ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER FALL 2016

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER FALL 2016

Parisian designer, Alexandre Vauthier delivered a hedonistic collection laced with sensual fabrics in alluring body con silhouettes.

German model Toni Garrn featured throughout the Fall 2016 presentation and evoked blonde bombshell glamour perfectly.

A fire engine red, patent leather jumpsuit is sure to get your motor running. The utilitarian garment oozed with sex appeal. Details included a plunging neckline, bouffant sleeves worn pushed up ever so insouciantly, oversized pockets and a skinny leg arabesque. Scarlet stilettos and bed head tresses concluded the saucy number.

A slinky jersey evening gown injected seductive glam into the equation with a spliced torso and decolletage revealing a flirtatious game of peek-a-boo. A thigh split offered freedom of movement. Black, strappy stilettos were highlighted by delicate diamantes.

A scalloped, funnel neck, transparent, raven, leopard lace dress featured three quarter sleeves, mullet hemline and a satin sash waist tie. The cascading lace screamed modern day gothic glam. A rouleau strap, deep decolletage, sheer bodysuit was paired underneath. 

A vanilla military inspired pea coat starred brass buttons and black patent leather elbow patches. A floaty, feminine, poetic dress featured layers of fluid chiffon in the passionate shade of vermilion. Cut-out, over the knee, suede thigh boots were highlighted by lace up suede detail up the back of the leg.

Military shades crept in on a cutaway, halter, khaki tank which was teamed to a languid, sport inspired, patent leather trackpant complete with cigarette leg, elasticised waist and gargantuan zip pockets.

An olive, wool, pea coat was paired to a liquid pewter, body caressing dress. Sexy drapery fell mid thigh. Taupe over the knee thigh boots finalised the tactile, neutral ensemble.

A candy apple red, v-neck, wraparound dress featured long sleeves with gold button cuff detail, an asymmetrical hemline cut dangerously high on the upper thigh and a satin obi belt to attenuate the waist.

A racy pantsuit consisted of sleek, form fitting, black, highwaisted trousers, racy boudoir meets the boardroom mesh triangular cami married to a panelled obi belt with multi ring detail. A peak shouldered tuxedo jacket was worn nonchalantly over shoulders. 

A molten metal, metallic gold pleated maxi skirt screamed of seventies disco connotations. A matching gold lame cami was twinned to the skirt. Bronze, T-bar sandals were an indulgent addition.

An inviting collection for the enduring socialite.

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.      

LANVIN PRE FALL 2016

LANVIN PRE FALL 2016

Design stalwart, Alber Elbaz departed Lanvin October 2015 after 14 years at the helm of the prestigious Parisian fashion house. Chomena Kamali and Lucio Finale were appointed acting Creative Directors, the result a sumptuously good collection steeped with sophistication and impeccable glamour.

The collection opened with a black, waxy, rubber coated trench complete with bouffant drop shoulder and raw unfinished hems. A white, poetic, high neck, scalloped, broderie anglaise blouse added drama to the ensemble which also included a floor grazing, regally hued, ruby, velvet maxi skirt. Accessories comprised of colossal, multi drop, diamante earrings, diamond patterned neckerchief and a small, neat, pearl encrusted boxy satchel.

A silk chartreuse pinafore swept the floor and starred in languid proportions. A tuxedo, wraparound blouse added polished panache to the fashion forward combination. A compelling patchwork, for fur coat featured in shades of toffee, vanilla fudge, butterscotch, and flecked mocha. A dark chocolate leather belt attenuated the waist, leather continued to adorn the cuffs and collar. The coat was married to suede culottes in the shade of maple. Victoriana themed, desert sand ankle boots were the footwear of choice with dainty almond toe and dark chocolate velvet shoelaces.

A generously cut, velvet, sapphire trench resembled a luxurious bathrobe.Voluminous, velvet palazzo pants matched the trench. Sleeves were pushed up insouciantly, on a pink and white candy stripe, ruffled shirt which was paired underneath. An ebony, fabric choker was emblazoned with dainty, red, bows.

Velvet continued to reign the design acumen and frequented a strapless, maxi dress with black bodice and crepe bandage straps that crossed over the decolletage and tied on the shoulder. A suede, mauve, belt drew in the waist which flowed fluidly into a lace, velvet and mesh panelled skirt. The colour palette included eggplant, ballet pink, maroon and noir. 

Poetic mash ups dominated on a deep, v-neck, flounce blouse in shades of aquamarine and cocoa, with gold foil detail. An alabaster, scalloped lace insert finalised the blouse which sat high on the hip. Mustard, tailored trousers in relaxed proportions brimmed with seventies connotations. For cocktail hour, a semi transparent, long sleeve, lace mini dress complete with ruffled bib will ensure you're queen of enchantment. Patent, leather, sharp pointed brogues added an androgynous edge.

Monochrome commanded a tailored, striped vest with origami qualities evident. Matching architectural, maximist culottes were of midi length and made for the fashion fearless. A buttersoft, leather, pleated camisole was a dapper accession. The billowing cami was teamed to an alabaster, fishtail midi skirt, a romantic ensemble with a modern day approach. 

A characterful collection oozing with ostentation for the self assured woman.

 

By Courtney Jones.  

 

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.

ISABEL MARANT SPRING 2016

ISABEL MARANT SPRING 2016

French designer Isabel Marant channelled the cultural lineage of North India's Rajasthan for her Spring 2016 collection. A colourful display was on offer bursting with distinctive Marant hallmark features for the bohemian globetrotter with a taste for all things embodying nomadic luxe.

Model Zuzu Tadeushuk opened the show in a cuffed, parachute silk, harem pant, which tapered at the ankle. The hip hugging pants offered freedom of movement and brimmed of energised cool. An ebony kimono inspired jacket was paired to an artisanal overcoat complete with frayed, raw effects hem and colourful embroidery in shades of magenta, silver, raven and fuchsia.

A pristine serape was updated with pearl trimmings and worn asymmetrically for a modernistic approach. White, effortless, peg leg trousers were an understated addition. Bold, strappy, rope entwined heels offered a gladiatorial air. A canary yellow chunky choker and lariat added a jolt of colour to the neckline.

Metallic pewter accents highlighted a relaxed, bouffant sleeve, hooded anorak which billowed with every stride Lexi Boling made. A ribbed, funnel neck, knit in milk was worn tucked into black knitted, high waisted briefs. Nautical rope pool slides concluded the look.

Danish theater actor turned model, Mathilde Brandi ignited the runway in scintillating, ice silver, sequin briefs. Ethnic Indian inspired wares continued to frequent the runway and dominated on a mirrored, embroidered, fringed tunic. The characterful garment featured high neck,  structured shoulders, 3/4 frayed sleeves and subtle peplum; an effervescent garment brimming with undeniable charm.

The classic white shirt was updated in an oversized, man style, arabesque complete with darting, gargantuan chest pockets, tabs and a button funnel neck. High waisted shorts in a fabric resembling aluminium foil were cut high on the thigh and radiated beautifully against the stark, white shirt. Tomato red, gladiator, rope sandals in cumbersome proportions were the footwear of choice.

Frenchy Josephine Le Tutour transmogrified into a bona fide, deluxe, jet setting hippie in a boxy, peak shoulder vest which was married to a pewter, lamé, voluminous blouse and a shrunken, ivory, sequin embellished jacket. Cuffs featured embroidery in a riot of colour. Shades included cumin, teal, paprika and bronze. Pearls and frayed trimmings punctuated the hemline. Monochromatic, pinstripe dhoti pants were of relaxed proportions. Ine Neefs modelled a full length overcoat version of the cropped ivory jacket which was teamed to liquid, iridescent, mercury hued sweat pants,oozing with insouciance. A combination rich in techy sportswear references.

Archival remnants continue to shine and will no doubt appeal to Marant aficionados galore.

By Courtney Jones.