy' dress.

Celebrated leather wardrobe staples included cropped, bomber jacket with bouffant sleeves, high waisted flounce skirt and free flowing scoop neck dress, belted, paired with elbow length ruched leather gloves, stylish simplicity at its best.

Eveningwear embodied avant garde warrior like qualities. Spliced, slashed, dramatic, sensual garments included asymmetrical, bandeau, floor sweeping gowns in billowy, glossy silks with plenty of titillating flesh on display. Grecian references were evident on one shoulder, wrap dresses featuring gold sash embellishment. The colour palette comprised of rich navy, khaki, snow white and oxblood.

A series of satin, Florentine renaissance dress numbers consisted of cleverly draped fabric, swathing torsos. The style was evocative of Nicolas Ghesqiere's Balenciaga Fall 09 collection.

Accessories were bold and fetishistic. Spindly, vertiginous, gold, chromatic stilettos were a dangerous addition. Pointy, court shoes featured multiple straps and buckles. Buckled ankle boots were durable and heavy with Cuban heel detail. Bronzed, molten metal, oversized aviators completed the look.

By Courtney Jones.

Roberto Cavalli Pre Fall 2013

Roberto Cavalli Pre Fall 2013

Roberto Cavalli's latest line up was a visual ambiance resplendent of a dark, enchanted forest. Majestic artiness teamed with mannish tailoring were the hallmark features of the collection.

Meghan Collison morphed into creations referencing poetic romanticism imagery.

Heralding looks included an oversized, fox fur coat, tiered in shades of ebony, ivory, nude and coffee paired with cow hide print, pony skin, flared, wide leg trouser, pervading nonchalant ease. A black, androgynous sweater came complete with fur torso panelling and high- low hem.

Cavalli's signature staple tuxedo, a weapon of seduction made an appearance yet again, this time updated with Florence Broadhurst print lapels, black shirting buttoned up to the neck with front flat placket and brooch centrepiece adornment.

A psychedelic, monochromatic, feather printed trench was worn belted, featuring contrasting houndstooth tweed belt and lapels. An impeccably polished, grey black, python, double breasted jacket with anorak characteristics featured luxurious, fur collar which framed Collison's shoulders. Digital lace was plastered over drop waist tunics. Liquid, embellish like scales were evident on a long sleeve, knee length, black, turtleneck dress resulting in the fluidity of an underwater sea creature. Leather jackets featured opulent fur peplums complete with braided waist and shearling collar. The look was twinned with tooled leather, pencil skirts.

Scrawled, calligraphy like digital prints reminiscent of the French artist Toulouse Lautrec's burlesque paintings were found on dramatic, black lace, gossamer chiffon, eveningwear. Think modern day, goth, lavishness.

Velvet suiting was teamed with satin waistcoat and white shirting complete with priests collar.

Swash buckling pirate references crept in on suede, boxy jackets with eyelet detail resembling sutures dissecting and deconstructing the garment.

Bold, characterful jewellery included bejewelled ear climbers, jade knuckle cocktail rings, neck ornamentation comprising of silver bars, gold chains and medieval motif, feathered cuffs complete with multifaceted gems. A diminutive black and gold minaudiere featured gold dragon symbolism, other minaudiere textures included embossed, leather snakeskin. The fox fur theme continued on ankle strap, high heeled sandals in shades of ivory and rustic brown.

By Courtney Jones.

Lanvin Pre Fall 2013

Lanvin Pre Fall 2013

Alber Elbaz's latest offering was a presentation of meticulously refined garments in a throng of grandiose fabrics. Haphazardous prints ruled the collection without a glimpse of tumult to be detected.

Janice Alida opened the show in a Dalmatian leopard print fabric blouson teamed with analogous cigarette leg trouser. Chrome, minimalistic cuffs encapsulated Alida's wrists. A cascading, geometric, chrome neck plate was a covet worthy item. A generously proportioned calfskin envelope clutch in considerable sized leopard print was a swank annexation that completed the look.

The collection had hints of country and equestrian aesthetics with connotations of Hermes and Ralph Lauren. Black, cashmere, blanket wraps and ponchos were paired with ribbed, charcoal knitwear. Black jersey leggings featured reinforced thigh stitching and panelling. Juliana Schurig stood statuesquely in a rich chocolate, fringed, full length blanket wrap teamed with mahogany, round toe, platform, under the knee reptilian boot.

A statement making pony skin zebra print coat featured black leather cuffs.

The cocktail dress of the collection was of true Lanvin style. A satin bandeau with colossal bow back detail paired with tweed charcoal adjoining pencil skirt.

Tweed featured predominantly on a sculptural coat with sateen torso detail and peak shoulder.

A palatial black fur gilet was married with silk sateen stilt trouser featuring daisy embellishment and matching tunic.

A leather, balloon sleeved jacket gathered around the waist, this was twinned with a high waisted waxed leather skirt, black turtleneck and elbow length gloves ruching models forearms.

The presentation closed with a deep vermilion, sweet heart neckline, knee length dress. Key specifics included decorative centre sternum flower and raw tweed seams, a chic, effortless addition.

Accessories comprised of extravagant costume jewellery including silver and gold chunky chain choker, black velvet ribbon woven throughout, centrepiece consisted of a metallic flower pendant. A profusion of layered oversized link necklaces and flower brooches were on offer. A knockout Tigers eye jewelled choker featured strips of silk suspended from models necks. A burnt paprika, snakeskin obi belt was a dapper accession. A navy, ethereal minaudiere was punctuated with crystal encrusted amethyst and rose quartz.

By Courtney Jones.