COACH SPRING 2016

COACH SPRING 2016

Coach designer Stuart Vevers delivered an effervescent Spring 2016 collection replete with pulchritude. Lush bohemian florals in a riot of colour were splashed across an abundance of garments reminiscent of timeless style icon Ali Macgraw's signature look.

Botanic decadence flourished on a midi patchwork floral dress. Cobalt, fire engine red, lavender, emerald and ebony ignited the dress which starred in relaxed proportions. A raven, ruffled collar featured dainty bow and covered buttons descended down the placket. A raspberry red, leather moto jacket hardened the feminine silhouette, details included quilted shoulder inserts and tan suede ties. Ankle boots comprised of panelled camel, floral, black and white. An edgy accessory for the fashion forward woman. 

Spells of chiffon highlighted a granny inspired, scalloped floral blouse. An embroidered patchwork motif was emblazoned throughout the decolletage area. An a-line royal blue and ink quilted leather mini skirt brimmed with tough girl attitude. A small toffee leather satchel was embellished with camellias in hues of mustard and white. A leather chain strap handle exuded ladylike demure.

A biker vest was updated in a playful azure floral with leather trimmings and industrial zips. A flounce skirt with jade accordion pleats was teamed to a ribbed grey marle and floral Henley tee. A sweet yet sinful combination.

Seventies nostalgia dominated on a fudge hued leather coat complete with rum n raisin leather and desert sand suede inserts. The coat fell mid thigh and was punctuated by oversized gold buttons. A drop waist mini dress evoked an enchanted secret garden. Mammoth rounded square shades in yellow gradient were a characterful addition pulled off perfectly by Texan model Vanessa Moody.

A knitted kitsch, cobalt, turmeric, black and white crew neck jumper featured patterned moon, clouds and mountainous terrain. The knit was layered to a white high neck scalloped collar complete with dainty neck tie. A relaxed leather flounce skirt was adorned with patchwork motifs. A snakeskin bowling bag in neutral undertones completed the look.

A rigid, shrunken, geometric patchwork leather jacket blossomed in shades of powder puff blue, russet, paprika and muted olive. A ribbed diamond knit was teamed underneath the jacket. A scalloped terracotta suede and quilted leather mini was a rustic inclusion enlivened with bohemian qualities.

A lapis blue and burnt orange suit starred in elongated proportions. The slimline jacket featured oversized lapels and pockets. Body skimming flares with front flat placket oozed with deluxe hippie connotations. A paisley, keyhole, dolman sleeved blouse added a poetic element. Tiger loafers, charm bracelet and leather floral  studded cuff added pop art and tenderness to the mix.

A captivating collection for the Talitha Getty inspired jetsetter.

By Courtney Jones.

 

ALICE McCALL SPRING 2015

 ALICE McCALL SPRING 2015

Alice McCall delivered a whimsical Spring 2015 collection replete with flirtatious, free spirited connotations. Playful silhouettes embodying seventies bohemian charm played a starring role throughout the design equilibrium. Model besties Avril Alexander and Kendal Schuler fronted the campaign, posing together in a series of characterful garments brimming with girlish charisma.

Standouts included duck egg blue, midrise corduroy lace up flares which also featured in the shade of ebony. The flares were teamed to a dainty cut-out floral bralet or sleek black for those who prefer a minimalistic approach.

Scalloped embroidery frequented romantic, peasant folklore concoctions alongside cropped, cutaway, halter key hole blouses and high waisted playsuits including the exceptionally exquisite 'Better Be Good To Me' playsuit in the hue of angelic seashell.

Textured, saccharine lavender pink knits appeared on calf length pencil skirt, spliced crop top, three quarter sleeve keyhole body con mini dress and a relaxed shoestring strap sweetheart jumpsuit featuring wide leg arabesque complete with thigh high split.

Delicate floral applique lit up transparent stomach grazing blouses. Oversized sleeves lent fragility and innocence to the equation. A matching trumpet hem midi skirt concluded the modernised twinset. For those wishing to bare their pins team to the sculptural, origami inspired 'Miss You' shorts. 

Graphite and white intarsia knits featured undulating fauna in figure hugging contours, think cut-out bras, pencil skirts, jumpers, rompers and thigh skimming mini dresses.

Seventies playfulness reigned supreme on a striped salt n pepper dress. Fringing descended from under the bust and sleeve. The 'Higher Than The Sun' jumper version was paired to narrow, 7/8 lattice sheer trousers for those wishing to channel a tailored gypsy vibe, with a dose of masculinity thrown into the mix.

Saturated periwinkle blue, dominated a peacock motif, jersey, tie up, bustier playsuit. The striking pattern called for a sojourn to Florence. Languid Palazzo pants and relaxed shirt also featured the bold, crisp pattern.

Laura Ashley inspired paisleys made their way onto poetic bishop sleeve liberty print blouses, maxis and loose fitted shorts in relaxed proportions. Shades of sky, pistachio, blackcurrant and lapis punctuated the delicate pieces.

Linear cut cotton highlighted luscious, voluminous blouses, jumpsuits and cut-out shifts in dainty shades of wisteria and spring green.

Alice McCall debuted her swimwear line this season. Expect to see form fitting one pieces in black and white, seductive scoop backs and stretch lace inserts. For those who wish to opt for a bikini look no further than the 'Out Of Sight' twinset in a athletic design which includes racer front, adjustable straps teamed to stretch side Brazilian bottoms offering medium coverage.

'And She Was There, There She Goes' is an effervescent collection bursting with pulchritude, dropping in stores this August and September.

By Courtney Jones.

WATSON X WATSON SUMMER 15/16

WATSON X WATSON

WATSON X WATSON sisters, Somer and Liberty Watson delivered a S/S 15/16 collection replete with seventies effervescence. Disco connotations flourished throughout resulting in sassy sophistication for the alluring perennial party girl. The collection was titled Day Walker with deconstructed glam proving to be the order of the day.

Model Megan Blake Irwin took to the runway in a reconfigured kimono jacket which featured sloping cocoon shoulders with sleeves pushed up nonchalantly to reveal pinstripe lining which also starred on the collar of the decolletage. A scalloped denim, paisley and quilted tie dye patchwork mini was finalised with lace up detailing which sat seductively on the upper thigh. Pinstripes continued to flourish on a sleek, slimline shirt which was paired to paper bag waist, white shorts and cropped architectural bodice which was worn over the shirt. A charming interplay of layering suffused with the elixir of youth.

An ebony, 3/4 sleeve, beaded fauna mini dress was a tantalising addition. A simplistic shoestring bralet was married to  the dress for modesty. Clavicle grazing crystal drop earrings featured in circular discs and crystal strips by Australian jewellery designer Fiel Sol. Waxy cutout patent clogs concluded the look oozing of casual cool.

Demure proportions punctuated a crisp white midi skirt which was twinned to a tie dye quilted judo inspired jacket. The voluminous jacket was highlighted by dainty delicate florals which added a dose of sweetness.

Urban utilitarian chic dominated on a black roll sleeve tee which was accented by waxed leather inserts creating a heavenly textural mash up. Relaxed leather culottes fell high on the waist with industrial centre zip toughening up the arabesque.

 Strut your stuff to the discotheque in the tomato red, slinky asymmetrical camisole complete with high-low hem which was tucked into tailored shorts with the tail of the cami billowing with every stride Jayne Baily took on the foil covered runway. The generous draping added the glam factor. Scintillating crystal strip cuffs adorned the wrists, the ultimate bling worthy accessory. 

Double denim reigned supreme on a medium indigo wash staple denim shirt, a must have in every woman's wardrobe. The shirt was teamed to  paper bag waisted Capri pants in laid back proportions. A quilted obi sash attenuated the waist creating a feminine silhouette. Nude wooden clogs were the footwear of choice.

Other standouts comprised of an Oxford shirt dress which was paired to a navy sateen trench and a boatneck embellished sheer blouse coupled to contemporary tuxedo 7/8 trousers.

WATSON X WATSON'S Day Walker collection is available to purchase at their flagship boutique located at 29 William Street, Paddington.

By Courtney Jones.

 

Michael Kors Spring 2014

Michael Kors Spring 2014 RTW

Illustrious designer Michael Kors produced an uplifting S/S 14/15 collection. Crisp, feminine silhouettes oozed of polished panache. Generously cut, full circle skirts in midi length proportions dominated the collection offering romanticism and freedom of movement. New York fifties style housewife meets Brigitte Bardot on the French Riviera best conjures up Kors' aesthetic.

The collection opened with a succession of all white ensembles. A profusion of uncluttered lines starred on a high neck, cap sleeve shell top, whimsical full skirt, relaxed cashmere knit, tailored 3/4 trousers, flirtatious tea party dress complete with Peter Pan collar and skinny toffee leather belt with floral motif detail.

Dainty daffodils were emblazoned on a high waisted, above the knee voluminous skirt. The skirt was twinned to the classic white poplin shirt finalised with bourgeois French cuffs. Supermodel Candice Swanepoel modelled a sassy, effervescent, sailor inspired navy bustier complete with eyelet detail, leather butterscotch straps with white stitching. The leather straps encompassed her bare torso. The look was finalised with a micro mini dancer skirt and neutral macrame clutch. 

Demure hemlines were evident on a full navy skirt complete with bold geranium print scattered throughout. The skirt was paired to a matching shell top. A trend brimming with prestige and finesse that appears to be here to stay. Karmen Pedaru modelled a utilitarian anorak in the punchy shade of canary yellow. Kors' love and appreciation of tailored sportswear was apparent on this garment. The anorak offered minimalism in a chic, magnetic arabesque.

A tulle, transparent dancer skirt was highlighted by delicate geraniums. A botanical delight brimming of impeccable glamour sure to entice New York's society ladies. The time honoured sky blue shirt was married to the skirt an attributes included elongated sleeves grazing Ondria Hardin's knuckles. Kors' latest swimwear offering consisted of a floral print, canary yellow and apple green, ruched high waisted pant, twinned to a triangle bikini with matching shrunken, two button blazer complete with elbow length sleeve.

Plaid in neat, ladylike proportions played an integral role in the collection accentuating a boatneck mocha and white taffeta sundress complete with obi sash waist belt, tailored Capri pants, voluminous wraparound midi length shirtmaker dress and an insouciant button down shirt which was married to a calf grazing black wool gabardine skirt with thigh high split.

Gingham made an appearance on a breezy summer skirt which was coupled to a ribbed, off the shoulder, cropped ebony knit. A coffee plaited leather belt and crossbody shoulder bag accessorised the look. The collection closed with a series of monochromatic looks including a silk mikado skirt which lent graceful movement to every stride Caroline Trentini made and a structured deep v-neck plunge, cap sleeve midi dress, stylish decadence in modern proportions.

By Courtney Jones.

 

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney

Sydney Town Hall was transformed into a catwalk extravaganza for Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival. A ticketed consumer event aimed at fuelling the retail economy. Designers entice the consumer with displays of their collections currently instore. An app titled Boodl in association with MBFF was developed so the customer can purchase garments hot off the runway with their smart phone with a tap of their fingertips.

The schedule was divided into several shows. The most anticipated being the Spring/Summer Trends, showcasing looks from 33 Australian designers including Aje, Alice McCall, Camilla, Shakuhachi, Rachel Gilbert and Talulah. The shows duration totalled 45 minutes. Perhaps a fraction too long for most fashionistas who appeared overwhelmed by the number of looks to take in. An average show goes for 15 minutes maximum and this longer duration resulted in the attention span slipping radically for many of the shows attendees.

Key looks included diaphanous, billowy kaftans from Camilla evoking all things bohemian. Perfect for an exotic sojourn for the well versed traveller. Shakuhachi produced digi floral print dresses, bursting with bold flowers and botanica. An Aje standout comprised of a blossoming, floor length, chiffon maxi in petal pink. The bustier featured ruching and the gossamer skirt with provocative thigh split surged as the model strode down the runway. Ginger and Smart embraced the bralet this season, pairing it with jacquard emerald and navy tailored pant, complete with matching jacket worn casually cool over the shoulders. Rachel Gilbert added a dose of high voltage glamour with a flesh tone, strapless gown featuring undulating sequin panel embellishment, highlighting panels of delicate, wasp like, nylon tulle. Perfect for that red carpet event or for mere mortals, that special occasion. Market HQ provided youthful pieces for the budget conscious wanting there fashion fix at a fraction of the cost. Think trend driven pieces such as PVC moto vest, oversized college tees, white lace dress and a midriff baring top in racer silhouette. We Are Handsome continue to dominate the world with their edgy swimwear, think sexy 80s one pieces in shades of sorbet and barely there bikinis perfect for an iconic Australian summer.

Clockwise from top left: Ginger and Smart, Aje, Shakuhachi, Camilla.

By Courtney Jones.

Versace Resort 2014

Versace Resort 2014

Impeccably glamorous, stalwart Donatella Versace produced an enticing display this Resort season replete with practically minded pieces all bursting with the elixir of youth. Donatella continued to demonstrate Versace's calculated formula yet ingenuity was prevalent.

Model Stephanie Hall opened the collection in an off white, ruched, bandage effect, chiffon, long sleeved mini dress which featured sculpted torso and halter neck bib detail. A patent, crocodile envelope clutch with chain handle concluded the look.

Turquoise, Vichy check, relaxed style trousers sat slung low on the hips paired with a single breasted, shrunken, floral blazer with lightly padded peak shoulder silhouette, worn plunging with copious amounts of flesh exposed.

Fluid silhouettes conjured up a contrasting aesthetic, teamed with sailor references, think maxi skirts and man style trousers.

An array of St Tropez, Brigitte Bardot inspired pieces included an aquamarine, candy stripe cropped knit with Medusa head epaulet detail and an aqua Vichy check thigh split maxi skirt. Delectable, mouthwatering shades of sorbet and gelato were tempting enough to devour. 

A sleeveless liberty print shirt dress was worn buttoned up neatly with double breasted Medusa head buttons playing a starring role yet again. 

Saucy swimwear comprised of a suggestive, spliced, peek a boo, asymmetrical one piece teamed with Vichy checks. A turquoise leather lattice tote was a sassy addition, perfect to be sported in the crook of the elbow whilst strolling around Cannes.

A citrus, chartreuse mod squad, 2 piece skirt suit featured high waisted a-line mini skirt with titillating side split detail and a cropped, shrunken jacket. An ice vo-vo mini satchel was a saccharine accession.

A tantalisingly, risque LBD sculpted and hugged every curve. Slashed and knee grazing, a simplistic garment yet full of pulling power, think Azzedine Alaia glamazon, glory days.

A dominatrix inspired spin on the classic wardrobe staple, black blazer consisted of sheer, ruched chiffon sleeves paired with a thigh grazing opaque mini with ruched, chiffon, overlay. Australian design duo Bec and Bridge's S/S 2013 MBAFW collection featured a transparent chiffon ruched long sleeve top worn cropped at the navel. This was the embodiment of Versace's blazer and candy striped knits combined. Opt for Bec and Bridge's top for a comparable aesthetic which will be an absolute steal in price point correlated to Versace.

Burnt tangerine continued to dominate the runway and was found on a succession of garments including a provocative pencil skirt, clean minimalistic blazer, stretch figure hugging shift and cropped suiting complete with sailor inspired button detail.

Feel free to view my blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

Book me for personal fashion styling consultations- courtney@modestyling.com.au

By Courtney Jones.