Shona Joy Spring 2014

Shona Joy Spring 2014

Sydney based designer Shona Joy's latest installment was a culmination of modern contemporary garments in abstract expressionistic prints. Fractured blossoms channelling artist Georgia O'Keefe were prevalent throughout. Saturated hues in elongated silhouettes offered striking arabesques.

The collection commenced with the 'Gallery Bustier Midi Dress'. Features included a v-spliced neckline, exposed gold back zip and panelled polyester floral print in shades of midnight, grape and clouded dove grey. This multi hued print continued on a succession of garments including a cutaway crossover body con dress, shift dress replete with ebony mesh inserts, racer font crop top and matching high waisted pencil skirt.

Bold turquoise, white, black and peach sorbet shades flourished on a racer mini shift dress with a dose of athleticism thrown into the mix. The print continued to star and amplify a sweetheart bustier cleverly draped mini dress, a maxi dress complete with asymmetrical hemline and gathered waist creating an interplay of draping. A more modest option for those not wishing to sport micro proportions this spring. For the lover of separates, a trend set to explode this summer, the boxy tee and relaxed mini short is a great option sure to satisfy the artist within with a strong penchant for all things Prada.

Colour blocking played an integral role in the collection and was evident on a bright tangerine, white and black off the shoulder, body con dress complete with shoe string straps, cut-out triangle detail at the side torso and centre front. The polyester, viscose and elastane blend was a winning combination, fashion forward and practically minded. Cotton polyester rayon lace in the shade of black frequented a mesh spliced midi dress. The transparent panels added a sensual edge to the demure silhouette. The fabric also dominated on a bustier jumpsuit and for the fashion fearless- culottes.

Leopard devotees will rejoice at the snow leopard 'Impressionist Racer Mini Shift Dress'. Updated with fresh spearmint and white panelled hem. Kimono fans will covet the poetic 'Mini Robe Dress'. Fluidity and romanticism reign supreme with billowy sleeves adding an oriental twist.

1. Impressionist Mini Robe Dress

2. Obscura Wrap Mini Dress

3. Graphite Off The Shoulder Bodycon Dress

4.Gallery Fitted Crop Top / Gallery Pencil Skirt

5. Palette Relaxed Tee / Palette Mini Short

6.Romanticist Spliced Tee / Romanticist Culottes

7. The Minimalist Bustier Crossover maxi

8. Romanticist Mesh Spliced Midi Dress

Shona Joy's Spring 2014 collection is available online at www.shonajoy.com.au and at David Jones, Bondi Junction.

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.

Emilio Pucci Spring 2013

Emilio Pucci Spring 2013

Designer Peter Dundas of Milanese fashion house, Emilio Pucci showcased a defiant, empowering collection replete of mesmeric exhibitionism.
A profusion of transparent, wasp like layering left little to the imagination. Runway looks were showcased in colour blocked virginal white with sylph like airiness. Oriental embroidery featured heavily on garments, this heightened the origami silhouette effect. Cheongsam necklines played a reoccurring role throughout the collection. Sheer panelling was evident on halter, apron, column dresses which offered a tantalizing mix of provocation crossed with demurity.
Stylish ensembles included simplistic layered chiffon tanks and tunics with strategically placed embroidery.For the more modest woman, nude slips were worn as under garments.
A dainty, whimsical, sheer trench was belted and oozed of insouciance. The transparency of the trench highlighted the craftsmanship of this delicate garment replete with intricate bead work.
Minis were teamed with sheer maxi proportions. A cobalt, sumptuous silk, bomber jacket with cut out shoulder detail and overblown sleeves featured dragon motifs, paired with a hip hugging pencil skirt with covered button detail.
Relaxed kimono style wraps showcased utilitarian chic at its very best. 
A vivacious, oriental inspired, asymmetrical dress complete with obi and quilted hem detail showcased punchy contours.
The famous Pucci scarf print made several appearances on culottes, pyjama pants and kimonos in delicious shades of pistachio, chocolate and khaki. Other prints featured scarlet and deep vermilion.
Femininity and languid free forms featured on bandeau, knotted, halter maxis. Enigmatic black held its own on the runway and was found on a boatneck, slinky floor length number with regal gold dragon design and a high neck tunic dress with voluminous sleeves.
A captivating racer front, fire engine red, halter column dress with sexy side splits was the closing number of the show modelled by Joan Smalls.
Amplified footwear included platform, knotted espadrilles and strappy croc platforms in shades of gold, black and khaki. Super sized visor sunglasses in shades of pewter were the eye wear of choice. Jewellery was kept to a bare minimum. Sleek white cuffs with gold hardware graced models wrists. Tres chic, glossy, convex, white minaudieres and envelope clutches offered the timeless glamour associated with the effervescent Pucci woman.

By Courtney Jones.