BALMAIN RESORT 2017

BALMAIN RESORT 2017

Parisian designer Olivier Rousteing created an exuberant Resort 2017 collection. Rousteing worked his masterful way on impeccably glamorous garments ideal for the self assured woman. Retro, 70s style elements and alluring 90s connotations echoed throughout. A role call of uber models including Russians Sasha Luss and Valery Kaufman fronted the high octane Resort campaign.

Luss modelled a colour blocked, striated, macrame mini dress complete with gold chain trimmings. The eye popping number starred in shades of cobalt, emerald, pineapple, orange and rose. Exposed shoulders, long sleeves, thigh grazing hemline and scoop neck detail oozed with the elixir of youth. The signature boxing belt made a cameo appearance finalised with a jade and tassel fastening.

Electrifying denim was remodelled in various silhouettes including a 7/8 trench dress deconstructed with military accents spliced to reveal nude organza panelling. Desert sand, platform, suede peep toe booties and a matching tasselled suede obi belt concluded the avant garde creation. A mid wash, denim trench was worn languidly. The staple trench was coupled to a deep decolletage, fringed, wraparound, macrame, maxi. The tasselled, plunging neckline screamed of the 70s decade. A sleeveless, tailored, safari jacket in duck egg blue denim was a streamlined addition. Four pockets with gold button accroutement and tie sash waist highlighted the foxy ensemble. Floor grazing denim flares resulted in a polished look. A midnight halter macrame, transparent mini was layered to a calf length matching cardi worn off the shoulder for a nonchalant approach.

Lively, Crayola box brights punctuated a crochet, peak shoulder, long sleeve, mini dress. Undulating panels were fused with geometric shapes in a colour palette consisting of tangerine, royal blue, azure and cardamon. A boatneck, floor grazing version starred trompe l'oeil panelling, hugging curves in all the right places. Fluid draping prevailed on a mandarin, liquid silk, cutaway, floor sweeping camisole. A wraparound bust was divided to reveal a triangle of torso flesh. A high waisted multi hued crochet maxi with double side split detail was a sublime accession pared back to the generous power draped cami.

A jewel tone, marmalade, exposed shoulder, extended waterfall sleeve blouse with scoop neck featured a decorative fringed bib in pewter. The diaphanous blouse was worn tucked into flat front, high waisted trousers slashed to unveil thigh high centre split uncovering bare pins.A ponyskin, leopard, tasselled belt attenuated the waist.

Precision tailoring featured on a pristine, marshmallow, cut out suit, windows of skin exposed, adding a flirtatious edge. A v-neckline, flared sleeves and tie waist created a feminine arabesque. Relaxed, floppy flares, caressed legs while a statement making bold, gold, jewel encrusted collar framed the neck. An oversized, metallic silver woven knit jumper starred drop armholes, elongated sleeves and a ribbed neck and hemline. A matching maxi in narrow proportions finalised the nonchalant number. A deep forest green, slinky, tiered, mousseline, maxi skirt was ignited by thigh cut-outs. A round neck, mullet cami in the matching shade of green added minimalism to the equation. A sumptuous suede, khaki cape coat brimmed of polished pananche. Midnight blue, mousseline ruffles cascaded from above the knee to the ground. A colossal gold chain choker festooned with an agate indigo and sky centrepiece. Iridescent, burnished gold, embellished flared trousers in leopard were a dramatic after five option. A woven metallic funnel neck jumper resembling tactile chainmail worked well against the scintillating trousers.

An uplifting collection replete with ostentation and pulchritude.

By Courtney Jones.   

 

 

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER FALL COUTURE 2016

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER FALL COUTURE 2016

French designer Alexandre Vauthier produced a victorious Fall Couture collection. Enlivened garments displaying exhibitionism were the order of the day, with a distinct commando does couture vibe present.

Catwalk queen Sasha Luss modelled a taupe, sweetheart bustier mini dress comprising of overlapped, horizontal strips punctuated by rivets aplenty. The thigh grazing, body con number was paired to a desert sand, sahrienne parka worn nonchalantly over shoulders. Neutral, bandage, high heeled sandals accented by eyelets concluded the intoxicating combo.

A plush, ombre, midi length fox fur coat starred  in shades of vanilla, butterscotch and salted caramel. The voluminous proportions were attenuated by a perforated, khaki, canvas belt which finalised the impeccably glamorous  winter warmer.

Texan model Lindsey Wixon modelled a showstopping, military green, deconstructed, abstract gown. Details included a strapless step neckline bodice, capacious wraparound skirt revealing a centre split with plenty of leg on offer. A punctuated, over extended belt was wrapped around the waist numerous times and knotted ever so nonchalantly with the remainder of the belt cascading to the calf. Forest green, suede lace up stilettos were the footwear of choice, ready for battle!

American Molly Blair modelled an oxblood, oversized, patent leather trench coat. Sloping shoulders, blouson sleeves, epaulettes and gun patch frequented the polished addition. Matching thigh boots featured subtle ruching, plummeting down a centre seam, oozing of sheer attitude for the liberated woman.

Dutch model Romy Schonberger took to the runway in an onyx, plumage emblazoned, strapless, mini dress. Gravity eluding feathers sewn vertically framed the decolletage ever so delicately. A matte, seaweed, accentuated waist bow nipped in the waist. An alluring cocktail number sure to get you noticed.

Androgynous tailoring came in the form of an enlarged, man style, classic white shirt, sleeves rolled up for the casual cool factor. Embellished, camouflage cargo pants were married to the staple shirt worn slouchy and cuffed. A buttersoft, leather fudge belt, chunky bejewelled layered bangles and juniper eyelet accented, ankle strap stilettos were the accessories of choice.

The fitted tuxedo was reinvented, this time consisting of a slinky maxi silhouette with a sky high thigh split. Oversized black fishnet stockings were adorned with dainty silver crystals adding a graphic element to the monochromatic garment. A plunging neckline, ink obi sash and black courts concluded the suggestive evening dress.

Easy elegance with an unmistakable Parisian mood proved to be the style flavour on the agenda.

By Courtney Jones.

BALMAIN FALL 2016

BALMAIN FALL 2016

Designer Olivier Rousteing of Balmain produced a hedonistic, sizzling collection steeped in opulence. Feminine, sculptural silhouettes reminiscent of Alexander McQueen's design DNA featured, pulsating energy echoing throughout. The decadent collection was held at the Palais Royal and played host to a menagerie of celebrities, all ready for their close up.

Model of the moment, Kendall Jenner opened the show in a powdered storm grey, pinstripe, sharp shouldered, full length, cardigan coat teamed to matching body con tank. A restrictive, high waisted, corseted skirt fell on the upper thigh. Details included boning, silver hook and eye and sumptuous fur panels.Suede thigh high boots emulating Stuart Weitzman's 'Highland' style concluded the look.

Tami Williams exuded 80s prowess in a powerhouse suede and fur sleeve, crossover, wrapped jacket. The voluminous jacket was paired to high waisted, flat front, stretch suede leggings. A signature boxing belt in chrome finalised the ensemble.

Danish beauty Josephine Skriver modelled an ice vo-vo, baroque inspired creation comprising of a high neck with cut out shoulder detail, ornate rose gold pearl embellishment and copious rows of tasselled pointrines dangling from the bust and sleeves. A white and gold cincher nipped in the waist which flowed fluidly into a scalloped hem mini skirt adorned with delicate, undulating beading. 

Statuesque Karlie Kloss took to the runway in a ballet pink, corseted camisole. The structured bodice celebrated the female silhouette. Ethereal, transparent lace trousers caressed legs and starred cascading silk waterfall ruffles. A corrugated crystal plate choker with gold hardware was oversized and hardened the romantic garments. A powder puff blue, tapestry silk brocade ignited a striking, off the shoulder, long sleeve, corseted blouse. Sheer panels highlighted the decolletage with brocade seams concluding the peplum blouse. Matching body conscious, stretch trousers encased every curve of Katya Ledneva's lithe physique.

Catwoman references were evident on a  sensual, black velvet, bodysuit. Long sleeves, structured shoulders, nude panelling and velvet breast cups exuded a modern day gothic renegade. Stretch flat front trousers with darting concluded the fierce look.

A spectacular collection brimming with couture like finesse. Perennial party girls rejoice, Rousteing has delivered yet again.

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.

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.

 

ATELIER VERSACE COUTURE FALL 2015

ATELIER VERSACE COUTURE

Donatella Versace took us on an excursion to the enchanted garden for her Fall 2015 Couture collection.Sylph like, ethereal beauties took to the runway in breathtaking spells of chiffon brimming with grandeur.

Lara Stone opened the collection in a plunging, chiffon, lilac deconstructed evening dress featuring bell sleeves, frayed edges and chainmail trimmings complete with torso cut-out detail. A delicate flower crown adorned her undone tousled tresses. Footwear comprised of patent, platform, lavender Gogo boots.

A pistachio peplum blouse featured dainty floral embroidered panelling. Industrial silver sutures hardened the billowy blouse which was attenuated by a slimline oversized patent belt. Narrow trousers were spliced to reveal window panes of flesh and fauna applique graced the upper thigh.

A pineapple hued, v-neck, embellished chainmail gown starred cascading applique, rouleau straps and a singular sleeve of chiffon finalised with a raw edge. Canary yellow boots added a kitsch element to the impeccably glamorous dress.

Mica Arganaraz modelled a magenta and azure velvet hand painted, floral fil coupe, floor sweeping gown. A draped asymmetrical panel swathed the torso which flowed freely into a mahogany caged corset. A triangle bralet highlighted the right hand side of the garment. An open back added a suggestive element. Rosie Huntington Whiteley wore this sumptuous creation to the recent amfAR event in Paris.

A bold saturated fuchsia chiffon punctuated a deep decolletage evening dress. A chiffon bib cascaded over the bust to reveal crimson floral embellishment and bias cut skirt complete with thigh high split. Black platform patent sandals featured multi strap, silver suture detail. Ostentatious hippie best describes this diaphanous look.

Gossamer lace corsetry defined by velvet amethyst boning graced a body con mini dress. An open floor sweeping maxi skirt gathered around the waist to reveal ornate iridescent blossoms in shades of cotton candy, ice blue, flame, cerise and Persian rose.

Anna Ewers modelled an oyster grey racer front, gauzy, hand beaded asymmetrical micro mini dress. A rouleau strap, chiffon overlay offered freedom of movement, descending flounces oozed with allurement.

Dark gothic glam dominated on an emerald, sugilite and ebony cocktail dress worn by Maartje Verhoef. A crinkled chiffon scarf graced the neck which proceeded to decorate the bust. Floral, ebony and transparent panelling highlighted the suggestive number. Take note, amazonian prowess required. For the ultimate in showgirl appeal don the topaz marabou corset gown. Plumage engulfed the voluminous dress which consisted of chiffon accordion pleat frayed pieces interwoven with heavenly feathers, a frothy delight. Undulating diamantes formed botanical patterns. A titillating thigh split added the Versace va va voom factor. I'm confident Aussie pop princess Kylie Minogue will be coveting this number for her upcoming performances.

A spectacular couture collection with all the hallmarks Versace is famed for.

By Courtney Jones.

VALENTINO RESORT 2016

VALENTINO RESORT 2016

Designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino lent their masterful ways to produce a triumphant manifestation for Valentino's Resort 2016 collection. Intricate handiwork flourished on folk heritage inspired garments bursting with sheer enchantment.

Ine Neefs opened the show in a crew neck salt n pepper knit complete with gold lurex neckline. This wardrobe staple was teamed to an ebony double breasted coat with Ikat derived embroidery which blossomed on the forearms in an array of eye catching shades including emerald, tangerine and azure. A drop waist captivating aspirin dot mesh maxi featured embellished beadwork panelling which brimmed of decadence. The look was accessorised with patterned sneakers, an unlikely combination that worked surprisingly well juxtaposed against the couture refinement.

Ingenue connotations dominated on a statement full length a-line mesh embroidered dress. Long sleeves and high neck detail graced the artisanal garment. Flower and fauna applique starred in shades of cherry, buttercup, forest green and turquoise which offset beautifully against the ebony and mocha bodice. Lavish military surplus was the order of the day on a golden khaki utilitarian jacket complete with embroidered epaulets, pocket flaps and cuffs. A pebbled raven satchel featured stud detail and a wide woven shoulder strap in a kaleidoscope of colour. This updated jacket was twinned to a round neck ethnic pleated mini dress. Earrings resembling dream catchers dangled precariously from the model's lobes finalised with dainty feathers.

A leather intarsia bomber jacket was adorned with the Canadian Maple leaf motif. Other flags to grace the boldly hued moto jacket included the Brazilian flag which was intermixed with the Bolivian flag lending a multicultural edge. A monochromatic scalloped broderie anglaise panelled mini dress featured lace up keyhole and translucent petticoat slip for modesty.

Exquisite craftsmanship ruled on a black gossamer lace ankle grazing dress. The high neckline oozed of poetic romanticism. The sheer body skimming silhouette was scattered with cascading butterflies, bird life and an oversized tree motif which displayed a smirking monkey and robust elephant. A tasselled square clutch complete with tooled purse clasp concluded with a turquoise stone. The seventies continues to reign supreme.

Magical Valentino DNA was embedded into a lavish patchwork floor sweeping dress. Scarlet spidery lace inserts through the mid torso section gave way to delicate floral fabrics in shades of pistachio, grape, flame, cobalt, flamingo and alabaster. A wondrous concoction brimming with tenderness and fragility.

A brocade, empire line full skirted dress featured in micro proportions. The floral print resembled a Monet painting with a field of flowers blossoming throughout the entire dress. Simplistic chocolate leather sandals with crossover ankle detail came complete with gold leaf embellishment across the breadth of the foot. 

A muted cornflower blue evening gown with subtle bishop sleeve was sheathed by ethereal flowers, a shop stopping addition exuding luxurious peasant folklore .

A heavenly intercontinental collection surging with pulchritude sure to grace fashion royalty and glossies worldwide.

By Courtney Jones.