Burberry Prorsum Fall 2015

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2015

Designer Christopher Bailey's latest Fall 2015 offering aptly titled Patchwork, Patterns and Prints embodied deluxe, nomadic hippies with impeccable style.

Amber Anderson opened the collection in a floral, psychedelic poncho in shades of turquoise, teal, navy, olive and chartreuse. Indian floral motifs added an ethnic edge to the fettuccine, suede fringed garment. Patchwork scarlet, ink and fudge over the knee boots oozed with artisanal qualities. A simplistic, black suede bucket bag concluded the look. Gold rivets accessorised the base of the bag.

A sumptuously good, retro inspired midi dress featured a round neck, streamlined full length sleeves and black piping on the waist, bust, neckline and thighs accenting Mica Arganaraz's femininity. A menagerie of florals in complementary shades of candy apple red, cherry and cloud blue worked harmoniously together on this free spirited number. The look was accessorised with 60s inspired, round tortoiseshell shades, teal pom pom adorned bangle and a dark grape, suede fringed, bucket bag. 

The signature, staple Burberry trench was updated in a bold botanic khaki and orange print complete with border print hem. Perfect for the flamboyant flower child. An uplifting addition which was paired to the patchwork, blanket stitch boots. A hallmark feature in Mr Bailey's collection.

For those who prefer to take a walk on the wild side- release your inner prowess with the leopard, shearling duster coat. A great statement, neutral piece sure to add plenty of grandeur to any outfit. The coat was modernised with an attached black waistcoat, acting as a harness complete with ribbed undulating panels caressing the outline of the bodice. Military green, coffee and ebony fringed suede booties were a heavenly accompaniment.

The nomadic excursion continued with a characterful, Indian inspired mirrored shell top in earthy hues. Details included sloping shoulders teamed to a tiered, fringed midi pencil skirt in camel. A clutch handbag in the signature Burberry check complete with mocha suede tassels was tucked nonchalantly under Iania Godnia's arm.

For the free spirited grown up with a strong appreciation of luxury, the forest green, gossamer lace maxi is an absolute must have. Sheer bodice complete with black crochet bib insert, subtle short puff sleeve, grosgrain ribbon belt attenuating the waist, flowing freely into multiple layers of whimsical lace. Ethereal qualities ruled, think Merlin meets medieval high end fashion. Black, tasselled, suede platform boots with deep foot decolletage concluded the look.

By Courtney Jones.

Isabel Marant Fall 2015

Isabel Marant Fall 2015

Design pioneer Isabel Marant delivered a Fall 2015 collection rich in characterful peasant folklore. Tribal, ethnic references were prevalent yet again with Marant delving into familiar territory with her signature earthy, back to nature garments for the intrepid traveller.

Russian supermodel Natasha Poly opened the collection in a generously cut, woven, cape coat with toggle and Ikat print detail. Freedom of movement was on Marant's agenda. The oversized coat was paired to a free flowing silk chiffon, printed, tiered mini skirt. A single, Navajo inspired feather earring dangled from Poly's left lobe. Black, waxed leather buckle midi booties with stacked heel completed the look.

Kate Grigorieva modelled  crisp, blanc, skinny leg, 3/4 denim jeans with subtle ankle flare. Epaulet detail on the outer upper thigh added a military surplus feel. A dove grey, blanket wrap, tunic featured sloping shoulders and a collarless neckline. Claret and ebony zig zag pattern highlighted the tunic. A leather belt was layered to a woven cummerbund, drawing in the waist. A psychedelic, bohemian, high neck blouse accompanied the look.

Ingenuity is embedded into Marant's design DNA- who could forget the famed wedge sneaker? This season she reinvented the waist to feature a ribcage, grazing, paper bag waistline. A surprisingly flattering silhouette which oozed of the energised cool factor. Anna Ewers modelled the updated version in the form of a stretch, white denim skirt. Asymmetrical welt pockets, epaulets and dart detailing added an undeniable charm. A simplistic, oatmeal sweater featured elongated ribbed cuffs and Ikat motif emblazoned across the chest and shoulders.

A voluminous, shrunken, cocoon, floral trench jacket starred in lavender, grape, duck egg blue, rose and white, a botanical delight. An obi belt added oriental influences to the mix. A sheer white, sunray pleat mini was a playful addition which was toughened up by Sergeant Peppers inspired leather boots which are sure to be on every fashionistas covet worthy, lust list. No doubt fashion chain stores worldwide will emulate the footwear design leading to an invasion of teens pounding the pavement in copycat Isabel Marant military boots.

The time honoured mariniere was remodelled to feature in a monochromatic black and white striped, ribbed knit mini dress. A bourgeois accession which was amplified by the addition of gladiatorial, over the knee, suede boots complete with shield inserts. Gold rivets were bolstered to the sides for easy access.

The collection concluded with a series of lighter than air silk tunics, minis, lace up shell tops and mini dresses bursting with delicate whimsy. Artisanal innocence reigned supreme on a standout ivory sheath with transparent torso panels complete with sunburst pleating and oversized, sleeveless armholes with flounce trimming. Cascading ruffles enveloped the lower half of the dress while a robust boxing belt in leather attenuated the waist.

By Courtney Jones.

Dsquared2 Fall 2015

Dsquared2 Fall 2015

Twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2 transmogrified models into bona fide Yukon Indians for their latest Fall 2015 collection. The pair drew inspiration from their Canadian roots and were inspired by the mountainous terrain of Canada's wild west.

Caroline Trentini opened the collection in a shrunken, Herringbone blazer which was layered to the perennial favourite, denim jacket. A rustic corduroy waistcoat in the shade of toffee and white skinny leg jeans complete with with oversized pannier pockets concluded the look. A low slung, terracotta belt offset the pants. Mocha, studded stilettos featured fur inserts lending a cultural edge.

High octane energy came in the form of a bohemian suede coat with Mongolian lamb fur trimmings in shades of eggplant, lady bug red and ebony. Sable fur graced the lower half of the coat injecting textural delight. Distressed suede trousers looked as though they had been on a Bear Grylls adventure. Chunky cable knit socks, feathered lariat and colossal sized bejewelled earrings dangled precariously from Vanessa Moody's lobes. A matching statement neck piece added copious amounts of bling to the mix. High neck, full length tribal tattooed body stockings were a hallmark feature worn layered over the majority of runway looks. 

Sunkissed warrior, Kate Grigorieva modelled a black polished Sergeant Peppers inspired coat complete with gold bullion braiding. The structured coat was twinned to a modern day corset dress in herringbone. The feminine mini dress featured sassy gathering with leather drawstring ties. A fur stole in vanilla wheaten was suspended from Grigorieva's hip.

A clash of Spanish matador meets artisan village people was evident on a vermilion silk dinner jacket teamed to a cropped denim jacket, crisp white pussy bow blouse and ebony pantaloon. Gold bullet buttons cascaded down the outer calf for a boost of finesse. Accessories included a luxurious fur stole, sapphire teardrop bib necklace and a tribal infused tote featuring leather tassels, feathers, studs and intricate beadwork.

For the ultimate, statement making cover up, look no further than the fur Ikat print overcoat. A gargantuan fur hood framed Mariana Santana's face injecting cultural globetrotter qualities. Worn belted, the coat fell below the knee and starred in a colour palette comprising of pure white, scarlet, desert sand and chocolate. Not for the timid. Black, slimline 7/8 trousers with bullion braiding were paired to crystal encrusted stilettos. Not exactly ideal footwear for trekking mountains but it added a kitsch glam element to the look.

A colourful Mexican serape skirt was paired to a shearling aviator jacket and basic scoop neck tank accompanied by the tattooed body stocking. Other garments that lit up the runway included fringed ponchos, plaid shirts, cape coats and voluminous billowy maxis reminiscent of Tom Ford's days at the helm of YSL.

By Courtney Jones.

Balmain Resort 2015

Balmain Resort 2015

Fashion virtuoso, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain created a striking Resort 2015 collection suffused with lavish sophistication. Uplifting, artisanal silhouettes dominated throughout, injecting high octane energy.

Model of the moment, Binx Walton opened the collection in a canary yellow, halter, bandage bodice complete with leather trimmings. A drop waist handkerchief hem, mid length skirt was of free flowing proportions. Sleek, minimalistic, burnished bronze cuffs and collar were a mod addition. Warrior inspired, black, peep toe stiletto booties brimmed with attitude.

Fluid drapery featured on a sleeveless, wraparound, asymmetrical tunic with Greek goddess connotations. Floor grazing, flared trousers in matching georgette concluded the look. For the Balmain woman who favours flesh baring ensembles this look offered modesty. Time will tell whether Balmain devotees will embrace this new arabesque.

The alluring Balmain blazer dress returned once again this season in micro proportions sure to delight perennial party girls aplenty. Details included honeycomb satin lapels, cuffs and pocket flaps. Regal gold buttons featured on the double breasted blazer dress adding a dose of ostentation.

White, stretch lace, elongated flares were teamed to a woven black and white leather staple boxing belt and round neck midriff baring crop top. The look was finalised with a lust worthy, monochromatic, white, peak shoulder blazer complete with black trimmings and gold button fastenings. The poncho played a prevalent role in the collection with Native American references evident throughout. A pannier weave, structured poncho in fiery tangelo, ivory, black and white was married to an a-line mini skirt. A robust silhouette highlighted by paprika hued, embellished peep toe midi boots. A heavily beaded turquoise poncho and matching dress made for a divine ethnic creation. Think bohemian babe does New York. A play on textural delight came in the form of an ivory, ribbed, transparent racer front tank paired to high waisted chevron stripe ebony and ivory ,mini skirt.  

A hot coral, strapless, body con mini dress featured satin strips of fabric encompassing Binx Walton's torso. The skirt featured clever drapery emulating a sash worn knotted at the side hip. Black trimmings punctuated the garment adding the luxe factor.

A yellow mustard, cut out shoulder embroidered, tattoo blouse referenced Zuhair Murad's archives. A subtle, fringe black and white pencil skirt fell above the knee making for a feminine combination with a hint of provocation.

By Courtney Jones.

Lanvin Pre Fall 2013

Lanvin Pre Fall 2013

Alber Elbaz's latest offering was a presentation of meticulously refined garments in a throng of grandiose fabrics. Haphazardous prints ruled the collection without a glimpse of tumult to be detected.

Janice Alida opened the show in a Dalmatian leopard print fabric blouson teamed with analogous cigarette leg trouser. Chrome, minimalistic cuffs encapsulated Alida's wrists. A cascading, geometric, chrome neck plate was a covet worthy item. A generously proportioned calfskin envelope clutch in considerable sized leopard print was a swank annexation that completed the look.

The collection had hints of country and equestrian aesthetics with connotations of Hermes and Ralph Lauren. Black, cashmere, blanket wraps and ponchos were paired with ribbed, charcoal knitwear. Black jersey leggings featured reinforced thigh stitching and panelling. Juliana Schurig stood statuesquely in a rich chocolate, fringed, full length blanket wrap teamed with mahogany, round toe, platform, under the knee reptilian boot.

A statement making pony skin zebra print coat featured black leather cuffs.

The cocktail dress of the collection was of true Lanvin style. A satin bandeau with colossal bow back detail paired with tweed charcoal adjoining pencil skirt.

Tweed featured predominantly on a sculptural coat with sateen torso detail and peak shoulder.

A palatial black fur gilet was married with silk sateen stilt trouser featuring daisy embellishment and matching tunic.

A leather, balloon sleeved jacket gathered around the waist, this was twinned with a high waisted waxed leather skirt, black turtleneck and elbow length gloves ruching models forearms.

The presentation closed with a deep vermilion, sweet heart neckline, knee length dress. Key specifics included decorative centre sternum flower and raw tweed seams, a chic, effortless addition.

Accessories comprised of extravagant costume jewellery including silver and gold chunky chain choker, black velvet ribbon woven throughout, centrepiece consisted of a metallic flower pendant. A profusion of layered oversized link necklaces and flower brooches were on offer. A knockout Tigers eye jewelled choker featured strips of silk suspended from models necks. A burnt paprika, snakeskin obi belt was a dapper accession. A navy, ethereal minaudiere was punctuated with crystal encrusted amethyst and rose quartz.

By Courtney Jones.