ALTUZARRA SPRING RTW 2017

ALTUZARRA SPRING RTW SPRING 2017

Designer Joseph Altuzarra unveiled his Spring 2017 collection with aplomb. Altuzarra channelled a cheerful, upbeat, coquettish, convivial vibe with saccharine prints bursting with femininity,very much in attendance. A Dolce la Vita theme reigned supreme, highlighting the female form.

American model Ondria Hardin took to the runway in a form fitting, cornflower blue, knee length pencil skirt plastered with peach and amethyst enlarged poppies. The high waisted, belted skirt was twinned to a deep decolletage, sleeveless, wraparound blouse featuring the same floral poppy print this time flourishing in shades of vanilla, watermelon and fuchsia.Accessories comprised of sky blue, leather, high heeled sandals complete with wraparound ankle tie detail, statement, modern, undulating earrings in the shade of oyster and a fairy floss pink and python mini saddle bag finalised with a black leather tassel and cherry key charm. 

Romance ruled on a ruffled, floral bralet in colourful hues of ballet pink, rockmelon and strawberry. A neat, ladylike, blue gingham pencil skirt featured darts and a raspberry, embroidered, scalloped hem. A grommet, duck egg blue, leather belt attenuated the waist. A mini tomato red leather pouchette added easy elegance to the ensemble.

An exotic, reptilian, precision cut blazer in powder puff blue was given a dose of bohemia with sequined lemons embellished throughout. The sharp tailored blazer was married to a dainty, delicate, pastel blue, cherry print bralet. The print continued to star on a bias cut, knee length skirt complete with asymmetrical ruffles. Glitter mauve, ankle strap, high heeled sandals added some spun sugar to the sweet number.

Dutch model Romy Schonberger modelled a ribbed, off the shoulder, sky blue, stretch knit top exposing bare shoulders. A wraparound pencil skirt with flirty thigh split screamed femme fatale. A natural python leather belt nipped in the waist. A metallic silver, snakeskin, mini, saddle bag shone iridescently. Avant garde, sculptural, chandelier style earrings worked harmoniously with the slicked back hairstyle which framed the face effortlessly.

Other key garments included a candy stripe, ribbed, body con, off the shoulder dress caressing the female arabesque and tiered, decadent, floor grazing maxi dresses in python and broderie anglaise. Military accents made an appearance, igniting safari jackets, a sleek shirt dress and a cargo skirt piped in snakeskin trimmings.

An exuberant, charming display bursting with feminine allure.

By Courtney Jones.

Manning Cartell S/S 14/15

Manning Cartell S/S 14/15

Manning Cartell's 'Marigold' S/S 14/15 collection was a culmination of deftly draped silhouettes twinned with hardened femininity. Punchy contours enveloped the model's lithe physique. Textural prints in eye catching shades oozed with avant garde qualities.

The collection opened with a phosphorescent muted lilac 'Frostings Cross Over Dress' in Italian lurex organza. The dress featured flounce flip skirt complete with centre waist triangle cut-out and structured bodice with asymmetrical neckline. The dress was married to a matching lilac boxy jacket with white collar and cuffs, gargantuan bust pockets and exposed off centre zip.

Polished perfection came in the form of the 'Wallflowers Column Dress'. A saccharine cotton candy pencil skirt fell below the knee and starred a delicate sweet pea print. The v-neck cami style bodice complete with dainty rouleau straps featured in ebony, colour blocking still playing an integral role, unmistakably very Manning Cartell.

A high voltage raspberry patent finish bralet was a compelling addition. The body baring crop was twinned to a sleek, high waisted pencil skirt with angled dart detail at the side torso. The skirt featured a grey marle centre panel on the back adding finesse to the garment. Sculptural arabesques dominated on a burnt mandarin boxy, apron style crop complete with oversized armholes and minimalistic white trimmings. A full circle skirt in ecru accompanied the 'Frostings' top. This graceful skirt oozed of old Hollywood glamour with a concoction of grandeur thrown into the mix. 

Hardened femininity with conceptual Art Deco references highlighted the 'Fractured Roses Dress'. A racer front, waxed leather bodice adjoined to a midi length pencil skirt featuring colossal sherbet and tangerine blossoms and graphic pinstripe detail. Side torso cut-outs added sensuality. 

A bold, exotic, intarsia zebra print starred on a cropped 3/4 sleeve knit. The fine knit was teamed to an asymmetric front wrap skirt falling mid calf. The wrap opening revealed a short skirt underneath. Decadence with a dash of provocativeness best describes this look.

A caged, floral Harlequin print graced a body skimming strapless dress. The classic silhouette of the dress was updated with modernistic print and torso cut-outs, impeccably glamorous for the fashion forward femme fatale.

Summer suiting brimmed with architectural lines. A monochromatic ink jacket with drop shoulder and tapered sleeve was worn nonchalantly over the shoulders of a stark, crisp white shirt complete with concealed placket and finalised with a bourgeois 'Neo Couture Skort'. Details included curved hem and welt pockets. Athleticism references were prevalent. Sporting luxe continues to be a hallmark feature in designer collections throughout adding a certain robustness to feminine silhouettes.

Manning Cartell's 'Marigold' collection is available at their Paddington boutique, located at 110 Oxford Street. Myer and David Jones, Bondi Junction also stock selected garments from the Manning Cartell line.

By Courtney Jones.

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.

White Suede S/S 14/15

White Suede S/S 14/15

Designer Jacqui Demkiw of Australian fashion label White Suede produced a sleek, minimalistic collection titled 'Architectural Wanderlust'. Sculptural silhouettes and modern multifaceted, over exposed photography prints starred on an array of garments, creating optical illusions which wouldn't look out of place in a Magic Eye art book.

The collection opened with a shrunken, printed bodice in shades of dark rose, ebony, white and teal. The bodice was paired to a high waisted, body con pencil skirt, with centre split detail. Feminine allure reigned supreme on an effervescent, ivory blouse which featured lace torso panelling and delicate short sleeve detail. A scoop back added sensuality to the mix.

The elixir of youth was prevalent on an ensemble that consisted of waxed, leather flip short in relaxed micro proportions and digi print sculptural bustier. Sporting references crept in on a reptilian snake print neoprene crop top in shades of navy and Aegean blue. The crop was married to a matching high waisted tulip skirt , a bourgeois addition. Vibrant shades of azure were evident on a cut-out shoulder dress which featured spliced torso and decolletage in an electric landscape print complete with jolts of luminous white emblazoned throughout. 

Saccharine bubblegum pink punctuated several garments including a  deep v fold dress, cleverly draped tulip dress with captivating back design and a scuba inspired, racer front scoop neck dress complete with white zipper.

Monochrome arabesques which are a big trend this spring/ summer dominated the collection and starred on garments including a peplum bustier, architectural bodice, curved hem pencil skirt, leather cami and charming lace blazer. 

A muted rose, Aztec inspired print highlighted a thigh grazing mini dress with sheer fabric strips swathing the model's torso. The print was also a hallmark feature on a cropped bustier, tulip skirt, strapless dress and silk tracksuit bottom.

Sumptuous racewear oozed of grandeur. Standouts included a cut-away knee length lace dress with subtle peplum detail and a strapless version that comprised of angular, panelled opaque and lace bodice with asymmetrical lace tail finalised with stark black and white above the knee a-line skirt.

Tailored finesse flourished throughout. Think rigorously, defined silhouettes exuding consummate class.

White Suede's flagship store is located at 116 Oxford St, Paddington, 2021. Selected garments are available at Myer's Sydney City store. The entire collection is available online at www.whitesuede.com .

By Courtney Jones.