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.

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By Courtney Jones.

Zadig and Voltaire Fall 2013

Zadig and Voltaire Fall 2013

Parisian label Zadig and Voltaire showcased their first ever runway show this fall season. Creative Director Cecilia Bonstrom produced a highly accessible, wearable collection oozing of effortless, Parisian cool which will no doubt impress and appeal to the labels legion of dedicated followers all vying for style icon and campaign star Erin Wasson's carefree, bohemian, rock n roll, love child attitude.

The jubilant line up opened with a jacquard ebony and emerald blazer and 7/8 tailored trouser. A black, silk, plunge, v-neck kaftan blouse was worn underneath. A fine, gold, dainty chain graced the models decolletage. A leather belt complete with studded detail added a hardened, feminine edge to the look. Footwear comprised of chunky, mid heel biker boot with side buckle hardware.

Crushed velvet reminiscent of the 70s peace, love, hope, spirit era graced a midnight, deep v-neck tunic featuring 3/4 sleeves complete with elbow cuffs, drawn in at the waist by a fine corded belt. The look was accessorised with a black panama hat with chain detail, beaded metallic accented lariat, black crocodile mini satchel and noir calf skimming knee high boots.

A palatial, fox fur, collarless chubby in saccharine frappunccino was married with a grape, silk satin, poetic blouse and grape crushed velvet, free flowing skirt in micro proportions with silver suture detail.

Burnished bronze, baroque themes frequented garments including a liquid bandeau top paired with lustrous, glitter flecked, leather hot pants and an iridescent, shrunken blazer in foiled gold twinned with white wash denim jeans featuring studded, triangular pocket detail and baroque multi textured ankle boots complete with pewter toe cap.

Sizable wolverine motifs were plastered upon knitted, two tonal brick and ebony bandeau, mini skirt and a muted black tee featuring a burgundy hued wolf ready to devour its prey.

An abundance of forever chic and stylish leather pieces were on offer in the form of shirts, leggings, patent bomber jackets and leather dungarees only for the brave and fashion forward. A conspicuous, jewel tone, ruby red, velvet suit was a stellar runway look complete with metallic, boatneck shell top and brocade boot. A claret, ribbed, shawl cardigan with zipper detail was a great wardrobe staple as was a dove grey linen blazer and a sapphire sheepskin shearling trimmed jacket.

So for all the anti fashion haters out there who ridicule and claim fashion is rich in frivolity, this collection proves just how wrong and judgemental/ hypocritical you can be. Runway pieces cab be transmogrified into reality and be incorporated into everyday wardrobes of women across the entire globe.

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www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2013

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2013

Designer Christopher Bailey of Burberry Prorsum produced a sexually charged display this fall season, married with lady like magnetism.

This fruition led to libidinous rubberised garments, kitsch cartoonish knitwear and the time honoured staple trench transmogrified yet again with panache.

Brit model Edie Campbell revealed the opening runway look which comprised of signature Burberry taupe trench, mushroom rubberised gun fold and sleeves, artillery inspired metal belt and decorous kitten heels which were vamped up in an exotic, leopard ponyskin. Demure versus siren, replete of bourgeois chic.

Incongruitous prints including an angora, leopard print knit paired with love heart emblazoned high waisted knickers and transparent pencil skirt were a juxtaposition of naughty and nice. A butter caramel, grommet infested baguette bag was tucked neatly into the palm of model Cara Delevigne.

Spells of fetishism were evident on garments including a two tonal, oxblood leather and rubber panelled pencil skirt twinned with contoured love heart print shirt complete with leather collar.

Military accents were found on trench coats and updated in a colour palette full of rich claret and textures including pebbled, patent leather.

Chunky, bouffant sleeved, ribbed knitwear in sumptuous butterscotch was paired with a panelled, animal print pencil skirt featuring alternating, inconspicuous leopard print versus bold, capacious leopard print.

A manifestation of cocoon coat arabesques were prominent on a gargantuan zebra and giraffe print silhouettes and a vermilion, minimalistic coat featuring metal cuff inserts accessorised with drawstring, ponyskin tote.

Fringed, leather grommets punctuated an oxblood a-line skirt paired with modern polo tee featuring epaulettes and diminutive chest pockets and a trench coat was transformed into a textural delight with avant garde qualities.

Cocktail wear included a mahogany bustier, scarf hemline complete with crossed leather halter straps and midi length skirt. Karlie Kloss modelled a ebony, strapless, 3/4 length dress with asymmetrical shoulder strap detail framing the neck.

A white, rubberised trench reminiscent of a raincoat was a tres chic wet weather gear addition. This look was paired with a cow hide pencil skirt and giraffe print turtleneck knitwear. 

Drawstring pouchettes were the star accessory of the collection. Available in a range of plaid, animal print, leather and grommet encrusted hardware.

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www.modestyling.blogspot.com and modeloffduty.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

 

Just Cavalli Fall 2013

Just Cavalli Fall 2013

Roberto Cavalli's latest unveiling for his Just Cavalli line was bursting with pulchritude, opulence and oriental charm. Cavalli drew inspiration from his recent sojourn to Bhutan.

Bhutanese and Buddhist architecture including Dzongs, flourished on various prints, often resulting in illusionistic patterns in a kaleidoscope of colour. This lent a distinct indie, free spirited, oriental aesthetic to the collection.

A vivid, quilted, Bhutan print parka featured plush, luxurious, snow white fur collar. This was paired with crisp shirting complete with priest's collar protruding from the neckline. The look was plenary with ponyskin midi boots. A richly patterned onesie with built in cravat was of relaxed style and offered freedom of movement throughout the torso which in turn led to a tapered leg and ankle design.

A boatneck tunic in shades of terracotta and cobalt comprised of silk, featured scarf hemline and scarf print. Bohemian arabesque sprung to mind as model Nastya Kusakina wafted down the runway. Culturally explosive best describes a floor sweeping, turtleneck, column dress complete with Bhutanese architecture plastered over the entirety of the dress.

Narrow legged, baroque, flared trousers in shades of teal, navy and forest green accompanied an oversized knit in shades of canary yellow, paprika and burnt orange, conspicuous elongated sleeves fell well over Yulia Serzhantova's fingertips. Dip dye tassel necklaces with plenty of oriental symbolism dangled nonchalantly from models necks.

A drop waist tunic in shades of pumpkin and turmeric, matching sash belt and teal red clutch was married with neutral, snakeskin and ponyskin rich chocolate under the knee boot. An exotic juxtaposition with a hint of hazard yet still full of allure.

Art Noveau, teal flowers graced a high neck, drop waist shift with provocative, side split. A calfskin sleeved jacket with the body comprising of different panels of fur including fox, Mongolian, and rabbit was twinned with soft turquoise romantic blouse, foiled gold, lustrous, black, panelled skinny leg trousers.

Other garments included an electric blue flecked fur gilet, sloping shouldered patchwork cocoon coat, lady bug red leather tunic and border print flares. 

Orientalism was apparent on cheongsam style dresses emblazoned with dragons and differing Asian motifs.An ebony, scarlet, collarless, tuxedo jacket featuring vermilion sequin embellishment, satin lapels and pockets exuded ostentation.

Please feel free to view my blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

Ginger and Smart Spring / Summer 2014

Ginger and Smart Spring / Summer 2014

Sisters Genevieve and Alexandra Smart of Ginger and Smart produced a directional collection replete with immaculate tailoring. Ebony, architectural lines encased and punctuated garments whilst peony blossoms softened the hardened exterior.
Fashions model of the moment, Julia Nobis opened yet another show in a structured blazer worn lackadaisically around shoulders. This look was paired with conformable bralet, very Dolce and Gabbana, high waisted, fitted pencil skirt and cement shaded leather gloves. Navy, sky blue and ivory platform sandals with ankle strap detail completed the look.
Other looks included cropped, man style pant suit in sky blue linen silk comprising of loose, fluid trouser, bralet and streamlined blazer. A mesh and floral digi motif, relaxed fit crop was married with tailored, floral short and elongated silhouette blazer.
A Roland Mouret inspired creation came in the form of a black cap sleeved dress featuring sculptural torso panelling and caged floral peony bodice. A result ending in a clever play on visual illusion.
A cropped, monochromatic Archetype jacquard pant was paired with a boxy, collarless jacket and a minimalistic dark cocoa and black leather tote, think House of Celine.
Athleticism crept in on a cropped, halter blouse in black featuring delicate, whimsical,antique, ivory lace overlay. This garment was paired with the 'Incision' jacket in blackberry silk and 'Love Bite' high waisted, panelled pants in blackberry lace, oozing with effortless charm.
A runway standout sure to fly off the racks this spring / summer was an effervescent lace and silk crew neck, body con, ivory and black above the knee dress, featuring black scalloped lace 3/4 sleeves and trompe l'oeil effect panelling, drew attention to the waist. Polished, ladylike black suede and leather gloves finished the look.
Sumptuous guava sorbet 3 piece suiting bursting with allure is inevitably set to be on the wish list of fashionistas aplenty.
A Proenza Schouleresque ensemble comprised of navy, cobalt, mint and emerald cropped, jacquard jacket, cropped exotic undulating leopard silk shell top and high waisted scuba inspired pencil skirt featuring navy and mint panelling, pure finesse. 
A multifaceted, geometric, kaleidoscope of colour was evident on a kimono style, plunge v-neck blouse featuring spliced shoulder detail.
Hi-tech fabrics such as coated linen with leather like qualities graced garments including stone jodhpurs.
Closing runway looks included poetic, flourishing florals which made an appearance on athletic arabesques and a striking pant suit full of vivacity.

Feel free to view my blogs.
www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

Bec and Bridge Spring/Summer 2014

Bec and Bridge Spring / Summer 2014

Mercedes-Benz Australian Fashion Week S/S 2014, day one featured design duo, Bec and Bridge. Their latest collection was titled Chromolux.

The pair drew inspiration from the ocean and all its natural beauty. Free flowing,languid silhouettes were teamed with sporty luxe elements.

It was a strong departure from the signature Bec and Bridge aesthetic. The collection managed to break new territory yet may disappoint their legion of fans and target demographic due to the more mature silhouette.

Julia Nobis opened the show in a transparent, mesh, triangular bra, teamed with silk colour block ink and electric blue vest. A fluid, celestial pant in black finished the look.

Clean, minimalistic lines were evident on a structured, black bustier married with crisp white slouch pant, effortless sophistication.

Lingerie inspired pieces graced the runway. Sensual slips in rich shades including claret would look perfectly at home in the boudoir or a Calvin Klein runway.

Midi lengths proved popular this season. Sporty luxe crept in on a pink blush, racer front, silk, liquid midi dress, skimming the body nonchalantly.

The starring garment of the collection was a moto inspired,boxy, electric eel, leather vest which had the option of being worn as a dress. Peak shoulders and bulky buckle hardware toughened up the look. This was paired with ink athletic crop top, layered mesh long sleeve tank and tailored trouser.

Geometric cut-outs found their way onto ice blue, racer front, midi dress with cheeky peek-a-boo side torso cut-outs.

Koi fish inspired garments included pearlescent, plunge v-neck cami complete with built in back bra fastening, iridescent sequin trousers and a sequin blouse with overblown sleeve detail.

Please feel free to view my blogs.

www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.

Balmain Fall 2013

Balmain Fall 2013

Designer Olivier Rousteing of Balmain delivered a Fall 2013 collection rich in visual ambiance combined with majestic artiness. Nonchalant ease was paired with hints of haughtiness. Intoxicating, a work encoded into Balmain's DNA continued to reign supreme.
Strong, dominant, powerhouse silhouettes reminiscent of the 80s were unleashed onto the runway with full prowess. An ebony, butter soft, leather, plunge, peplum jacket was drawn together with a Japanese inspired obi waist cincher. This was teamed with man repellent, moire harem pants which tapered at the ankle. The languid pants softened the severely structured jacket.
An ivory, peak shoulder, angora knit featured overblown sleeves married with tarnished silver baroque dhoti pants, bronze cummerbund and gargantuan chandelier earrings grazing the collarbone.
Futuristic, sci-fi burnished molten knits with ribbed collars and cuffs are forthcoming wardrobe staples. Shoulders continued to command plenty of attention much to fans jubilance no doubt.
A piquant, fuchsia and claret mini tulip skirt in silk charmeuse was cleverly draped with sinuous tailoring. A rigid, moto cross inspired, quilted diamond blouse and boxing belt featuring chrome centerpiece completed the look. Hip high suede, black boots were construed as pants or second skin leggings.
A one shoulder, bouffant sleeved asymmetrical blouse in mauve and fuchsia added plenty of zing to the collection. Think the artist Prince meets 80s pop princess. Quilted black leather booties with center back zip exposure are a sure sell out.
Iridescent, glittery 3 piece suiting comprised of a play on proportions, long layered waistcoat, cropped structured blazer and MC Hammer inspired pants just beckoning for models to bust a move at the end of the runway. This collection is for no wallflower. Garments come with a colossal price tag to match. No doubt high street stores such as Topshop, Asos, Zara and Urban Outfitters will be quick to emulate Balmain's trends for the season. Suitable for those on a shoestring budget yet still aspire to the Balmain  aesthetic.
Flamboyant combination consisting of ornate jackets, blouses and pants oozed of ostentation.
The colour palette comprised primarily of jewel tones including ruby, emerald, sapphire and sugilite.
Closing runway looks included Elizabeth Erm modelling a striking silk charmeuse, claret, mullet maxi, with folds reminiscent of Nicolas Ghesquiere's Fall 2009 RTW Collection.The maxi was twinned with a leather blouson featuring quilted, turtleneck bib, sheer opulence.

Please feel free to the view my blogs.
www.modeloffduty.blogspot.com and www.modestyling.blogspot.com

By Courtney Jones.