GUCCI FALL 2016

GUCCI FALL 2016

Designer Alessandro Michele produced a collection bursting with eighties, retro nostalgia. Peasant folklore teamed with opulent geek chic ruled the runway with a series of garments beckoning to be worn by a beatnik bohemian.

A floaty, feminine, asymmetrical, bouffant shouldered, billowy evening dress featured floral embroidery in shades of magenta, fuchsia and sage. Chocolate fur trimmings added a kitsch element to the decolletage. Diaphanous pencil pleats adorned a floor grazing, voluminous skirt which starred in a colour palette comprising of lemon meringue, mint, ballet pink, muted orange and strawberry.

A gold lurex, shrunken sweater, was punctuated by knitted peak shoulders in cornflower blue, navy and sky with parrot motifs emblazoned across the bust. An eye motif encased in flames added a pop art edge to the mix. Striped sequin cuffs, neckline and sweater band added the bling factor. An undulating, coruscating, sequin midi skirt featured sheer ebony backing which brimmed with gossamer airiness. Gucci's signature racing stripe decorated white socks. Peep toe tomato sandals complete with ankle straps were paired to the socks.

A high neck, sloping shouldered trench coat was ignited in a menagerie of exotic, reptilian skins. Patches of waxy snakeskin leather in shades of fairy floss, azure, royal blue, emerald and claret featured throughout. Decadent, chocolate brown fur cuffs screamed of grandeur. A forest green and scarlet canvas belt attenuated the waist with a gold centrepiece. Opaque raspberry tights were paired to zebra, round toe Mary Janes.Colossal sized olive reading glasses added a bookworm vibe to the ensemble.

Eastern suburbs local Julia Nobis took to the runway in a renaissance inspired, spiced pear full length gown. Details included flared, tiered, sleeves with diamante cuffs, high neck ebony fur collar, bejewelled necklace bib and a black velvet belt. Eighties derived black lace gloves were accessorised with gold knuckle duster rings. The dress was finalised with a romantic, fluid fishtail flounce which bounced frivolously with every stride Nobis made.

Other garments to frequent the runway included a rich, jacquard coat complete with karakul aqua collar, a Spanish ruffled cape coat in the shade of vermilion teamed to a vintage pussy bow tea party dress  and a scintillating candy stripe suit consisting of masculine tuxedo jacket and languid narrow trousers in shades of rose,silver and fuchsia.

Kooky librarian meets deluxe hippie with a series of bold shades, clashing prints with a dash of offbeat kilter.

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.