Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2014

Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2014

Feminine charm prevailed yet again this S/S 2014 season for Parisian designer Isabel Marant. Delicate pieces oozing with whimsical allure were annealed with leather, grommets and structured arabesques.

Elisabeth Erm opened the collection in a boxy, sharp shouldered tuxedo jacket comprising of elongated torso, satin nonchalant lapels and sleeves worn cuffed mid elbow length. A  layered, white frothy, lace mini dress brimming with innocence produced femininity combined with the tuxedo jacket equalling masculinity. A grosgrain ribbon acted as a sash belt adding casual cool to the equation.

A ruffled pure white camisole with ethereal qualities featured embellished panelling. This look was twinned with leather 3/4 track pants complete with lace up, grommet and blanket stitch pocket detail creating a cutting edge aesthetic. Leather, braided cuffs were the accoutrement of choice.

Hana Jirickova modelled a pair of distressed, muted salmon, denim shorts, deconstructed and frayed throughout were teamed with a lace boatneck top dissected at the shoulder seemingly held together by sutures.

Romanticism ruled on a dramatic, ruffled, sheer jacket featuring sculptural rounded shoulder. A Breton scoop neck tank accompanied the jacket and was complete when paired with relaxed, flesh trouser and beaded tassel lariat. A tiered, leather rah rah skirt with halter layered puristic cami was street or boudoir applicable. Hardened femininity was a reoccurring theme for Marant.

White, broderie anglaise, lace up trousers accessorised with cumbersome plaited leather belt were teamed with pale ice vo vo sheer scoop basic tank and a collarless ruched sleeve and bodice jacket with raw edge ruffle detail.

An indigo wash denim blazer featuring black lapels and sensual lace inserts was pieced together with matching floral lace tee and ivory pink, utilitarian trouser with robust hardware.

Svetlana Zakharova modelled a chiffon, flounce, spaghetti strap, mini dress featuring peach coloured blossoms reminiscent of a Cezanne painting. A leather strip bow belt attenuated the waist.

A dash of insolence was evident on a leather boatneck, long sleeve, drop waist tunic, tiered lace hemline in ultra short proportions. Country and western influences and Marant DNA was mixed with French savvy.

A lace, scalloped triangle bralet was full of enchantment, this was paired with black denim Bermudas and an organza, ruffle shrug.

Footwear continually dominates a Marant collection yet this season Marant didn't quite hit the mark with her rendition of a bulky Mary Jane crossed with a bootie complete with stud and grommet embellishment cascading down the t-bar strap of the shoe. A sturdy, suede cone heel ensured stability. Only time will tell if this shoe is as well received as Marant's famed wedge sneaker.

By Courtney Jones.

Alexander Wang Spring 2014

Alexander Wang Spring 2014

Fashion prodigy Alexander Wang, a talent beyond his 29 years of age, showcased his Spring 2014 Collection at New York Fashion Week with much hype surrounding his show. Highly respected amongst fashion peers, Wang didn't disappoint. He is the designer who consistently breaks new ground with covetable clothing and fashion darlings aplenty clamour to get their hands on anything labelled Wang!

Fashion newcomer Anna Ewers opened the show in a dove grey, pleated, rah rah skirt with white cummerbund slung low over hips. A navel baring, sloping shoulder sweat with funnel neck offered clean, stark lines. Ewers clenched an envelope clutch which was clasped at the base of the bag for nonchalant cool. Materials included mustard pebbled leather with black accents.

Post show model Josephine Skriver posted a photo of herself on Instagram with her new handbag, a gift from Wang. A handbag which will definitely have an extensive waiting list. The pulling power of the official Model off Duty uniform continues to reign supreme.

A feminine powder puff blue, cropped peplum camisole, was paired with a free flowing man style trouser worn 7/8 length. A doctor's style envelope clutch in oxblood hardened the silhouette. High waisted, fluid, grey marle culottes were teamed with a grey argyle knit cardigan worn buttoned at the bust. The look embodied loungewear with a preppy twist.

A modern day pyjama ensemble comprised of a muted rose pinstripe boxer short with elasticised waist and scalloped hem married with structured elbow length shirt with stiff white collar detail. A long sleeve version featured in the shade of cornflower blue.

A leather trackpant with strong athletic references was teamed with a midriff baring oversized top with bib overlay complete with asymmetrical hemline. Irina Kravchenko sported a deep mahogany pebbled overnight bag, concluding the look.

Nineties slogans were emblazoned across tees including 'Parental Advisory Explicit Content' in techy pearlescent fabrics. Perforated, flesh tone, elbow length leather gloves accompanied a houndstooth bralet and culotte. Houndstooth continued to feature on a parka, mini skirt and cropped top.

Logo mania dominated on a pinafore dress consisting of leather strips emblazoned with the letters ALEXANDER WANG. Logo adornment continued throughout and was evident on a high waisted skirt with thigh high split detail and leather strap braces, a white and grey leather slip dress worn low on the bust and a boatneck apron dress.

Wang favourite Kasia Struss donned a white, wrap, bouffant straight jacket twinned with flat front high waisted short with side peplum.

Platform pointy toed shootie with chunky sculptural heel, metal eyelets and criss cross laces were the footwear of choice.

Erin Wasson closed the show in a square boatneck, white perforated knee length apron with cross strap detail and pleated skirting worn exposing side bust, modesty was not evident here. Fashionistas will be waiting with baited breath for the much anticipated unveiling of Wang's Balenciaga collection in Paris at the end of this month.

By Courtney Jones.