ALEXANDER WANG SPRING 2016

ALEXANDER WANG SPRING 2016

Designer Alexander Wang, advocate of all things downtown cool, continued to take the fashion set by storm with his latest spring installment. Nineties grunge looks were street ready with a pulsating energy prevalent throughout. A rebellious streak injected attitude into the collection with tomboy mashups reigning supreme.

Lexi Boling opened the show in a milk hued cropped, scoop neck tank complete with rib panelling and chain strap detail. The navel baring crop was paired to hip hugging dove grey and black candy striped languid trousers. A mahogany crocodile belt sat low on the hips adding opulence to the casual ensemble.

A cobalt leather bomber jacket featured sloping shoulders and white varsity stripes, brimming with sporting references. A white Henley tank accompanied elasticised cornflower blue striped boxer shorts which were layered to distressed denim shorts in ink; an innovative design destined for the model off duty pack. Gargantuan chains festooned ebony platform pool slides. Rivets adorned the perimeter adding an industrial edge.

Military surplus dominated on a khaki, boxy, shrunken, structured jacket. A mesh figure hugging tank was married to generously cut culottes in striped mushroom and raven. Accessories included colossal chain link drop earrings and a mesh baseball cap. Understated utilitarian chic commanding the silhouette.

Urban jungle connotations lingered with Molly Blair modelling an olive full length vest finalised with a raw unfinished hem. The parachute silk was twinned to a mesh overlay. A basic oversized black mesh tank was layered to a grey marle cut-out sports crop and the boxer- denim short combo with built in leather detailing. Caged chrome studded slides amplified the rangy arabesque.

A waxed leather contemporary bustier featured silver strap chain detail. A faded black denim high waisted maxi skirt starred in relaxed proportions. Frayed hem and centre split brimmed with devil may care attitude. An oxblood patent bucket hat and mottled mustard sneakers were the accessory of choice.

A combat green colossal sized parka was embellished with statement making leather fringing. A revealing mesh turtleneck tank featured ribbed lady bug red and black striped neckline. Cropped, 7/8, black wash denim jeans were punctuated with distressed knee detail and fishnet overlay.

Seventies fringing continued to frequent a ninja black, leather embossed, bustier modelled by Alexander Wang favourite, Kasia Struss.  A floor grazing white denim maxi offered monochromatic appeal to the ensemble.

German model Anna Ewers closed the collection in a racer front, cut-away leather maxi dress. Trompe l'oeil effect fringing encompassed the torso, creating feminine allure. Grommets and lace inserts offered a juxtaposition of soft versus sinewy for the neo siren woman with a penchant for all things avant garde.

By Courtney Jones.

SEED HERITAGE SPRING / SUMMER 2015

SEED HERITAGE SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

The countdown to spring is upon us so now is the perfect time to update your wardrobe with admirably wearable pieces from Seed Heritage. Seed offers a sophisticated approach to casual spring / summer freedom.

Contemporary strides with a nod to the seventies, military surplus, utilitarian chic and safari style are just some of the pitch perfect trends on offer this season.

The hero piece of the collection is the Bluebell denim romper $150. This mid wash denim creation imbues insouciance and features cap sleeves, plunging v-neckline with button fastening at the bust. A triangle cut-out on the waist adds a sensual edge to high waisted denim shorts complete with gargantuan pockets. This piece was inspired by Stella McCartney's denim playsuit which retails at $1091. Splurge versus steal...get the look for less, I know which one I'd be purchasing! Offset your denim look with sumptuous fudge coloured accessories. Polished block heel sandals with ankle strap, eyelet belt and a neat boxy satchel were the order of the day.

A crisp white blazer with waist sash and silver ring hardware is a must have and was teamed to relaxed, frayed hem culottes. Diagonal fringing was splashed across the shorts adding earthy undertones to the city slick combination. Tactile suede Jane Gladiator heels $179.95 were influenced by Italian shoe designer Gianvito Rossi's version which retail for $1100.

The Flora Wrap Dress $149.95 starred in viscose and cotton. An indigo floral print adorned the bohemian number which comprised of long sleeves, tie waist and v-neckline, ideal for cool spring nights. Roll sleeves up for a nonchalant daytime approach.

Conjure exotic, safari expeditions in the Collection Tie Suede Dress 4399.95. The boxy sand hued shift is a great neutral wardrobe staple. Details include dipped neckline, gold eyelets, lace up front tie and gargantuan side pockets. If separates are your go-to opt for the Collection Wrap Suede Fringed Skirt $449.95. The luxurious nude skirt features an asymmetric hem falling from the mid thigh to the knee, revealing cascading suede fringing descending to the mid calf. The seventies style decade continues to reign supreme. Team the skirt to a basic, cutaway, funnel neck bodysuit in a form fitting arabesque.

Other key pieces include the apron style,Collection Silk Tie Top $149.95. Dainty rouleau straps, tie waist and waterfall panels cover the torso, power draping at its best. Marry the camisole to slim fitting flares for urban elegance.

Channel Grace Kelly in the Collection One Shoulder Wrap Dress $169.95. This radiant inclusion features a swirling skirt, cummerbund waist sash complete with colossal sized bow and an asymmetric neckline. A refreshing dress steeped with a playful defining quality.

Stay golden in the collection Eyelet Flare Short $129.95. An elasticised waist, front pleats and punctured eyelets light up the flirtatious garment. Twin to the matching Eyelet Crop Top $129.95. The ivory top features scoop neckline and eyelet trimmings, understated charm, splendid for a nautical sojourn. There's something to be said for summertime simplicity.

The new Seed Women's S / S collection will arrive in stores and online from August 2015.

By Courtney Jones.

 

Zadig and Voltaire Spring / Summer 2014

Zadig and Voltaire Spring / Summer 2014

Dishevelled, yet polished panache and Parisian glamour were the words that best conjured up the imagery of Zadig and Voltaire's S/S 2014 Collection.

Cecilia Bonstrom's latest display was the epitome of effortless, undone chic.

Hanne Gaby Odiele opened the show with plenty of swagger, modelling a slip dress, cascading mid thigh with grey scalloped lace trimmings. A collarless black and white woven rabbit fur jacket was accessorised with black cuffs resembling hardware and dainty gold bracelets. Cumbersome versus fragility were the juxtapositions prevalent. Delicate gold rings encased fingers.

Black, leather cropped trousers with reinforced pockets and side panelling were teamed with an embellished, antique lace blouse in the shade of white, kaftan style. A black fedora and chain handle shoulder handbag featuring leather tassel detail concluded the look.

A black leather, shrunken moto jacket complete with quilted shoulders was married to a jacquard bralet with a smattering of subtle crystals.

A Navajo inspired belt, worn slung low on the hip was teamed with a black mini skirt, layered with sheer lace, sequin adorned harem pants, only for the fearless.

A black silver, snakeskin, jacquard asymmetrical dress for after five, was accessorised with a statement making, black leather fringed shawl. Urban cowgirl crossed with luxe bohemian hippie best described the look.

Purism came in the form of white slouch suiting with relaxed proportions. The suit was worn with a silk camisole. Yellow piping detail on the trousers added an unexpected element to the look. A leather lace up, silver mesh tank was paired with a billowy, floor sweeping, dramatic lace kimono, reminiscent of dark gothic glamour. For a more affordable price point look to label 'For Love and Lemons' whose aesthetic is analogous.

Grunge elements were evident on a strapless, leather onesie worn mid calf with a strong dose of nonchalant appeal. A drop waist with pleat detail and spike trimmings lent a creative edge. A liquid gold sequin blazer with structured shoulder was coupled with a sheer, gold lurex tee dress, deconstructed at the neckline. A black triangle bra and knickers were worn underneath for modesty.

Jolts of venetian and candy apple red were found on barely there crochet knits spliced with black and white sporadic inserts. A dip dye woven rabbit fur coat, falling mid thigh complete with white fur trimmings was teamed with distressed, bleached denim shorts.

Covetable bijoux launched this season and colossal cross stud earrings and mixed metal bracelets were lust worthy accessories.

The staple Zadig and Voltaire grey and white snakeskin print appeared on a onesie teamed with metallic silver crocodile clutch and flat black buckle futuristic silver moto boots. Lurex socks made another runway appearance with designer Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent showcasing comparable socks just days earlier in Paris.

Mid western references crept in on a excessively fringed leather mini skirt,leather shell top with fringing descending over the bust and lastly a boatneck leather dress skimming the body.

By Courtney Jones.