BLUSHING BEAUTY

BLUSHING BEAUTY

Embrace sensual nudes with romantic flounces, tactile suede, textural exotic snakeskin and iridescent shades for the ultimate in luminosity.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT-

GIVENCHY Dress $2785

LINDA FARROW Sunglasses $1595

GIVENCHY ‘Pandora’ Python Leather Box Bag $3960

ESSIE Nail Polish $19

CLARINS Lipstick $37

REPOSSI Rose Gold Twin Ring $9065

SAINT LAURENT Monogram Wallet $1115

GIVENCHY ‘Dahlia” Eau De Toilette $100

STUART WEITZMAN ‘Myex’ Sandal $660

LARSSON & JENNINGS Rose Gold Watch $470

CLARINS Eyeshadow Palette $58

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.      

SAINT LAURENT PRE FALL 2016

SAINT LAURENT 

PRE FALL 2016

French designer, Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent held his Pre Fall 2016 collection at the iconic Palladium Concert Hall located on Sunset Boulevard, California. Seventies, rock n roll swagger ruled the runway with models transmogrified into bona fide rockstars.

A chevron, leopard fur, midi coat was an absolute standout, paired to a bold tomato red, pussy bow blouse adorned with gold, glitter polka dots. Leather culottes in relaxed proportions were teamed to an ultra wide, black leather belt with gargantuan gold, ribbed metal buckle. Under the knee, almond toe, snakeskin boots added a sleek edge.

An indigo and sky paisley midi dress featured a high Victoriana collar, bib insert and pleating which fell under the bust. A sumptuous, snow leopard, fur gilet accompanied the dress. Velvet boots were encrusted with cascading, diamante flowers adding a regal touch to the bohemian ensemble.

Staz Lindes ignited the runway in an electrifying, lustrous, bronze, funnel neck midi dress. Bishop sleeves and an a-line silhouette brimmed with seventies style connotations, ideal for an uber cool songbird. A reptilian, boxing belt complete with tortoiseshell ring buckle attenuated the waist. Dramatic, burnished gold glitter eyeshadow was for the flamboyant.

A deep, plunging, peasant folklore maxi starred a scintillating, peacock print and sequin embellishment. A handkerchief hemline and billowy sleeves added poetic insouciance. The trusty, classic, skinny silk scarf was knotted nonchalantly on the side of the neck. 

A plush, panelled fur coat in shades of alabaster, ebony and flecked terracotta starred in an amplified arabesque. A coruscating, silver, beaded, turtleneck was married to leather, patchwork, culottes and gold, python, leather boots, insanely hip for those with a rebellious streak. 

A scarlet, velvet midi dress complete with black tulle, jesters collar and tulle, tiered lace cuffs evoked an enchanted, fairytale costume. A monochromatic, black sequin version featured a delicate, white lace collar, oozing with fragility.

Intricate, beaded, craftsmanship was on display on a dapper, decadent, turtleneck midi dress. Undulating fauna in coral and cornflower blue were punctuated by the ice silver, column beading. Peak, structured shoulders with flared sleeves were finalised with characterful ostrich feather cuffs resembling cheer squad pom poms.   

Start honing your music skills in order to sport this serious, rock n roll, stage get up!

By Courtney Jones.  

 

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

1) Luxury lover-

H&M bra $21

MOET & CHANDON Brut Imperial $50

REPOSSI Stack Ring $22 080

SAINT LAURENT Fringe Handbag $3162

JO MALONE Candle $90

VOGUE PARIS Magazine $14.95

GUCCI Sunglasses $800

SAINT LAURENT Sandals $985

DIOR Makeup Palette $110

TIFFANY & CO Diamond Earrings POA

MAC Lipstick $36

2) Tailored, casual cool-

MICHAEL KORS Watch $489

RAY-BAN Aviators $250

PARKER Pen $100

CALVIN KLEIN Trunks $52

RELIGION T-Shirt $40

BALLY Satchel $1650

PAUL SMITH Jeans $250

APPLE iPHONE 6s $1250

ACQUA DI GIO Eau De Parfum $145

POLO RALPH LAUREN Chambray Shirt $220

TODS Suede Loafer $600

3) Ocean explorer-

WITCHERY KIDS Stripe Tee $36

RAY-BAN Wayfarers $56

HAVAIANAS Thongs $38

DOT & BO Beach Art $39

US DIVERS Junior Snorkelling Combo $25

ONEILL Boardshorts $44

PUMPKIN PATCH Slip On $39

BONDS Chino $20

SEED HERITAGE Backpack $39.95

ROSANNA Beach Wall Decor $28

4) Dainty, girlie charm-

SEED HERITAGE Fedora $29.95

RAY-BAN Mirrored Aviators $59.95

SEED HERITAGE Two Piece $41

SEED HERITAGE Indian Bracelet Set $9.95

MACARONS Ladurée Macarons $3 each

PUMPKIN PATCH Sun Dress $37

SEED HERITAGE  T-bar Jelly Sandals $34

By Courtney Jones.

SAINT LAURENT SPRING 2016

SAINT LAURENT SPRING 2016

Designer Hedi Slimane of cult label Saint Laurent produced a Spring 2016 collection replete with 90s grunge elements. Vintage inspired finds brimming with rock n roll bohemia were the hallmark features of the deconstructed glam collection.

Model Steffi Soede opened the show in a liquid mercury hued slip dress. The body baring number featured a scintillating, plunging decolletage and provocative thigh split. A jewelled tiara sat low on the forehead and screamed of rock rebellion. Tomato red, patent stilettos featured a spindly heel, thin ankle strap and a cluster of fine red leather strips across the toes.

A fox fur, long line gilet starred in shades of vanilla, fudge and chocolate. A barely there, sheer slip dress with ruffled, scoop neckline accompanied the vest and featured a bead encrusted floral pattern. Black briefs were teamed underneath for modesty. Waxed ebony wellies completed the look. Lingerie as outerwear continued to be very much in attendance and frequented a gossamer, scalloped lace, slip dress. Dark glamour reigned supreme with raven floral applique gracing the gothic slip. A white, leather, shrunken moto jacket brimmed with "Don't mess with me!" attitude. A fearless combination evoking a strong rocker mood.

A bold display of exhibitionism dominated on a rouleau strap, liberated mesh mini. The transparent, suggestive dress was paired to jewel embellished briefs and a feather chubby. A daring combination bursting with the elixir of youth. Saint Laurent muse, Grace Hartzel took to the runway in an oversized, relaxed camo print jacket. The jacket was twinned to a deep decolletage, scintillating gold mini dress. A bejewelled tiara highlighted Hartzel's cascading auburn locks. A Glastonbury worthy outfit for music revellers aplenty.

British model Sam Rollinson modelled a kitsch, exotic, lion emblazoned bomber jacket in the shade of storm blue. A fishnet body con slip was layered to a v-neck sparkling sequin dress. Fine gold and silver chains adorned the neck and military green Wellingtons concluded the look.

A floaty, feminine, floral maxi starred in peaches and cream. Puff sleeves, keyhole and drawstring tie added a poetic edge. A matte paillette gold cardigan was teamed to the dress and worn off the shoulder for a nonchalant approach.

A shimmering, bias cut, silver slip dress ignited the runway and was paired to a textural shag overcoat in a kaleidoscope of colour.

Anarchy ruled on a neo-romantic evening dress comprising of silk chiffon and embroidered flowers in the dark gothic glam shade of raven. Ruching swathed the torso and a thigh split added the va va voom factor. A black and white, monochromatic, plumage flecked chubby added volume to the sensual number.

The collection closed with a series of silk charmeuse eveningwear looks in black and golden alabaster. Styles included bias cut, floor sweeping gowns with plunging necklines and delicate rouleau straps; after dark elegance with sexy silhouettes throughout.

A collection rich in youth culture, an attainable look for those with a penchant for all things eclectic and a spare past time of trawling through vintage stores and market stalls for that highly elusive fashion find. Think a heady mix of petticoat dresses married to your favourite faux fur chubby.

By Courtney Jones.

Saint Laurent Fall 2015

Saint Laurent Fall 2015

Masterful designer Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent produced a Fall 2015 collection radiating in upper crust Parisian rock chic. Models transformed into rock renegades storming the runway with swagger. This season Slimane dished out plenty of flesh baring numbers. The hallmark Le Smoking tuxedo was updated and featured twice on the runway in sleek streamlined proportions. Think mannish tailoring, shrunken to add a feminine edge. Braces and a narrow glitter tie completed the look.

Lili Sumner modelled a leather, ruched asymmetrical body con mini dress. A deep decolletage and provocative thigh split added fetishism connotations. Staple black, pointy toe ankle boots concluded the look.

Hedi Slimane muse, Grace Hartzel modelled  a stretch fishnet tee which was paired to a crinkled, patchwork reptilian a-line leather mini, oversized ebony and silver shag coat and a studded leather collar for the rebellious rock star.

A sunray pleat, fifties style prom dress starred in gold leopard. A sweetheart neckline added innocence. The waist was attenuated by a skinny leather belt. A vermilion, burgundy and raven fur chubby worked surprisingly well against the leopard print. A diamante encrusted broach accessorised the jacket. The prom dress was layered to a fishnet body stocking.

Seductive eveningwear came in the form of a sequined, embellished lace mini dress. A scalloped hem lent a flirtatious edge, whilst dainty beaded strands were suspended from shoulders to create a cap sleeve, tantalizing craftsmanship at its best. The look was toughened up with a gargantuan bike chain choker which added copious amounts of amplified attitude.

A Balmain inspired, wild zebra print, plunge asymmetrical mini dress dazzled in lustrous sequins. The monochromatic number featured long sleeves and centre twist torso detail.

A tulle tutu skirt was twinned to a gossamer lace blouse worn with delicate black bralet. A multi row crystal choker added a dose of glamour. The signature Saint Laurent motorcycle jacket hardened the silhouette. Trashed, ripped and laddered stockings added a devil may care attitude. A tulle, concertina neckline dominated on a strapless mini dress. Electrifying panels of studs, gold beading, polka dots, leather and sequins banded together by tough industrial asymmetrical zippers encompassed the torso as the model foxily strutted down the catwalk. 

Admirably wearable mentions include an azure leopard fur pea coat, leather skinny trousers, staple silk black shirt and an ivory ruched mini dress complete with leather and chain waist cincher and cascading fishtail.

By Courtney Jones.

Saint Laurent Fall 2014

Saint Laurent Fall 2014

Designer Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent produced a fall 2014 collection rich in sixties, English rock references. Free spirited, poetic gypsies ruled the runway. Creative muses played a driving force in the collection. The show commenced with model grace Hartzel emerging on the runway wearing a look that comprised of scintillating silver and black leopard print, v-neck mini dress, accessorised with a slimline armour belt, opaque black stockings and a monochromatic spotted tweed overcoat. Footwear consisted of sleek, under the knee, patent boots with mid block heel.

A red tartan, a-line mini was worn tucked into pristine, crisp white shirting, accessorised with an oversized satin bow. A boiled wool double breasted coat completed the look. Make-up was Twiggy inspired, think false eyelashes teamed with lashings of mascara and thick winged liquid liner oozing with sixties mod squad references. 

A Peter Pan collar featured on an ebony, velvet, mini, baby doll dress. Jewel encrusted, silver, decorative buttons added a touch of ostentation. Shrunken tweed suiting featured on a sharp shoulder, cropped, single breasted jacket with 3/4 sleeves. A high waisted a-line mini skirt was paired to the classic, staple white shirt. Bronze foil brocade starred on a jade turtleneck mini dress worn layered to a heavenly white fur coat. The dress was attenuated by a black lame bow belt. Narrow, almond toe glitter boots in the shade of bubblegum pink were an addition for the young at heart.

A navy plaid cape coat was twinned to a funnel neck, scarlet, leopard mini dress featuring centre front seam and iridescent molten sleeves finalised the look. This in turn made for a haphazardous combination. The covetable black, statement making fedora was back again this season yet the proportions were downsized dramatically from Saint Laurent's previous S/S 2013 RTW collection.

Gold stencilled guns cascaded over a black funnel mini dress. A tough luxe, leather, shrunken jacket with heavy duty hardware including silver studs screamed rock n roll. Gargantuan gold discs dangled precariously from Harleth Kuusik's lobes. A calf hair noir coat with leather placket and trimmings was married to a shimmering mod squad mini dress. A slimline boot with studded panel embellishment offered a chic take on luxury grunge.

Polka dots made an appearance and were evident on a transparent blouse paired to high waisted, butterscotch mini skirt and cropped androgynous leather jacket in a boxy arabesque. Lustrous, gold glitter, Mary Janes wouldn't look out of place on Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz. The time honoured safari dress was updated in liquid gold leather, worn belted and of body con style. Toffee, suede, under the knee desert boots with opaque stockings completed the look.

The bohemian, artists muse appeared in a kaleidoscope of fur strewn together to form a standout cape coat. For the enigmatic, a black fedora was slung low over the eyes. A fringed leather mini skirt with silver rivet hardware was teamed to a lame blouse and glistening silver glitter boots oozing of discotheque attire.

An alluring ruby red, lame, Marilyn Monroe inspired, deep plunge halter dress was modernized with skater mini dress proportions.

This collection offered countless style combinations. Classic shapes were reworked to put an edgy spin on garments.

By Courtney Jones.