BALMAIN RESORT 2016

BALMAIN RESORT 2016

Advocate of all things embodying feminine allure, Olivier Rousteing of Parisian house, Balmain delivered an empowering collection brimming with undeniable sass and ostentation. Pulsating energy engulfed intricate handiwork as Rousteing took us on an exotic journey back to the seventies decade with safari sojourns and  disco fever on the agenda.

The collection opened with a rigorously cut mushroom peak shoulder blazer which starred lace up panelling detail. A restrictive leather waist cincher in the shade of pearlescent pink drew in the waist. A stretch rose quartz ruched pencil skirt was a figure hugging addition with triple bows gracing the centre of the skirt. Signature vertiginous black suede caged booties brimmed with attitude.

A taupe harlequin check duster coat graced Dutch newcomer Julia Van Os' shoulders. Matching high waisted leggings were teamed to a cross over, deep decolletage bustier. Ysaunny Brito modelled a drawstring , leather shell in honeyed beige complete with safari inspired oversized pockets and interwoven pannier leather strips. A matching a-line mini skirt concluded the dapper ensemble.

The YSL archival 'Veruschka' safari dress was seemingly reinvented to star in desert sand suede. The body con dress was highlighted by structured shoulders, lace up front, chest and hip pockets, attenuated by a suede boxing belt complete with gold hardware.

A languid, burnt terracotta, floor sweeping maxi dress featured colossal sized, cuffed, drop armholes. The fluid silk fabric offered an iridescent sheen. Drawstring toggle waist, parachute pockets and suggestive centre split brimmed with siren-esque connotations. The forever covetable Balmain mini dress was updated in an earthy shade of mocha which featured a tight knit basket weave  bodice complete with textural suede lace up panelling throughout. Statement bamboo earrings oozed of jungle luxe. 

An LED city skyline played backdrop to a seductive khaki jumpsuit flaunting every curve of Van Os' physique. The plunging number featured lace up eyelet detail descending from the armpit to the ankle finalised with a leather waist cincher belt, polished perfection. Technical feats were prevalent on a lustrous chain engulfing, bronze embroidered, textural ebony, three quarter sleeve mini dress, decadence reigning supreme. 

Monochromatic graphic coral branches punctuated a velvet lace up blouse reminiscent of Tom Ford's 2002 YSL glory days. The coral embellishment continued to flourish on a ruffled flounce high-low hem evening skirt which was married to a matador derived cropped jacket.

The collection closed with a cherry blossom pink, cutaway ruffled evening dress. A voluminous top was paired to a romantic mermaid frilled skirt which conveyed sheer elegance. A striking coral collar in ink looked as though it was discovered deep in the depths of the spellbinding ocean.

By Courtney Jones.

Jayson Brunsdon A/W 2015

Jayson Brunsdon A/W 2015

Australian design virtuoso, Jayson Brunsdon produced a jubilant line up aptly titled 'GLAM' for his A/W 2015 collection.  The seventies decade was prevalent as Brunsdon delved into the realms of Pop Art sensation Andy Warhol for inspiration. Other influences included rock goddess Debbie Harry and pop sensation David Bowie. Brunsdon fused the iconic personalities with the sensuality of French fashion photographer Guy Bourdin's work, resulting in a collection oozing with empowerment and impeccable glamour.

Standouts included the 'Ziggy Jumpsuit' which featured racer front neckline with raven collar and opulent brocade bodice in sumptuous shades of orchid, aqua, cinnamon, ebony, mint and silver. The jumpsuit was nipped in at the waist to reveal high waisted trousers in languid proportions. The look was complete with silver centre plunge zipper and brocade detailing on hip pockets, a dapper accession.

Music idol Blondie played muse to the 'Glitter Rock Jacket' in opalescent silver and black. A boxy, modern day tuxedo jacket bursting with androgyny which was perfect for the rock renegade and a surefire scintillating addition to the wardrobe. A liquid silk fringed scarf accompanied the silk 'Cabaret Shirt'. The shirt was worn unbuttoned coquettishly for a look brimming with allure and insouciance. High waisted black and silver flecked trousers in relaxed proportions featured ice silver waistband detail which concluded the look.

Release your inner disco diva with the halter plunge mini dress. An effervescent party pleaser complete with lustrous silver sequin skirt grazing the upper thigh complemented by a black cummerbund attenuating the waist. A disco ball is mandatory! An iridescent gold sequin version featured short sleeve detail for those wishing for slightly more coverage.

Ostentation reigned supreme on a powder pink 'David Bowie Stole'. A bourgeois accessory and the epitome of all things lavish. Brunsdon teamed the stole to the 'Razor Blade Skirt'which starred in tomato red with asymmetrical stem hem. A cropped, round neck 'Psychedelic Top' featured floral brocade panelling with a distinct oriental twist. Oriental influences continued to dominate on the 'Bianca Gown', a striking, one shouldered evening dress complete with gold floral panelling creating a trompe loeil effect. A provocative thigh split made for a high voltage finish.

Textural mash-ups, in clashing fabrics worked harmoniously together to create a bold statement. A graphic, fuchsia and ebony skinny ribbed knit was married to the 'Glam Rock Pant' in magenta, copper, black and gold flared trousers. An opulent leopard fur stole worn casually over shoulders exuded lavishness.

Polished perfection ruled on the double breasted, above the knee 'The New York Dolls Coat' which emerged in medium bleached denim. Leopard fur adorned the cuffs and collar adding prestige to the equation. Denim lent a modern edge to the garment which had mod-squad connotations.

A ravishing collection delivered with magnetism and conviction. Stylish majesty produced by design king Jayson Brunsdon yet again.

Jayson Brunsdon is available at MYER stores nationally including the Designer Collection, Black Label Collection and Home Collection.

By Courtney Jones.

 

 

Balmain Pre Fall 2015

Balmain Pre Fall 2015

Revered designer Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, produced a Pre Fall 2015 Collection replete with grandiose and extravagance. The seventies decade style cue proved to be popular once again with designers this season and Rousteing was no exception to the rule.

Rousteing delved into new territory and experimented with bold, striking floral prints that commanded plenty of attention.

Rousteing states,"For this collection I felt the confidence to further evolve the signature look of Balmain, incorporating new and unexpected prints, colours and cuts".

Hemlines on offer included the signature micro mini proportions and free flowing, floor grazing pants so full in volume they resembled a maxi skirt.

Devon Windsor opened the collection in a monochromatic, photosynthesis inspired floral print Palazzo pant which was teamed to a black and white, candy striped turtleneck knit complete with black cuffs, neck and side panelling detail. A golden chartreuse overcoat punctuated the look adding a dose of colour and the staple leather boxing belt defined the waist creating a feminine silhouette.

The Balmain femme fatale is full of dynamism, uninhibited with a strong appetite for all things opulent updated with a modern edge. An ebony, fine knit turtleneck  sweater with exposed shoulder detail was twinned to a burnt tamarind, ruffle flounce skirt in sensual satin with high-low hem detail. A lustrous candy apple red waist cincher attenuated the waist. Semi sheer stockings, gold toe cap ankle cuff court shoe stilettos and raven woollen overcoat finalised the look.

Azure florals graced a high neck, ruffled mini dress with peekaboo keyhole and fluid, diaphanous Palazzo pant which was paired to a transparent, seductive blouse with a velvet tuxedo blazer thrown casually over the shoulder for an insouciant touch.

Disco fever prevailed on an ice silver, multi fringed cape dress. Crystal encrusted sleeves dazzled conjuring copious amounts of ostentation to the mix. Fringing continued to star on an emerald green, round neck mini dress complete with dolman sleeves and fringing in undulating patterns swathing every curve of the model's torso. High voltage glamour came in the form of a scarlet, ruched satin evening dress with provocative centre leg split. Sharp shoulder, aspirin dot mesh sleeves added the va-va-voom factor. Overblown fur sleeves accompanied a waxy leather blazer which was finalised with billowy, sheer, pleated trousers, leaving little to the imagination, ribbed knit and boxing belt. 

A magnetic, halter jumpsuit oozed of impeccable glamour and decadence. Fire engine red florals and jade green fauna were plastered throughout the garment. A high waisted matching belt elongated the languid trousers which draped casually on the floor. Pointy toed, velvet, crossover ankle strap stilettos concluded the look.

This collection is sure to resonate with the 'Balmain Army' with rigorously cut, defined silhouettes still proving to be an integral role in Rousteing's design mantra.

By Courtney Jones.

Maurie and Eve Spring/Summer 13/14

Maurie and Eve Spring / Summer 13 / 14

Maurie and Eve's Spring / Summer collection brimmed with eighties silhouettes and sporting references. Plenty of flesh was on display with athletic arabesques dominating the collection.

The Maurie and Eve clientele is a young woman who is fashion forward, trend savvy and keen to experiment with various looks. She isn't afraid of bold prints or eye popping shades of colour resulting in a confident, body baring spirit who is clearly comfortable in her own skin.

Key Spring pieces available in store now include a silk animal pinafore dress, embossed skater skirts, halter neck dresses in floral geo, burnt tangerine and leopard.Monochromatic black and white panelled shifts, apron crops and pencil skirts offering clean, minimalistic lines. Scuba inspired pieces were constructed from neoprene adding a sleek, functional feel to the garment.

Summer pieces included a white muscle tank with amethyst azalea panelling paired with a high waisted stretch pencil skirt complete with undulating hemline. The azalea print also featured on a racer front, midi dress worn spliced at the torso. A crisp, modern addition bursting with the elixir of youth.

An Isabel Marant inspired Ikat motif, overblown sleeve blouse was of relaxed proportions. A high-low ebony skirt with scalloped hem concluded the look.

A khaki, cheongsam neckline, mosaic lattice bomber jacket was complete with fluidity. A turquoise, silk, crossover bust, halter jumpsuit in 7/8 length was a chic, stylish, statement making garment. Centre split shin detail put a creative spin on the look resulting in a glamorous piece reminiscent of something Jerry Hall would've donned in the seventies. A tailored, bohemian, flavour springs to mind.

Reptilian fabrics played a starring role in the collection and were found on a body con dress with cut-out torso detail, chocolate goddess bustier and micro, hipster, paper bag shorts.

Frayed, tortured denim shorts channelling Candice Swanepoel's editorial in Spanish Vogue 2013 edition were worn revealing plenty of gluteus maximus. Distressed, ripped, sand blasted denim boyfriend jeans were worn with a stomach baring crop, think nineties Calvin Klein advertisement. Bauble sized pearls were strewn around the neck creating a juxtaposition of styles.

An architectural, oversized polo tee was twinned with white denim cut-offs, a cheeky addition. A sensual lace tee was worn with a dose of androgynous appeal. Lace also made an appearance on a knee length skirt with libidinous centre split worn with white opaque mini underneath. A seventies long sleeve, body skimming lace jumpsuit was worn with a plunging white bodysuit for modesty.

Rich mocha and ink cowhide prints were evident on jogging shorts, funnel neck crop tank and second skin dresses.

Closing the collection were a series of black sequined cocktail wear pieces comprising of a structured bustier, culottes and a 3/4 length jumpsuit only for the flamboyant and dauntless.

Purchase Maurie and Eve online from their E-boutique at www.maurieandve.com 

Pictured top left clockwise: Glow Jumpsuit, Forever Midi Dress,Hazy Shade Crop Top, Oh Boy! Jean, Goddess Bustier and Oh Boy! Short.

By Courtney Jones.