Balmain Spring 2013

Balmain Spring 2013

Adept, stalwart Olivier Rousteing produced a standout collection replete of bravado this spring season. Rousteing's collection referenced 80s and 90s Americana. Think supermodels and glamazons, mixed with athleticism, gridiron and college sports stars.

A myriad of amplified, generously cut shoulder pads were in attendance which was quite flummoxing. The Balmain woman this season was powerful, liberated, emboldened and ready to conquer the world.

Black and white harlequin prints featured predominantly on garments including slick suiting complete with 80s powerhouse shoulders, high waisted second skin checkered skinnies with ankle zipper detail and a powder puff pastel blue blazer complete with metallic hardware.

 Anna Selezneva modelled a halter neck, racer back jumpsuit with white wicker inserts which offered a fresh, modern alternative, minus the shoulder pads. Statuesque Kasia Struss strutted down the runway with precision sass and sophistication in a lemon, pale blue and white mini dress with undulating wicker panelling.

A cleverly draped, shrunken white halter top, swathed Juliana Shurig's upper torso, this look was paired with a high waisted, relaxed fit, waxed leather trouser. A strong, fierce look that commanded attention. Team with abs for the ultimate in sporting luxe.

A mixture of textures and graphics featured on floor grazing cuffed hemlines.

Rousteing succumbed to revivalism yet again this season channelling inspiration from his Fall 2012 and Resort 2013 collections.

Metallic sutures were evident on a honey mustard, wicker embossed top with matching sleek mini. Guipure lace added a soft femininity and juxtaposition to the wicker inserts which referenced Cuban furniture. Less opulent garments for everyday wear included an indigo wash, denim shirt dress buttoned up to the neck, a four piece denim suit which included bustier, cropped press stud shirt, jegging and oversized tuxedo blazer. A denim bustier offered coquettish charm.

Accessories were an integral part of the collection. These included a black and white belt featuring silver hardware which resembled artillery and patent, emblematic boxing belts either worn slung low on hips or waist cinching. Supersized silver hoop earrings were resplendent of the 80s. Chrome court shoes and perforated leather, peep toe, stiletto booties made regular runway appearances.

By Courtney Jones.

Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2013

Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2013

Legendary venerable design duo Dolce and Gabbana continued to reign supreme this season with their latest spring / summer offering which was bursting with pulchritude. 

Dolce and Gabbana drew inspiration from their Sicilian heritage which resulted in an embodiment of all things Italian.

An inescapable fixture of corsetry was highly prevalent. Attenuated waists lent a sculptural silhouette.

A riot of colour was resplendent on prints featuring conquistadors and moor inspired artifacts. Scarf prints were teamed haphazardously with impressionistic fresco style prints. A manifestation of all things kitsch was a hallmark feature.

A multitude of puppeteria characters were emblazoned on garments including shifts, 1950s sirenesque, diaphanous skirts, culottes, head scarves and blousons.

A strong handcrafted artisanal aesthetic was evident on a hessian shift dress complete with nipped in waist and flower applique. A multi coloured macrame bralet and mini skirt was teamed with matching tote and demure sandal oozed of Italian charm. Dolce and Gabbana's signature lace inserts and motifs made an appearance on bloomers, tailored cropped jackets and figure hugging pencil skirts.

Stripes proved popular this season. A red candy striped, breezy boatneck blouse teamed with matching knicker bocker, modelled by Karmen Pedaru, had a distinct vintage swimwear air to it. Zuzanna Bijoch closed the show in a showstopping, museum worthy caged, wicker corset dress with lighter than air chiffon overlay.

Bold, oversized, ornate earrings bared a striking resemblance to a pinada.

A combination of pom poms, straw and beaded earrings were shown in colourful displays. Moors characters dangled from models ears.

This collection was a combination of finesse, ostentation and practically minded garments. Either way there is something to suit everyone's palette.

By Courtney Jones.

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2013

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2013 

Designer Christopher Bailey's eponymous Burberry collection was a culmination of the irrefutably modern. Evident was the profusion of signature, classic trench coats yet this season they were modified and updated with architectural lines and amplified silhouettes. 

This season Mr Bailey had a penchant for capes and corsetry. A cashmere wool cape coat in the purest shade of snow white was teamed with a satin salmon ruched corset. A lustrous iridescent foil like lavender shirt was twinned with a magenta and teal knee length diamond printed skirt. 

A succession of coats included a quintessential azure sculpted cocoon coat, nonchalantly knotted, complete with sloping shoulders. Colour blocking was present in a dip dye effect red and fuschia trench with voluminous sleeves and oversized pockets. A shrunken spliced gold chartreuse metallic jacquard jacket was paired with an ivory pleated knicker.

The voluminously proportioned upper torso theme continued with a butterscotch leather aviator style trench modelled by Cara Delevingne.

Hues ranged from the monochromatic to vivid and saturated. Think bubblegum pink, emerald, ochre, mustard, ruby, cobalt and lilac.

Another welcome addition were tailored tap shorts in uncluttered, clean lines. More diffident garments included a dainty, delicate teak lace trench with scalloped lace hem and a purple pebbled leather pencil skirt. Plumage made an appearance on a boatneck blouse resembling the shades of a peacock and a cobalt midi length dress.

Playing a starring role in the accessories department was the transparent bag trend. Bowling bag Doctor styles featured metallic reptilian trimmings, with the bags main component in a PVC material. Shades included yellow gold, candy apple red, ochre, chartreuse, forest green and purple complete with identity tag and padlock. Chic personal belongings are a must as all is on display for those to see.

Ralph Lauren Spring 2013 Collection

Ralph Lauren Spring 2013

Collection

Ralph Lauren's Spring 2013 collection had strong Spanish, Mexican and Peruvian influences. This collection was perfect for the woman who enjoys exotic travels abroad. A  well versed globetrotter enriched in various cultural experiences.

Toni Garrn opened the show in a suede turquoise deep plunge ruffle blouse complete with tiered sleeves. The blouse was paired with hip hugging high waisted ponti pant, multi coloured Czech glass chunky ethnic beads and black felt beret.

A colouring box of fire engine red, pistachio, teal, turquoise, azure, sugilite and crisp white were on display.

Matador cropped jackets featured tooled leather cuffs, collars and wooden toggles. Pants included waxed leather trousers complete with Navajo inspired fringing, opulent brocade dhoti pants and pinstripe palazzo pants. Cleverly draped crepe de chine eveningwear featured cascading ruffles. A Floaty organza skirt was wasp like in volume. Delicate black lace peplum corsetry had an elegant allure. Fringed flapper skirts and shawls with embroided detail featured Spanish accents. Slouch suiting included tuxedo style jackets teamed with high waisted flat front pants,which cut a languid silhouette. Lavish lace embellished empire corset in burnished gold was finished off with red neckerchief. Shoulder baring Mexicana stripe bandage top offered insouciant charm. A multitude of characterful textured serapes were on display.

An abundance of masculine Pork Pie hats were teamed with a variety of runway looks. Shoulder grazing, ornamental earrings were statement making. Printed bangles were stacked for maximum impact. Tooled leather was prominent on waist cinching belts and handbags in various styles and proportions. A red caged lattice carry all was a standout covet worthy piece. Choker necklaces were a balance between dainty with intricate beading and bold oversized organza flower rosettes.

By Courtney Jones.

Jason Wu Spring 2013 Ready To Wear

Jason Wu Spring 2013 Ready To Wear

Young illustrious designer, Jason Wu showcased a piquant Spring 2013 Collection. The designer steered away from his usual design philosophy and moved into new territory seamlessly with a collection nostalgic of old Hollywood glamour meets modern day provocation.

The collection's themes consisted of the ultra feminine whimsy versus masculine dominatrix androgyny.

Striking garments included a tough leather, panelled crocodile shift with delicate lace inserts, a black leather apron with T-bar back complete with laser cut floral hem and a sheer chiffon trench blazer with features including leather placket, cuffs, collar and slimline belt. 

The underwear as outwear trend had a strong presence on the runway as a result of a collaboration with luxe lingerie house, La Perla. An abundance of lace was in attendance.

Nude lace brassieres and leather bustiers were paired with high waisted flirty,flounce skirts. Pencil skirts with subtle peplums were on display. Stovepipe and cigarette leg trousers offered clean, crisp, polished tailoring.

The colour palette was monochromatic with pops of navy and coral. A cheeky coral lace onesie was a playful addition. A pussy bow blouse in the sheerest of sheer chiffon was teamed with a decadent lace pant. A nude cropped quilted moto bomber jacket was redolent of sophisticated sass. 

Accessories included skinny leather harnesses, fishnet gloves, black face nets, leopard minaudieres, hat box handbags, a white leather & leopard satchel,and oversized sunglasses.

Fabulous footwear involved embellished chiffon peep toe stiletto bootie, leopard stiletto with nacre ankle strap detail and lace court shoe with black toe cap complete with crystal encrusted heel.

Chic side part chignons added glamour. Luminous porcelain skin complimented glossy crimson lips. Dark, lacquered nails were in the shade of ebony.

By Courtney Jones.

Versace Couture 2012

For Versace's Couture 2012 Collection the house continued with the tried and true excess glamour formula that has worked so effortlessly for the empire. 
Lindsey Wixon opened the show in a structured ivory and gold trench dress. The leather sleeves were slashed and the waist cinched with an emblematic boxing belt. Other trenches on the runway included a metallic rose gold trench with oversized pockets featuring blanket stitch detail and a neon citrus perforated leather trench.
Of course there were the mandatory showstopping, impeccably glamorous eveningwear Versace is famed for.
Standout eveningwear included an apricot and fuschia asymmetrical, silk scarf print gown with thigh high split. Billowy chiffon trailed behind Anna Selezneva as she sexily strutted down the runway with overt Versace prowess. The Versace woman this season was a modern day warrior. She embodied strength, assertiveness and confidence yet still maintained the polished allure synonymous with Versace.
Corsets featuring lattice bodices were teamed with voluminous, free flowing silhouettes on the lower half of the torso in different layers and textures.
Splices of flesh coquettishly peeked through garments, fabric strategically placed, oozing seductive charm.
A boned, body con mini dress with racer front neckline in striking hues of mauve, turquoise and champagne will be a surefire hit with the young, hip fashion pack.
Overall the collection had a gladiatorial robustness air to it, paired with the glossy grandeur and vivacity that pay homage to the Versace aesthetic.

Gucci Resort 2013

Gucci Resort 2013

Gucci's resort 2013 collection drew inspiration from the successful relaunch of the 'Flora' range designed by Frida Giannini in 2005. The flora print originated in 1966 when the House of Gucci deigned a flora print scarf for Princess Grace of Monaco.
The 'Flora' print featured prominently on a number of garments including a tan leather bomber jacket, Grecian maxi dress, sundress with waist shirring and a kaftan complete with billowy, chiffon sleeves.
Other runway looks included cutaway A-line shifts in different textures and an array of colours including peach, turquoise, lilac, and black. Leopard terracotta silk jacquard pyjama style top with keyhole and matching pant cut a languid silhouette. Lavender Liberty print blouse with flounce and fawn hipster tailored pant were smart, wearable additions. A dusk satin trench complete with matching dusk leather hobo had a distinct 70s vibe. Denim and white double breasted blazers were streamlined. Chocolate leather tee and a sarong style drape high waisted skirt was paired with a low slung, floppy fedora. Lavender suiting complete with magenta shirt added an unexpected pop of colour. Relaxed shirts featured zip inserts and press stud pockets. Signature Gucci eveningwear included a plunge burgundy maxi with pleating detail and shoulder ruffles which framed the decolletage.
Accessories are always a strong focal point in any Gucci collection and this collection had plenty on offer. Dainty, pewter thong sandals complimented many looks. Bags included a black large hobo with chain handle. The classic 'red and green stripe' with interlocking GGs was remodelled and updated with chocolate python. A roomy white overnight bag with black trimming and gold studded hardware was a chic addition. Aviators were the sunglass of choice, often with black rims. Necklaces were long and had tribal accents. Shifts featured jewelled collars which acted as necklaces. Serious adornment was on show. 
Definitely a wearable collection with classic statement pieces worth investing in.