MIU MIU SPRING 2017

MIU MIU SPRING 2017

Legendary Italian designer Miuccia Prada carved out a dandified Spring 2017 collection enriched in 60s and 70s post Italian war glamour. Pitch perfect style fused with retro connotations resonated with a succession of garments oozing with radiance and old world allure.

Look one was modelled by Dutch newcomer Birgit Kos and comprised of a raven, halter, bandeau swim top complete with button hole strap closure, Aztec embroidery plastered across the chest and a ruffled hem embodying girlish charm. Matching, high waisted full briefs completed the flirty swimwear set conjuring up images of 50s style pin up girls. An understated, black apron skirt was tied casually around the waist, exposing legs. A perfect beach cover up. Patent, black, double strap slides featured a tomato red, platform heel. An embellished, artisanal swim cap adorned the head adding sass to the ensemble.

Anastasia Panasenko modelled a 70s derived, graphic print bikini bralet in shades of khaki, mandarin, vanilla fudge and black. The abstract print continued to dominate on matching, high waisted, boy leg swim briefs. Eclectic, rimless, burnt orange sunglasses were oversized and sat low on the bridge of the nose. Peony pink pool slides were accented by mammoth camellia motifs adding flower power to the equation.

Gigi Hadid modelled a pristine, military green, tailored shirt. Sleeves were of 3/4 length. The wardrobe staple was worn tucked into high waisted, embroidered knickerbockers. A bouffant silhouette billowed from hips. A simplistic, polished, mini satchel was clutched neatly. Navy and fairy floss pink platform wedges in patent leather were a leg lengthening accession.

For those seeking less body baring mash ups look to the high shine, patent leather pea coat. The knee length inclusion starred contrasting white buttons and was nipped in at the waist by a slimline, toffee leather belt. The chic coat was teamed to a 60s inspired, high neck, blouse ignited by a graphic, oblong design in shades of cherry, muted pink and white. Paisley knickerbockers were twinned to the playful blouse. Pearlescent, peep toe, platform, T-bar wedges were the footwear of choice.

A culmination of cornflower blue garments dominated the runway and included a boiled wool pea coat, a terry floral robe, a belted trench and a delightful, voluminous petal clutch.

Italian nostalgia melded with coquettish enticement very much on the agenda.

By Courtney Jones.    

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.