ALTUZARRA FALL 2016

ALTUZARRA FALL 2016

Paris born designer, Joseph Altuzarra delivered an eclectic collection for his New York Fall 2016 show. Gypset, globetrotters with a penchant for all things luxurious were on the agenda with tailored garments mixed with exotic, bohemian prints and fabrics very much in attendance.

An Ikat, monochromatic, structured blouse featured a raw, frayed, subtle v-neck, peak shoulders and a collage of multi diamond and zig zag patterns throughout. The artisanal blouse was worn tucked into a midnight, paisley, knee length skirt. Two provocative thigh splits oozed with sensuality and mystique. Under the knee, jacquard boots flourished with dainty, ebony flowers.

A black and white, oversized snood was paired to a cabernet, tasselled skirt. The crimson popped delightfully against a stark, white, body skimming pencil skirt with black accents. Industrial zippers featured on the skirt pockets adding a nonchalant edge. Ladylike pearls dangled freely from lobes. 

A beetroot, woven blouse inspired by antique Indian textiles was coupled to aubergine,drawstring, languid trousers complete with black velvet trimmings. An unlikely combination for the free spirited woman. Navy, almond toe, reptilian ankle boots were a striking accessory.

Dutch model Romy Schonberger, modelled an ivory knitted turtleneck complete with black, blanket stitching cascading down the centre. A floral, leather bomber jacket was adorned with large, black, leather pockets, delicate flora and a plush shearling collar was layered to the knit. A scarf print pencil skirt oozed with finesse and featured centre, button closure with a seductive split revealing plenty of thigh, baring flesh.

Rock n roll dominated on a ribbed, teal, slouch knit sweater enlivened by fuchsia, sky and ebony v shape fringing, very Isabel Marant. A slimline, jogging pant punctuated by teal stripes finalised the insouciant, athleisure number.

The collection closed with a succession of fluid, handkerchief hem maxi skirts and evening dresses emblazoned with silver, spangled sequins and soutache embroidery. Texan catwalk fave, Vanessa Moody modelled a standout, plunging, vermilion and burgundy full skirted maxi dress brimming with gypsy, ostentation. Adept artistry shone bright on the hand embellished garment, think black sequin rosettes, borders and undulating lace patterns in ice silver. Style cues derived from Indian saris, ethnicity reigning supreme.

By Courtney Jones.  

Alexander Wang Pre Fall 2015

Alexander Wang 

Pre Fall 2015

For Alexander Wang's eponymous line, the designer experimented with utilitarian, military surplus undercurrents which were admirably wearable. Wang toyed with all things contemporary coupled with eclecticism resulting in renegade garments with ample cool factor. 

The collection opened with an oversized, single button, blazer in the shade of eggplant, generously sized throughout the torso, falling on the upper thigh. The blazer was twinned to a knee length pencil skirt in ebony and royal blue which featured a stiff, white, scalloped hem and knitted gridding with transparent panelling revealing the thighs. The look was accessorised with black fishnet stockings which added theatrical qualities. A large, pebbled duffle bag was minimalistic in all its glory. Ladies get your name on that waiting list now! White court shoes sported cut-outs adding femininity to the mix.

A Missoni inspired cardigan was a textural delight oozing with undeniable charm. The colour palette consisted of tomato, charcoal and raven. Sleeves and bodice featured delphic pleating with 4 row embroidery adding delicate whimsy. The striped colour blocked panelling complemented the deep plunging v-neckline. Black and white plaid, flat front trousers with welt pocket starred in languid proportions adding eighties powerhouse connotations. 

Wang ventured into the boudoir this season with a forest green, sensual, double layered silk petticoat slip dress. The bias cut fell below Vanessa Moody's kneecap. Rouleau straps and triangle bust detail brimmed with luxurious simplicity. Seductive loungewear at its best. A camisole version in liquid ink also made an appearance, twinned to a high waisted, ruched pencil skirt, fishnet stockings and milk chocolate, suede almond toe midi boots.

Black and white candy stripes featured predominantly in the collection which on closer inspection exposed peekaboo cutouts revealing windows of flesh throughout as though the garment was sutured together, acting as a second skin. A monochromatic turtleneck, figure hugging pencil skirt and stretch cardigan all displayed the black and white panelling which in turn was teamed to a glistening pony skin skirt, khaki duster coat and an asymmetrical military green flounce skirt. A structured leather shell top and tunic featured jewel neckline with multiple asymmetrical zips encompassing the torso. The shell was married to mannish plaid flares. the shift dress starred a subtle trapeze hemline which softened the hardened arabesque. 

For those looking for a jolt of colour, the polished trench coat in the shade of wild bamboo offered endless styling possibilities. Wang paired it to a body con ruched dress for a flirtatious edge.

By Courtney Jones.