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.

Mugler Resort 2015

Mugler Resort 2015

Newly appointed creative director, David Koma of Mugler produced a succession of defined silhouettes punctuated with robust finesse for his Resort 2015 collection.

A rigorously cut blazer dress in minimalistic ivory opened the collection. The garment brimmed with limpid qualities. Subtle peak shoulder and simplistic belt detail made for a victorious combination. A sculptural, strapless, mini dress featured architectural lines. Side waist to hem rectangular panelling lent a futuristic edge to the ensemble. High waisted fluid, silk trousers featured opaque and transparent panelling. The trousers were twinned to an avant garde, asymmetrical silk crop top complete with clever bust drapery.

Wearability continued to play an integral role in Mugler's collection with a refined, understated, pristine suit. The jacket was immaculately tailored, waist attenuated by cross strap belt fastening. Floor grazing, elongated trousers completed the look. A perfect leg lengthening addition oozing of class.

A boxy sweater was updated with shoulder and waist sutures creating deconstructed glamour teamed with androgyny. The sweater was married to an a-line, fitted, white mini skirt. Monochromatic hues continued to dominate. A body hugging, high neck, sleeveless dress was a textural delight. Opaque strips were strategically placed and sheer sensual mesh starred on this attention commanding number. A pop of neon orange starred on a strapless navy, knee length dress. A suggestive thigh high split added the va va voom factor. Silver, hoop trimmings cascaded on the dress adding an industrial feel. A bold, graphic tomato red, ebony, royal blue and white print body con dress is a chic 'go to' everyday staple for the working woman.

An array of classic eveningwear included a boatneck, off the shoulder, floor length gown. The length of the gown was fragmented with black and white panelling. Bourgeois details comprised of irrefutably modern sutures under the bust and mid thigh. A captivating halter, fishtail gown came complete with plunge neckline. A grosgrain ribbon descended down the dress' entirety. A centre split added intrepid qualities. For those wishing to dazzle- a pair of scintillating, sequined trousers are your best option to light up any room. A masculine tuxedo jacket in boxy proportions concluded the look. Grosgrain waist ties were used to draw in the waist. The collection closed with a lavish, sequin, column dress in ebony. A bondage strap harness was placed over the dress creating a halter neckline adding a contemporary edge.

By Courtney Jones.