Alexander Wang Pre Fall 2015

Alexander Wang 

Pre Fall 2015

For Alexander Wang's eponymous line, the designer experimented with utilitarian, military surplus undercurrents which were admirably wearable. Wang toyed with all things contemporary coupled with eclecticism resulting in renegade garments with ample cool factor. 

The collection opened with an oversized, single button, blazer in the shade of eggplant, generously sized throughout the torso, falling on the upper thigh. The blazer was twinned to a knee length pencil skirt in ebony and royal blue which featured a stiff, white, scalloped hem and knitted gridding with transparent panelling revealing the thighs. The look was accessorised with black fishnet stockings which added theatrical qualities. A large, pebbled duffle bag was minimalistic in all its glory. Ladies get your name on that waiting list now! White court shoes sported cut-outs adding femininity to the mix.

A Missoni inspired cardigan was a textural delight oozing with undeniable charm. The colour palette consisted of tomato, charcoal and raven. Sleeves and bodice featured delphic pleating with 4 row embroidery adding delicate whimsy. The striped colour blocked panelling complemented the deep plunging v-neckline. Black and white plaid, flat front trousers with welt pocket starred in languid proportions adding eighties powerhouse connotations. 

Wang ventured into the boudoir this season with a forest green, sensual, double layered silk petticoat slip dress. The bias cut fell below Vanessa Moody's kneecap. Rouleau straps and triangle bust detail brimmed with luxurious simplicity. Seductive loungewear at its best. A camisole version in liquid ink also made an appearance, twinned to a high waisted, ruched pencil skirt, fishnet stockings and milk chocolate, suede almond toe midi boots.

Black and white candy stripes featured predominantly in the collection which on closer inspection exposed peekaboo cutouts revealing windows of flesh throughout as though the garment was sutured together, acting as a second skin. A monochromatic turtleneck, figure hugging pencil skirt and stretch cardigan all displayed the black and white panelling which in turn was teamed to a glistening pony skin skirt, khaki duster coat and an asymmetrical military green flounce skirt. A structured leather shell top and tunic featured jewel neckline with multiple asymmetrical zips encompassing the torso. The shell was married to mannish plaid flares. the shift dress starred a subtle trapeze hemline which softened the hardened arabesque. 

For those looking for a jolt of colour, the polished trench coat in the shade of wild bamboo offered endless styling possibilities. Wang paired it to a body con ruched dress for a flirtatious edge.

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.