CHRISTOPHER KANE SPRING 2017

CHRISTOPHER KANE SPRING 2017

British designer Christopher Kane held his Spring 2017 collection at the Tate Gallery. The collection was aptly titled 'Make Do And Amend' which resulted in an artisanal display for the beatnik bohemian. Flamboyant, hap hazardous mash ups were on offer for the neo siren with a penchant for characterful ensembles.

The opening look consisted of a transparent, gossamer, midi length dress in a muted shade of lavender. Abstract embroidery was plastered throughout the dress and comprised of undulating lemon, tomato and onyx squiggles. Layers of frothy tulle added ethereal qualities. A collarless, fox fur coat was teamed to the kitsch dress. The coat starred in shades of vanilla, buff, charcoal and flecked honey. Cumbersome, bejewelled crocs were paired to the wasp silhouette concluding in a juxtaposition of lighter than air versus masculinity.

An amethyst, deep decolletage, peplum cami featured mustard rouleau straps and intricate embellishment. A multi stone drop choker featured in shades of citrine, emerald, aquamarine and morganite. A 3/4, ivory pleated patchwork shirt was highlighted by polaroid images of garments from previous Kane collections, nostalgia reigning supreme. A hybrid showercap/ turban graced the head and was worn nonchalantly on the side exuding old world glam.

Modern contemporary dominated on a form fitting, long sleeve, round neck dress in muted mauve. Black panelling, fire engine red and white swirls frequented the upper torso. Bold, oversized, daisy floral motifs punctuated the skirt and the scalloped hem. Statement making crystallized rocks dangled precariously from gold hoops.

Quirky, eccentric and unashamedly seductive was the order of the day on a black, transparent sheath festooned with cobalt, sparkling embroidery. Sheer denier stockings were layered to the uninhibited number which left very little to the imagination. A pearlescent, ice blue, leopard trench coat was layered to the provocative dress. Gold crocs and a small neat satchel in ebony were the accessories of choice.

A series of pleated, metallic, lustrous, lame dress took to the runway in a colour palette including burnished bronze, midnight blue and pewter. Think flesh baring panels, striking silhouettes reminiscent of the 70s decade brimming with fluidity. Undone, greasy fashion tresses equalled no muss, no fuss.

Other runway favourites included a navy, boatneck, panelled lace mini dress complete with voluminous floral detail accenting the sleeve, shoulders and bust. A turmeric body con, thigh grazing lace mini dress was for the lithe and screamed for the elixir of youth. Peek-a-boo whispers of tulle and suspended gold rings added a tough girl stance to the ultra feminine number.

By Courtney Jones.

GUCCI RESORT 17

GUCCI RESORT 2017

Italian designer Alessandro Michele held his latest resort offering at the ostentatious Westminster Abbey. When asked as to why the designer chose the aristocratic location Michele responded, "To dive in this gothic sea of inspiration! The punk, the Victorian, I can work all my life!"

A succession of haphazardous prints in a kaleidoscope of colour ignited the runway with retro connotations reigning supreme.

Poetic elements shone brightly on an electric purple, velvet, structured, bouffant sleeve mini dress. A delicate frothy lace bib in the shade of vermilion framed the shoulders and cascaded down the bodice of the dress. Chevron lace panelling  frequented the skirt and cuffs. A statement vanilla, floral centrepiece adorned the neck. Scalloped, patterned, black lace stockings, tough ankle boots bedecked with multiple straps and buckles screamed rebel biker chic. Sleek cat-eye sunglasses with hand painted gold floral detail featured on the frames.

Peasant folklore was evident on an emerald green, midi length, ponykskin, leopard coat. Plush lavender fur cuffs graced elbows while yellow and red slouch sleeves oozed of 90s grunge. A seafoam, opalescent, pleated midi skirt offered ladylike demure. Accessories comprised of cornflower blue, tiger emblazoned bowling bag complete with signature Gucci racing stripe strap. Cumbersome, almond toe leather loafers with ankle strap added a granny'esque' vibe to the eclectic ensemble. A glittery jade hat featured a centre flower crown in a vibrant coral. Oversized sunglasses complete with yellow lenses brimmed of 70s swagger.

Australian model Maddison Stubbington took to the runway in a canary yellow, romantic, velvet mini dress. A ribbed, ruffled bib in the shade of tomato and a turquoise bow flourished on the bodice. An elasticised waist resembling a garter drew in the waist. A cobalt, leather hobo featured scintillating, embellished ferns. Under the knee chevron socks in the shade of ebony were paired to round toe, reptilian high heeled sandals in neutral complete with 3 buckle closure which crept up the leg. Bronze, jewel encrusted, knuckle duster rings adorned fingers while an emerald floral brooch starred as a centrepiece to the turquoise, frayed bow.

British model Karen Elson modelled a floor sweeping vintage derived maxi dress which screamed polished, beatnik bohemian.  Striking, bold peacock print was plastered throughout which worked harmoniously against the eye catching tangerine shade of the dress. Details included 3/4 subtle bishop sleeve, grandpa collar, crochet tasselled motif keyhole, bouffant shoulders and a billowy skirt. Narrow cat-eye sunglasses highlighted cheekbones. Elongated, collarbone grazing, crochet earrings matched a voluminous crochet, crown headband. A leather cuff and bronze chain slave bracelet hardened the 70s inspired number.

A charming collection enriched in stylish majesty for the hippie at heart.

By Courtney Jones.

COACH 1941 RESORT 2017

COACH 1941 RESORT 2017

Stuart Vevers of Coach 1941 produced a charming, rebel resort collection brimming with moto references fused with college sportswear. Luxe leather took centre stage oozing with attitude.

Estonian model Harleth Kuusik modelled a tomato red, boxy, leather, bomber jacket with quilted shoulder inserts, undulating contrast black panelling on the decolletage and asymmetrical zip pockets for the added cool factor. The Americana derived western jacket was paired to a high waisted, thigh grazing pencil skirt featuring heavy duty centre zip. A stud and grommet infested leather belt drew in the waist. A feminine, high neck, ruffle blouse starred in a refined leopard print. Heavy duty, platform moto boots complete with candy apple red leopard inserts evoked nineties style connotations. Accessories comprised of leather grommet wristlets layered to a chain and pearl bracelet. Oversized, silver baubles adorned fingers as Kuusik carried a colossal, pebbled leather tote complete with shoulder strap, dog tags and caricature motif of a figure executing his need for speed on his motorbike.

A brazen, gargantuan leopard print coat was a statement making addition. A petal pink, sixties derived western silk shirt was finalised with black piping and paired underneath the winter warmer essential. Remodelled cowboy boots consisted of pointy toe, copious buckles and a centre zip toughened the arabesque adding masculinity to the equation. A blush and avocado envelope satchel was highlighted by embroided stars and a rocket. A ladylike chain handle concluded the sassy ensemble.

Vevers remastered his highly desired floral dresses from previous seasons, this time comprising of short sleeves, drawstring round neck, flounce hem in a collage of dainty, delicate florals in shades of lemon curd, grass green and ballet pink twinned to undulating panels of vermilion leopard print. An ebony leather boxing belt with bold cherry blanket stitching attenuated the waist. Bohemian grunge elements reigning supreme.

Polished panache dominated on a boiled wool, sloping shoulder, cape coat. The turtleneck design starred leather strap and buckle closure. A cosy camel relaxed ribbed knit and oxblood panelled a-line leather mini concluded the chic number. A leather Greek fisherman cap featured an embellished band which was frequented by studs, beads and floral metal motifs bringing the bling factor. Patent claret ankle boots ignited the fashion forward combo.

An emerald, shrunken, satin college bomber jacket with skull and cross bone kitsch iron on transfer was pared back to a paisley floral blouse worn tucked into ultra high, form fitting leather Capri pants. Bone cat eye wayfarers and a greige tote with sports car print finalised the outfit. 

Other standouts included a sumptuous desert sand suede pinafore in a relaxed boxy silhouette. An ivory embroidered yoke blouse and scalloped collar exuded insouciance. An eggplant, soft, tomboy leather moto jacket screamed of nonchalance.

Biker chic fused with varsity sportswear resulting in a retro inspired collection for the young at heart, born to be wild.

By Courtney Jones.