VERSACE RESORT 17

VERSACE RESORT 2017

Donatella Versace's Resort 17 collection embodied sheer luxury in which the house is famed for. A dose of athleticism was thrown into the equation adding a utilitarian edge. Shrunken silhouettes offering plenty of skin were on the agenda with a monochromatic colour palette dominating throughout.

Sleek, clean, minimalistic lines were evident on the opening look modelled by Dutch native Roos Abels. The ensemble comprised of a streamlined, 3 button closure blazer with elongated sleeves accented by a jolt of cobalt on welt pockets and on button holes revealing finer details and craftsmanship. A funnel neck, white top was splashed with Versace's Italian tiled border print. Precision tailoring dominated on  7/8 skinny leg flare trousers. Fire engine red and cobalt side panelling ignited the arabesque. Matching panelled socks were on display, perfect for the woman who likes to sport coordinating under garments. Leg lengthening, high shine, patent platform strappy sandals and a ladylike boxy satchel in ebony complete with silver hardware screamed of powerhouse connotations.

A two tone black and royal blue leather parka threw sporting luxe into the mix.  Athleticism continued to frequent with the parka teamed to a black and white, pleated, netball skirt. A stark blanc and noir round neck blouse was worn tucked into the thigh skimming mini. Sculptural patent platform heels were finalised with velcro ankle straps and tomato, lavender, ink and white panelled socks.

A cropped, cocoon shouldered, candy stripe jumper was highlighted by shades of cherry, vanilla, lemon, cornflower blue and raven. A vertical candy stripe pencil skirt fell to the knee extending the silhouette to extreme streamlined proportions. Striped flatforms added the athleisure factor.

A ribbed, languid, slouch knit, hooded cardigan starred blue and white racing stripe trimmings with the letter 'V' for Versace placed around biceps. A midriff baring polo crop was worn buttoned to the top of the neck. 3/4 nylon trackpants came complete with side zip detail. An intergalactic cobalt leather satchel was plastered with star motifs and a star charm keyring. A heavy duty leather strap resembling a guitar strap was married to a silver chain short handle, strengthening the kitsch accessory.

A simplistic, waxy leather shift dress consisted of a round neck and stripe detail which starred on the right hand side of the bodice, geometric qualities reigning supreme. Colour infused Art Deco cuffs adorned wrists. A crisp red, black  and white satchel complemented the dress effortlessly. 

Polished panache was very much in attendance with flesh baring limbs, signature Versace style prevalent throughout.

 By Courtney Jones.

BURBERRY PRE FALL 2016

BURBERRY PRE FALL 2016

Christopher Bailey's Pre Fall offering was tinged with seventies, retro, connotations. Quintessential, British style was on the agenda and resulted in striking silhouettes with a dash of attitude.

Amazonians need only apply to wear the sumptuous, patchwork, raccoon and fox fur duffle coat in voluminous proportions. Shades of flecked honey, charcoal, vanilla and licorice punctuated the statement making coat. Black, leg lengthening flares were polished and featured crisp, white stitching.

The archival trench was updated this season in heavenly chocolate suede. A protruding collar was worn high at the nape of the neck. The trench fell to the knee cap and an ebony, suede wide belt graced the torso, complete with gold hardware buckle. A mini chartreuse, crocodile and Burberry check satchel was suspended from a capacious, gold chain handle. Narrow, navy, tailored trousers engulfed footwear.

Aviation references were prevalent on a shearling, oversized, bomber jacket. Butter soft caramel suede was highlighted by colossal sized, double breasted, gold buttons. A tasselled chain backpack oozed of downtown, London chic.

Shearling continued to star on a military inspired, khaki parka. The cosy, fashion forward addition embodied utilitarian qualities. A black, neatly collared blouse was worn tucked into raven, elongated trousers that sat low on the hip. A textural check and leather satchel finalised the look.

An A-line, neutral trench with chocolate stitching brimmed of classicism, clean, polished lines took centre stage, a Burberry staple designed to withstand the test of time.

Dark romance kindled a form fitting, crew neck, t-shirt. The sassy tee was paired to dark indigo, denim trousers with a bohemian element prevalent. A boiled wool cape coat offered regimental qualities to the mix. A compact, bordeaux hued satchel was a textural delight in fabrics consisting of suede and ostentatious crocodile.

A series of feminine dresses closed the collection including a funnel neck, short sleeve,drop waist, pleated mini which starred in forest green and mandarin hued fauna and flora, complete with black piping. Wooden, platform, block heeled ankle boots in suede were the footwear of choice. Seventies nostalgia crept in on a black, chiffon, maxi dress. Details included buttoned epaulets, preppy collar, chest pockets, white zig zag panelling and ruffled skirt, monochrome peasant folklore for the statuesque beauty.

An undeniably charming collection fused with Burberry's heritage, hallmark features.

By Courtney Jones.

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.

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2015

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2015

Legendary Italian, designer Roberto Cavalli, delivered a decadent Fall 2015 collection for the impeccably glamorous, self assured woman. Orientalist romanticism infused with Cavalli's signature rock n roll aesthetic proved to be a sizzling combination.

The collection kicked off with a series of leopard print garments. The standout being an ocelot full length coat complete with  leather lapels and burnished gold pagoda buttons. The statement making coat was twinned to a poetic, high neck, ruffle dress in zebra print with bell bottom sleeves. A bold, jungle inspired accession for the wild at heart.

Ine Neefs modelled a diaphanous, floor sweeping chartreuse, silk, maxi dress. Billowy bishop sleeves oozed with finesse. A ruffled flounce, renaissance inspired bib was a lavish addition. An ocelot,tailored gilet finalised the look.

Hip hugging, scintillating, sequined 7/8 trousers added seventies connotations to a sleek, narrow black blazer starring gold and ivory Asian floral motif lapel and matching concealed, flat front placket shirt. A liquid silk tie in ebony was worn with pure nonchalance.

An audacious, monochromatic checked blazer was updated to feature grand floral motifs in shades of mango, peony pink, azure and cobalt. The jacket was teamed to a silk, white fringed a-line mini. Vermicelli like strands swished freely with every stride model newcomer Julia Van Os made. Footwear comprised of black leather and teal velvet ankle boots, a textural delight. The silk fringe continued to frequent garments and also starred on coats, sweater dresses and thigh grazing mini dresses. Perfect for the uninhibited, enigmatic woman.

Utilitarian chic was prevalent on a khaki, cropped, ribbed, sloping shouldered parka. A gargantuan fur collar brimmed with ostentation. High waisted ponyskin leather trousers featured mottled cow inserts and gleamed as Josephine Le Tutour took to the runway. A luxurious, cropped crew neck sweater in ink injected youth. Jewellery comprised of a single, fine gold pendant suspended by a gemstone encased by crystal caging. 

A captivating array of eveningwear looks closed the collection. Lexi Boling modelled a navy, gossamer, sensual, racer front column dress. Intricate floral, fauna and gridded beadwork brimmed with Asian enchantment.

A sky blue, ombre chocolate evening dress exuded Grecian Goddess qualities. A cutaway neckline revealed cascading sunray pleating featuring peek-a-boo waist cut out detail attenuated by gold rings and a leather strip. The voluminous skirt appeared lighter than air. A showstopping, plunging open back was red carpet worthy. Are you ready for your close up?

This was Cavalli's last collection at the helm of his eponymous line with news former Pucci designer, Peter Dundas returns to Cavalli yet again, this time appointed as Creative Director.

By Courtney Jones.

Dion Lee Line II S/S 14/15

Dion Lee Line II S/S 14/15

A vacant warehouse in Danks Street, Waterloo set the scene for Dion Lee's Line II RTW MBFW collection. As the fashion pack gathered for the highly anticipated show melancholy music echoed throughout the open space. Lee's collection embodied tailored sporting luxe tinged with masculinity. An interplay of drapery played a starring role in the collection. Feminine silhouettes oozed of energised cool. Deconstructed glamour best describes the aesthetic.

Look 1 comprised of an ebony, body con, crew neck sweater featuring elongated sleeves and double white racing stripe detail on the forearm. A chambray, asymmetrical, knee length skirt with origami folds created the illusion of a denim shirt wrapped around the waist. The look was finalised with a buttery soft, leather biker jacket worn nonchalantly around the waist. Footwear consisted of Roman gladiatorial sandals, toughening up the look.

A sleeveless pinstripe blouse worn buttoned to the neck featured denim bust pockets. The blouse was teamed to the staple denim jacket and black free flowing midi skirt. Rachel Rutt modelled a figure hugging, cobalt, funnel neck, fine merino knit which was paired to a navy, white and grey candy striped skirt. Details included a wraparound waist band resembling an obi and asymmetrical drapery.

Athleticism was evident on a streamlined pair of trousers complete with double white racing stripe cascading down the outer seam. A utilitarian pinstripe blazer in monochromatic black and white was worn ever so casually, insouciance reigned supreme. A crisp white trench with chambray collar and mid wash denim sleeves was a chic addition with uncluttered lines very much in attendance. A simplistic, muted dove grey, midi length dress with plunge v-neck detail and spliced under the bust cut-out feature was minimalism at its best.

The classic oxford shirt was updated with cut-out elbow detail twinned to a white leather vest attenuating the waist. The aesthetic resembled that of a straight jacket. The look was complete with hip hugging, voluminous trousers with zipper detail on the outer hip. Wearability continued to dominate on the runway with a waxy leather biker jacket in boxy proportions which was married to a cropped turtleneck sweater in black with white stripe detail. Languid, black trousers created a relaxed silhouette. A functional black parka with colossal sized pockets was paired to a snow white, turtleneck, crop knit and noir drawstring subtle peg leg trousers.

A sumptuous torso baring, high neck leather bralet was teamed to an androgynous peak shouldered blazer, elbow cut-outs created the illusion of a cape coat. A high waisted black and white midi skirt lent an understated bourgeois feel to the look. Athleticism references were prevalent on a midnight college bomber jacket with striped waist band and leather cuffs. An enticing knee length skirt with provocative thigh high split added a hit of exhibitionism. 

A two tonal vivid mandarin and tomato cutaway racer dress in sheer silk featured an orange sherbet halter crop worn underneath for modesty. The skirt featured wraparound fluid lines caressing the thighs.

By Courtney Jones.

Diesel Black Gold

DIESEL BLACK GOLD FALL 2014

Diesel designer Andreas Melbostad produced an urban collection this Fall 2014. Uncluttered, masculinity championed the runway with distinguished lines prevalent. Melbostad has been at the helm of Diesel since his debut Pre Fall 2013 Collection, a stalwart proving to be full of ingenuity.

Eastern suburbs local, Julia Nobis opened the collection in a metallic, silver bomber jacket complete with reinforced bicep pads, zippers and silver hardware. A luxe, shearling collar oozed with finesse. A black corset cami, cigarette leg hipster trousers teamed with a narrow leather belt, finalised the look.

The quintessential, covetable leather skinny trousers made yet another appearance this season, this time updated with reinforced knees, elongated leg seam worn with an artillery inspired belt. A sheer, provocative, round neck blouse featured tuxedo inspired front placket pleating. This look was modelled by fresh faced newcomer Malaika Firth.

An understated, ribbed turtleneck jumper was married to a kilt style wraparound mini skirt. Metallic tiles graced the fluid, thigh grazing skirt.

The collection offered a culmination of garments to incorporate into the chic, everyday wardrobe. Think immaculate tailoring, architectural lines, nonchalance and the right concoction of edginess paired to classicism.

Utilitarian, sporting references were evident on a shell top featuring off centre zipper detail and limpidity qualities when worn tucked into dauntless, leather skinnies. A fine houndstooth, funnel neck, shrunken jacket complete with asymmetrical zip was twinned to hip hugging, low slung, boiled wool, charcoal biker trousers complete with ankle zipper inserts elongating the arabesque.

A piquant, bustier mini dress featuring plunging zipper, kick pleat hem and strategically placed pockets to attenuate the waist oozed of the energised cool factor. An oversized tuxedo jacket with the proportions of a mini dress was a textural delight in force with a leather aviator bomber jacket, shearling lined. Ostentation and metropolitan ease. Footwear consisted of a waxed leather ankle boot with four buckle adornment.

The colour palette primarily consisted of shades including black, molten metal, glacier silver, charcoal and snow white.

The closing look comprised of a metallic silver, leather futuristic shell top with space connotations galore. Matching leather trousers made for a flamboyant, lustrous combination for the bold, blessed with the elixir of youth.

By Courtney Jones.

 

Michael Kors Fall 2013

Michael Kors Fall 2013

American King of sleek tailoring, sporting luxe, Michael Kors produced a collection rich in athleticism with a strong nod to scuba and motor sport references.

Karmen Pedaru emerged on the runway in a cobalt, neoprene, sloping shoulder, structured shell top featuring enlarged black leather placket paired with a midi length skirt with provocative thigh high split detail. Sunglasses resplendent of oversized safety goggles were the shades of choice. Accessories included white pointy court shoes complete with black elastic ankle strap, ruched elbow length leather gloves and a clean, minimalistic lady like satchel.

New Yorkers will rejoice at the abundance of wardrobe staples on offer.Chic separates working effortlessly from day to night. Classic,signature Kors hallmark features were apparent on garments including boiled wool double breasted coats and fine rib turtleneck sweaters. Jet setters with an appetite for luxurious pieces will flock to stores for covet worthy cashmere knits.

Bold,striking canary yellow highlighted a colour block zip shell top complete with trompe loeil effect panelling, drawing attention to the waist this was paired with a cuffed man style, relaxed trouser. 

Camouflage proved popular again this season as seen previously on various Michael Kors totes, bowling bags, hobos and clutch handbags. This time it came in the form of a khaki, mink fur, blanket wrap, a stellar piece overflowing with style and class. This was modelled by catwalk comeback sensation, Australian model, Catherine McNeil. The look was twinned with black knee length skirt featuring libidinous, thigh split zipper detail, a fine black rib turtleneck knit and a black waist cincher belt featuring gold hardware.

Peplums were a driving force in the collection and are here to stay for yet another season. Flattering peplums graced a royal blue sleeveless body con dress, tweed pencil skirt, leather ponti bustier dress and charcoal ribbed knit 3/4 sleeve crew neck midi length dress. Closing runway looks which comprised of black figure hugging ponti mini dresses with taffeta peplum overlay and mullet train in varying hues including canary yellow, cobalt blue and punchy fluoro orange.Karlie Kloss closed the show in a racer front, crystal encrusted mini dress with black taffeta variation.

A utilitarian, cobalt parka with black fur hood detail was a practical addition perfect for pounding the pavement on those chilly New York mornings, as was a cobalt anorak with black patent leather trimmings and funnel collar paired with two tonal textural matte leather and patent leather gloves.

Sporting references crept in on slouch silhouettes, leather perforated luxe track pants complete with large leather pockets and trousers featuring black racing stripe detail. Moto cross connotations were distinctly displayed on a metallic, quilted, Peter Pan collared jacket, shell tops and a black free flowing midi length skirt.

Please feel free to view my blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

Jason Wu Fall 2013

Jason Wu Fall 2013

Jason Wu's Fall 2013 collection was an uplifting display of bourgeois chic married with glossy grandeur, bursting with pulchritude. Injected with sheer glamour, nothing was understated about this collection.
A stark, monochromatic palette ruled the runway, think snow white, ebony and gleaming silvery snakeskin. Pops of colour came in the form of golden chartreuse, lady bug red and cobalt.
An abundance of garments celebrating the female silhouette were on offer.
Martha Hunt opened the show in an effervescent black trench featuring velvet panelling, fur pockets and shoulder pleating detail. A skinny belt and leather gloves accompanied the look.
Sure to be a firm favourite of fashion editors aplenty was a cinched, leather biker vest, nostalgic of the 80s/ 90s powerhouse, supermodel era. The vest featured plush grey and black large fox fur collar teamed with a pristine, french cuffed shirting and man style trousers, exploding with charm.
A heavenly fur coat in the purest shade of white featured tiered sleeves and oversized, rounded shoulders.
Trench coats were an integral part of the collection. A belted, transparent, digital lace printed trench resembled a raincoat, the most dashing raincoat to ever grace ones wardrobe, with collar protruding effortlessly. Ginta Lapina glided down the runway in a colour blocked charcoal and black trench, featuring lace print torso panelling with black sleeves, collar, pocket and classic gun detail.
A shrunken, moto jacket in liquorice crocodile featured peak shoulders and sharp tailoring twinned with mid thigh grazing, whimsical, white, finely pleated skirt. A toffee parka with four ample fur pockets and generous wrist strap detail exuded Burberry's hallmark aesthetics.
For cocktail hour, a white, high necked, sleeveless marabou feathered number was a frothy delight. A mesh and grey lustrous snakeskin bustier dress complete with snakeskin boning and pleating was a flirtatious addition.
Footwear erupted on the scene with power and conviction. Peep toe boots, stiletto heels with braiding detail were a fierce concomitant. Black, satin ribbon high heeled stiletto sandals featured patented heel and were reminiscent of Tom Ford's Gucci glory days. 

By Courtney Jones. 

Prabal Gurung Fall 2013

Prabal Gurung Fall 2013

For Nepalese American fashion designer Prabal Gurung's latest showing the designer appears to have raided an army surplus store, delving deep into the realms of militaria accents, punctuated with modern, sleek tailoring with a grandiose edge.

Military chic was updated with khaki skinny trousers worn bunched around the ankles, teamed with large peplum, flat front jacket paired with luxurious, black, fur snood. A heavily braided leather harness completed the look which resulted in a fashion forward display.

A capacious, chunky cable knit, turtleneck featured exposed shoulders and cut out waist detail.
Robust, spliced, gladiatorial, patella shin boots in crocodile were a covet worthy item, sure to be on the wish list of fashionistas galore.

Perfectly poised modernity came in the form of Ikat Aztec panelling on the cuffs and torso of a waist cinched peplum jacket and an Ikat bustier, duchess silk satin, liquid, tulip skirt.

Provocative, spliced, body con numbers comprising of satin and ponte oozed of femininity with a masculine twist, think mesh inserts and body swathing, bandage strips reminiscent of Roland Mouret's famed 'Galaxy' dress.

Celebrated leather wardrobe staples included cropped, bomber jacket with bouffant sleeves, high waisted flounce skirt and free flowing scoop neck dress, belted, paired with elbow length ruched leather gloves, stylish simplicity at its best.

Eveningwear embodied avant garde warrior like qualities. Spliced, slashed, dramatic, sensual garments included asymmetrical, bandeau, floor sweeping gowns in billowy, glossy silks with plenty of titillating flesh on display. Grecian references were evident on one shoulder, wrap dresses featuring gold sash embellishment. The colour palette comprised of rich navy, khaki, snow white and oxblood.

A series of satin, Florentine renaissance dress numbers consisted of cleverly draped fabric, swathing torsos. The style was evocative of Nicolas Ghesqiere's Balenciaga Fall 09 collection.

Accessories were bold and fetishistic. Spindly, vertiginous, gold, chromatic stilettos were a dangerous addition. Pointy, court shoes featured multiple straps and buckles. Buckled ankle boots were durable and heavy with Cuban heel detail. Bronzed, molten metal, oversized aviators completed the look.

By Courtney Jones.