KHAKI ACCENTS

KHAKI ACCENTS

Military green is a great neutral to incorporate into the everyday working wardrobe.

Add a dash of camouflage for an edgy combination when teamed to sumptuous oxblood leather skinny pants. A structured blazer complete with a nipped in waist, accented with gold insignia buttons is the ultimate in designer luxury. A velvet and gold braided mini oozes ostentation. 

Accessorise with time classic aviators, Greek fisherman cap, polished colour block shoulder bag and stacked rope sandals for the self assured woman ready for battle.

Clockwise from top left-

FAITH CONNEXION Off The Shoulder Military Denim Jacket $735

CLARINS Eye Quartet Mineral Palette $58

ISABEL MARANT Miana Rope Wrap Sandals $470

BELL & ROSS Military Ceramic Watch $2910

RIVER ISLAND Captain’s Cap $48

GIVENCHY Aviators $730

BURBERRY Nail Polish $29

BALMAIN Wool Blazer $2450

BALMAIN Velvet Mini $5375

CLARINS Kohl Eyeliner $35

MOSCHINO Shoulder Bag $1790

ISABEL MARANT Gold Cuff $250

BURBERRY Lip Gloss $44

ISABEL MARANT Gold Earrings $125

ISABEL MARANT Leather Pants $2570

D&G Mascara $49

TRUE ROCKS Military Star Necklace $440

By Courtney Jones.

BALMAIN x H&M

BALMAIN x H and M COLLABORATION

Designer Olivier Rousteing unveiled his highly anticipated Balmain x H and M collaboration on October 20th in New York. The runway extravaganza was set in a subway terminal and featured catwalk appearances from a roll call of supermodels including Karlie Kloss, Joan Smalls, Alessandro Ambrosio and Toni Garrn. A high octane performance by American nineties boyband, Backstreet Boys set the scene, belting out their number one hit, 'Everybody'.

Fashion celeb of the moment, Kendall Jenner opened the collection in an ebony, hand embellished tunic featuring bronze, silver and gold beading throughout. Details included 3/4 sleeves, velvet cuffs, square neckline and signature boxing belt waist cincher. The opulent tunic was paired to languid, velvet, palazzo pants.

Victoria's Secret fave, Alessandro Ambrosio modelled an electric cobalt, structured shoulder, body con mini dress. Geometric diamond motifs were splashed across the scintillating number. Opaque stockings and caged, gladiator, peep toe booties concluded the after dark number.

Parisienne model Nadja Bender strutted with conviction in a strapless, lavish, embroidered mini dress. The gold brocade worked effortlessly against the sumptuous velvet bodice. Lady bug red, corded, choker necklace and cuff punctuated the arabesque with a jolt of colour. A boxy, elongated, tailored vest added urban elegance to the ensemble.

The liquid satin, ruched, tulip skirt was reincarnated and sat high on the thigh. The satin caressed the model's hips saucily. A peak shoulder, plunging blouse featured billowy sleeves with eighties powerhouse connotations reigning supreme. Second skin stretch suede leggings were twinned to suede, pointy toe, stiletto booties. The tulip skirt silhouette combination also starred against a sensual, peek-a-boo top in midnight complete with transparent, flesh baring panels. A navy, military inspired, polished overcoat was worn over the shoulders and featured prominent gold button accoutrement.

Fluid, ink, silk satin dhoti pants, reminiscent of MC Hammer does ostentation were modelled by ubermodel Karlie Kloss. A simplistic bandeau, stomach baring, crop was coupled to a luxurious beaded tuxedo jacket in streamlined proportions.

Calling all fur lovers; a mahogany and black faux fur flecked chubby ticked all the right boxes. The fur jacket was highlighted by an emerald jumpsuit featuring lace raven design motif, undeniable glamour for the perennial party girl.

Jourdan Dunn modelled one of the most replicated blazers of the decade. The form fitting ivory blazer came complete with double breasted gold button closure. The waist was defined by a matching, wide, belt displaying gold arrow centrepiece and iridescent trimmings. Molten peg leg trousers created volume. Bandage wrap sandals finalised the standout addition.

The Balmain x H and M collection launches in Sydney on Thursday November 5th. Pieces are available at the newly launched Pitt Street Mall H and M flagship store (October 31st) and Macquarie Centre. Plenty of affordable garments on offer with more deluxe pieces fetching over $500 and as Rousteing proudly stated, "What is Balmain is what is me".

By Courtney Jones.

 

Balmain Resort 2015

Balmain Resort 2015

Fashion virtuoso, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain created a striking Resort 2015 collection suffused with lavish sophistication. Uplifting, artisanal silhouettes dominated throughout, injecting high octane energy.

Model of the moment, Binx Walton opened the collection in a canary yellow, halter, bandage bodice complete with leather trimmings. A drop waist handkerchief hem, mid length skirt was of free flowing proportions. Sleek, minimalistic, burnished bronze cuffs and collar were a mod addition. Warrior inspired, black, peep toe stiletto booties brimmed with attitude.

Fluid drapery featured on a sleeveless, wraparound, asymmetrical tunic with Greek goddess connotations. Floor grazing, flared trousers in matching georgette concluded the look. For the Balmain woman who favours flesh baring ensembles this look offered modesty. Time will tell whether Balmain devotees will embrace this new arabesque.

The alluring Balmain blazer dress returned once again this season in micro proportions sure to delight perennial party girls aplenty. Details included honeycomb satin lapels, cuffs and pocket flaps. Regal gold buttons featured on the double breasted blazer dress adding a dose of ostentation.

White, stretch lace, elongated flares were teamed to a woven black and white leather staple boxing belt and round neck midriff baring crop top. The look was finalised with a lust worthy, monochromatic, white, peak shoulder blazer complete with black trimmings and gold button fastenings. The poncho played a prevalent role in the collection with Native American references evident throughout. A pannier weave, structured poncho in fiery tangelo, ivory, black and white was married to an a-line mini skirt. A robust silhouette highlighted by paprika hued, embellished peep toe midi boots. A heavily beaded turquoise poncho and matching dress made for a divine ethnic creation. Think bohemian babe does New York. A play on textural delight came in the form of an ivory, ribbed, transparent racer front tank paired to high waisted chevron stripe ebony and ivory ,mini skirt.  

A hot coral, strapless, body con mini dress featured satin strips of fabric encompassing Binx Walton's torso. The skirt featured clever drapery emulating a sash worn knotted at the side hip. Black trimmings punctuated the garment adding the luxe factor.

A yellow mustard, cut out shoulder embroidered, tattoo blouse referenced Zuhair Murad's archives. A subtle, fringe black and white pencil skirt fell above the knee making for a feminine combination with a hint of provocation.

By Courtney Jones.