CHANEL PRE FALL 2016

CHANEL PRE FALL 2016

Designer, Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, delivered a Pre Fall 2016 collection enriched in Parisian upper crust elegance. Poised, lady like demure ruled the runway with a dash of come hither thrown in for combined attitude.

Models emerged from a faux Paris Metro Station in striking arabesques. Australian model Catherine McNeil, made her catwalk comeback and opened the highly coveted position in a monochromatic black and white, oversized, check, tweed coat worn nonchalantly over the shoulders. The coat was teamed to a thigh grazing, tweed shift dress in alabaster. Signature chain ribbon trimmings graced the hemline, pockets and neckline. Tights in a collage of lace were paired to white mules complete with pointy, black, toe cap.

A bourgeois, polished, ebony pea coat featured statement making gold insignia buttons. A silk satin, bow embellished, mini dress oozed with finesse.

Androgyny came in the form of an oversized, waxy leather coat, with enlarged collar worn protruding from the neck finalised with diamante encrusted buttons. A relaxed, silk, shirt dress was teamed underneath and brimmed with masculine qualities. A scintillating silver collar graced the neck and starred a large, circular, ring centrepiece.

Leather continued to frequent the runway and ignited a petal applique, three quarter sleeve mini dress with leather panelling. A full length, wool coat was a textural delight. A patent leather, quilted, cap sleeve crop complete with lace insert was twinned to a navel baring pencil skirt, featuring a scalloped lace hem which fell delicately above the knee. An onyx, diamante chain belt dangled from the torso while sparkling diamante cuffs adorned wrists. Kohl rimmed glitter eyes and an undone, demi-beehive evoked Brigitte Bardot with sex kitten connotations prevalent. 

Sanne Vloet modelled an ornate, wheaten turtleneck emblazoned with crochet, beading and Nordic Fair Isle  knitted inserts. A languid maxi skirt, pearl bejewelled cuffs and pearl spangled footwear concluded the look.

Vanessa Moody took to the runway in an ostentatious, sweetheart neckline, lace velvet, baby doll, drop waist, mini dress. Strips of crushed velvet cascaded from the hips. Silver and raven floral buttons plunged down the centre. A tantalising, lavish number, finalised with a crush velvet bow choker and gargantuan silver hoop earrings.

Intricate craftsmanship ignited a couture midi length gown. Floral applique showcased a colour palette comprising of storm, ink, oyster grey and midnight. A patent leather tie and white collar shirt were seamlessly moulded into the dress exuding grandeur  and consummate class. A quilted, wool, full length coat starred the matching blooms with enchanted romance dominating throughout.

Gossamer airiness took centre stage on an Art deco inspired, high neck, bishop sleeve, blouse. Black lace, gold and silver beading flourished, brimming with old world charm. A drop waist, midi length, lace swirling skirt exuded femininity. 

Stylish majesty reigned supreme on a black scalloped lace and navy panelled, apron, evening gown. The transparent skirt revealed the hallmark feature lace tights. Dainty feathers strewn throughout added fragility to the sheer number. Accessories comprised of a metal ring choker layered to scalloped lace neck piece and a sapphire hued minaudiere. 

A breathtakingly beautiful display set to seduce the fashion pack.

By Courtney Jones.

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER FALL COUTURE 2015

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER FALL COUTURE 2015

Illustrious French designer, Alexandre Vauthier delivered an enticing collection for the self assured woman. Pulsating energy echoed throughout, injecting seductive charm with Native American connotations teamed to a distinct rocker mood.

Texan model Vanessa Moody opened the collection in a butter soft, obsidian, leather, cross over bust micro dress. Overblown, cuffed sleeves and colossal fringed leather sash graced the waist and cascaded freely from the left lapel. Footwear comprised of multi strap heels which crept up the lower calf, finalised with gold hardware and dainty feather centrepiece, a dose of Navajo thrown into the mix.

Valery Kaufman modelled a gossamer lace bodysuit complete with raw , unfinished neckline. The body skimming transparent tank showcased a reptilian pattern which flowed seamlessly into a fuchsia, duchesse satin, bubble mini skirt. An oversized, elongated, masculine blazer hardened the arabesque. Ysaunny Brito modelled a one shoulder, asymmetric bodysuit version which was married to a satin fuchsia ruffled, tiered, asymmetric floor sweeping statement making skirt which brimmed of romanticism, decadence reigning supreme.

High voltage rebellion came in the form of a cropped boxy patent leather moto jacket teamed to a black plunging bodysuit and fearless second skin leggings in matching patent leather which featured spliced detail and looked as though Edward Scissorhands had tended to them.

Lindsey Wixon rocked a sizzling satanic red python leather motorcycle dress. Details included an industrial asymmetric zipper, ruching and oversized cocoon shoulders creating a gridiron effect. A suede, tasselled sash attenuated the waist, adding a nomadic edge to the amplified number. Caged vermilion booties concluded the eighties inspired look.

A sumptuous Coyote chubby in shades of alabaster, honey and pearl grey was paired to a hip hugging suede scarlet mini. The hemline comprised of gold plated tubes interwoven with lengthy strips of suede floor grazing tassels, a sensual addition.
An architectural, deep decolletage noir mini dress was cut with the utmost precision. Sharp shoulders, 3/4 sleeves and a step hem enhanced the minimalistic dress. A constricting waist cincher featured in suede, iridescent gold and python highlighting the silhouette.

Maartje Verhoef modelled a slinky one shoulder, chiffon, fringed dress in ebony and burnished gold. The dress comprised of asymmetric chiffon panels held together by gold plated tubes which engulfed the torso. A raw, waxed leather hem finalised the suggestive creation.

The collection closed with a scintillating, effervescent, plunging, wraparound mini dress. The emboldened lustrous gold creation was festooned with embellishment resembling a reptilian and required 1600 hours of craftsmanship.

Kohl rimmed smoky eyes, nude lips and undone tresses added a devil may care attitude.

By Courtney Jones.

 

IRO Fall 2015

IRO Fall 2015

Kings of energised cool, brothers Laurent and Arik Bitton of IRO produced an undeniably charming Fall 2015 collection. Rock n roll references infused with bohemian, peasant folklore were present throughout offering timeless classics. The design mantra being "French chic meets New York street style" as stated by the pair.

Look one comprised of capacious, textural oatmeal sweater complete with ribbed crew neck and cuffs tucked nonchalantly into sleek, clean, minimalistic high waisted trousers in ivory. An opulent, plush shearling gilet accompanied the look. Accessories consisted of suede, stacked cone heel, sharpened almond toe booties and a narrow studded ebony belt. The trousers proved to be the order of the day and were subsequently paired to a rustic fisherman turtleneck knit, quintessential modern day tuxedo shirt, tweed boucle duster coat and a monochromatic mariniere turtleneck ribbed sweater.

Covetable model off duty style came in the form of the Ikat blanket wrap oversized cardigan in shades of black, midnight and dove grey, a nomadic addition paired to a thigh grazing, free flowing cotton mini skirt throwing femininity into the mix. The go-to ribbed charcoal knit concluded the look.

Autumnal pulchritude shone brightly on a bourgeois dolman sleeve blouse in a colour palette comprising of regal ruby and ink. The printed blouse was paired to high waisted waxed leather trousers of 7/8 length. The floral print continued to feature on a free spirited, streamlined shift dress, finalised with a leather obi sash belt drawing in the waist for an alluring arabesque. High voltage patent brogue-boots starred studs and two strap buckle closure conjuring androgyny at its best.

Intrepid traveller references were channelled throughout a characterful scarlet, buff and ebony tribal coat, falling on the upper thigh. An aubergine ribbed knit was teamed to a cotton tiered asphalt hued mini, accessorised yet again by the leather obi belt.

Other wardrobe staples included an ivory, ruffled, flounce blouse oozing with tenderness and fragility, a seventies lace-up safari inspired tunic, think Veruschka does Paris and the time honoured leather motorcycle jacket, cropped and shrunken in all its sublimity. Polished beatnik perfection came in the form of a wraparound leather mini with subtle paper bag waist. A transparent, spiderweb knit complete with opaque knit panelling across the bust and a voluminous woven cocoon overcoat accompanied the look. These pieces offered endless style combinations for the ever elusive outfit of the day.

IRO is stocked at David Jones City and Bondi Junction stores and selected online boutiques nationally. IRO will be launching their highly anticipated flagship boutique in Double Bay later this year.

By Courtney Jones.