Saint Laurent Spring / Summer 2014

Saint Laurent Spring / Summer 2014

Uber cool designer Hedi Slimane's current spring/summer 2014 collection generated undertones of grunge, rebellion, androgyny, with a devil care attitude and a heady mix of raw sex appeal. A highly wearable collection,with desirable, edgy pieces beckoning to be worn by rock n roll femme fatales.

Edie Campbell opened the show in a sharp, padded shoulder, plunge to the navel, crystal encrusted mini dress channelling galatic references. The dress seemed to have drawn inspiration from the house of Balmain or the more affordable Brian Lichtenberg.

A lady bug red, lip motif was plastered throughout, a peak shoulder, deftly draped wrap dress reminiscent of Diane Von Furstenburg. A tiered, heavy duty bike chain collar lent a punk edge.

A boxy, dove grey houndstooth tuxedo jacket in mannish proportions was paired with a matching subtle peg leg, tailored trouser. Accessories comprised of a skinny leather tie, skinny belt, black court shoe with practical mid heel and ornamental, crystal, ear climber.

A molten metal and black candy striped blazer with black leather lapel detail was twinned with coordinating mini skirt pared back with a classic white shirt, creating a balance of embellishment versus minimalism.

Lanvin connotations were evident on a one shoulder, cocktail prom mini dress with a strong nod to the 80s era. An iridescent sheen was prevalent on the cleverly draped dress featuring asymmetrical hemline and a prodigious bow sleeve which acted as a strong focal point.

An embossed undulating high waisted leather skirt was married to a cropped, boxy blazer with sateen lapels. A scoop neck mesh tank accompanied the look. Reptilian platform pumps with metal, snake, toe cap detail, concluded the look.

Military references crept in on a bouffant sleeved, khaki, cropped, military jacket. A transparent black shirt with opaque placket and collar was worn underneath. A leather, a-line mini skirt was followed by pearlescent, ribbed, glitter ankle socks paired with ankle strap pump.

Debbie harry seemingly came alive on the runway in a bubblegum pink and black stretch sequin bandeau and molten leopard body con skirt. A grommet infested bow featured on a textured, ebony, leather pump.

A leather biker jacket with oversized, ponyskin, zebra lapel was softened by a whimsical, gossamer effect skirt overlay flowing diaphanously as Linn Arvidsson strode down the runway. A lustrous, collarless cape jacket with split sleeve detail was teamed with a plunge neck, emerald green billowy mini dress with black mesh underlay.

Geometric associations played out on a graphic, optical illusion, monochromatic chiffon dress with puff sleeve and high-low side hemline worn with second skin leather leggings.

The show closed with a series of attention vying dresses. A striking effulgent sequin encrusted, vivid vermilion and black tiger boatneck mini evening dress served up serious attitude yet was sweetened by a black sequin, bow belt and futuristic silver kitten heel lace up ankle boot.

By Courtney Jones.

Michael Kors Spring / Summer 2014

Michael Kors Spring / Summer 2014

Venerable, American designer Michael Kors served up a potent mix of effervescent clothing mashed up with classicism and distinguished lines for his Spring / Summer 2014 Collection.

Kors campaign star, Karmen Pedaru opened the show in a crisp white, tailored blazer worn buttoned mid torso, attenuated further by a slimline, honeycomb, leather belt. This was teamed with a free flowing, under the knee, bias cut skirt. Pedaru carried an oversized woven envelope clutch, oozing with Kors DNA.

Sasha Luss modelled a taupe, v-neck, knee cap grazing, white and fawn floral print dress.Perfect for a high tea, baby shower or wedding. A 50s silhouette prevailed, bursting with charm. 

Luminous, bronzed skin was the blank canvas for a staple safari suit worn by newlywed Bette Franke. The look comprised of a cap sleeved, double breasted vest in latte twinned with matching culotte. A youthful, stylish addition for the warmer months.

Fur for summer you say? That was on Kors' radar, with an ivory fur chubby married with a chiffon, pussy bow blouse and taupe pencil skirt with centre split. Fur continued to make an appearance on a stole thrown casually around the shoulders of model Lindsey Wixon. This was paired with a duck egg blue pinstripe shirt, indigo denim high waisted shorts which were accessorised with gargantuan tortoiseshell sunglasses, very Jackie O and a toffee croc handbag and plaited leather belt.

Texture came in the form of crochet with many pieces baring artisanal qualities. A grey crochet cardigan was paired with matching knee length dress.

Limpidity reigned supreme on a waxed leather, short bouffant sleeved, zip up, shell top in honeycomb. Irrefutably modern and sculptural. The shell was teamed with a neutral, relaxed silhouette, mini skirt with youthful connotations.

Lace which continues to be an inescapable fixture with designers made an appearance on a muted navy, delicate round neck dress. Tiered, short lace sleeves added a feminine, ethereal touch. The dress was updated with a navy, snakeskin belt and matching platform Mary Janes.

Rustic knits came in the form of a charcoal ribbed crop knit paired with a cappuccino, python, high waisted skirt. Other knits included a generously cut cardigan and a cashmere crew neck sweater.

A profusion of prints brimming with pulchritude were apparent on poetic dresses featuring pillow sleeves, pussy bow collars often layered with a knitted vest conjuring up imagery resplendent of a preppy librarian.

A standout look modelled by Nadja Bender consisted of a sassy, chocolate and white large fauna print bandeau married with high waisted pencil skirt. The look oozed of St Tropez and Brigitte Bardot. Accessorise with cat eye sunglasses for the finishing, screen siren, touch!

By Courtney Jones.

Alexander Wang Spring 2014

Alexander Wang Spring 2014

Fashion prodigy Alexander Wang, a talent beyond his 29 years of age, showcased his Spring 2014 Collection at New York Fashion Week with much hype surrounding his show. Highly respected amongst fashion peers, Wang didn't disappoint. He is the designer who consistently breaks new ground with covetable clothing and fashion darlings aplenty clamour to get their hands on anything labelled Wang!

Fashion newcomer Anna Ewers opened the show in a dove grey, pleated, rah rah skirt with white cummerbund slung low over hips. A navel baring, sloping shoulder sweat with funnel neck offered clean, stark lines. Ewers clenched an envelope clutch which was clasped at the base of the bag for nonchalant cool. Materials included mustard pebbled leather with black accents.

Post show model Josephine Skriver posted a photo of herself on Instagram with her new handbag, a gift from Wang. A handbag which will definitely have an extensive waiting list. The pulling power of the official Model off Duty uniform continues to reign supreme.

A feminine powder puff blue, cropped peplum camisole, was paired with a free flowing man style trouser worn 7/8 length. A doctor's style envelope clutch in oxblood hardened the silhouette. High waisted, fluid, grey marle culottes were teamed with a grey argyle knit cardigan worn buttoned at the bust. The look embodied loungewear with a preppy twist.

A modern day pyjama ensemble comprised of a muted rose pinstripe boxer short with elasticised waist and scalloped hem married with structured elbow length shirt with stiff white collar detail. A long sleeve version featured in the shade of cornflower blue.

A leather trackpant with strong athletic references was teamed with a midriff baring oversized top with bib overlay complete with asymmetrical hemline. Irina Kravchenko sported a deep mahogany pebbled overnight bag, concluding the look.

Nineties slogans were emblazoned across tees including 'Parental Advisory Explicit Content' in techy pearlescent fabrics. Perforated, flesh tone, elbow length leather gloves accompanied a houndstooth bralet and culotte. Houndstooth continued to feature on a parka, mini skirt and cropped top.

Logo mania dominated on a pinafore dress consisting of leather strips emblazoned with the letters ALEXANDER WANG. Logo adornment continued throughout and was evident on a high waisted skirt with thigh high split detail and leather strap braces, a white and grey leather slip dress worn low on the bust and a boatneck apron dress.

Wang favourite Kasia Struss donned a white, wrap, bouffant straight jacket twinned with flat front high waisted short with side peplum.

Platform pointy toed shootie with chunky sculptural heel, metal eyelets and criss cross laces were the footwear of choice.

Erin Wasson closed the show in a square boatneck, white perforated knee length apron with cross strap detail and pleated skirting worn exposing side bust, modesty was not evident here. Fashionistas will be waiting with baited breath for the much anticipated unveiling of Wang's Balenciaga collection in Paris at the end of this month.

By Courtney Jones.

Bespecd Eyewear

                                    

Bespecd Eyewear

Australian label Bespecd Eyewear offer fashion forward optical glasses and sunglasses at a budget conscious price point. Frames with prescription glasses start at an affordable $95 making Bespecd Eyewear an absolute snitch. Why splurge on designer eyewear when you can achieve the same aesthetic at a fraction of the cost!

Glasses are the ultimate fashion accessory. They are statement making and can be worn according to any mood you may be feeling on any given day. Sunglasses are a chic, dapper accession which gives the wearer an instant face lift and update. Bearing a pair of sunnies is imperative in the harsh Australian sun. 

Bespecd offer a wide variety of modern, savvy, sophisticated eyewear in various styles to cater to numerous face shapes. Square shape faces should opt for round, oval, styles that soften features, round faces suit angular, rectangle styles adding architectural structure whilst heart shape should don frames that add considerable width to the lower half of the face creating facial symmetry.

Bespecd Eyewear feature trend setting, functional frames, many in unisex styles perfect for your beloved to pop on in that instant need to read that all important cafe menu or resist the glare whilst driving. The frames are lightweight and styles include the Salvador aviator, Harbin wayfarer, retro cat eye Rostov or channel your inner geek Terry Richardson style with the Darwin aviator prescription glasses. Frames are available in an array of shades including Olive Bark, Crystal Bloom, Turquoise, Cherry Red, Artic Leopard, Dark Smoke and Midnight Black.

Sunglasses have always been renowned for their rock star appeal and are perfect for those wishing to go incognito. Team your glasses with Summer's hottest trends including leather, lace, florals, graphic prints, utilitarian chic and luxe animal prints. Men looking to channel preppy, sporty, edgy streetwear or classic cool aesthetics look no further, Bespecd have a pair of glasses to emulate your own personal style.

Bespecd Eyewear is available online at www.bespecd.com.au. They offer a free home trial, free shipping in Australia and 60 days to return your glasses if you're not completely satisfied! 

I'm pictured modelling the different styles of eyewear. Top left clockwise: Darwin Aviator Optical in Canyon Brown, Salvador Aviator Sunglasses in Gunmetal Matte, Harbin Wayfarer in Crystal Bloom and Darwin Aviator Sunglasses in Canyon Brown.

By Courtney Jones.

Maurie and Eve Spring/Summer 13/14

Maurie and Eve Spring / Summer 13 / 14

Maurie and Eve's Spring / Summer collection brimmed with eighties silhouettes and sporting references. Plenty of flesh was on display with athletic arabesques dominating the collection.

The Maurie and Eve clientele is a young woman who is fashion forward, trend savvy and keen to experiment with various looks. She isn't afraid of bold prints or eye popping shades of colour resulting in a confident, body baring spirit who is clearly comfortable in her own skin.

Key Spring pieces available in store now include a silk animal pinafore dress, embossed skater skirts, halter neck dresses in floral geo, burnt tangerine and leopard.Monochromatic black and white panelled shifts, apron crops and pencil skirts offering clean, minimalistic lines. Scuba inspired pieces were constructed from neoprene adding a sleek, functional feel to the garment.

Summer pieces included a white muscle tank with amethyst azalea panelling paired with a high waisted stretch pencil skirt complete with undulating hemline. The azalea print also featured on a racer front, midi dress worn spliced at the torso. A crisp, modern addition bursting with the elixir of youth.

An Isabel Marant inspired Ikat motif, overblown sleeve blouse was of relaxed proportions. A high-low ebony skirt with scalloped hem concluded the look.

A khaki, cheongsam neckline, mosaic lattice bomber jacket was complete with fluidity. A turquoise, silk, crossover bust, halter jumpsuit in 7/8 length was a chic, stylish, statement making garment. Centre split shin detail put a creative spin on the look resulting in a glamorous piece reminiscent of something Jerry Hall would've donned in the seventies. A tailored, bohemian, flavour springs to mind.

Reptilian fabrics played a starring role in the collection and were found on a body con dress with cut-out torso detail, chocolate goddess bustier and micro, hipster, paper bag shorts.

Frayed, tortured denim shorts channelling Candice Swanepoel's editorial in Spanish Vogue 2013 edition were worn revealing plenty of gluteus maximus. Distressed, ripped, sand blasted denim boyfriend jeans were worn with a stomach baring crop, think nineties Calvin Klein advertisement. Bauble sized pearls were strewn around the neck creating a juxtaposition of styles.

An architectural, oversized polo tee was twinned with white denim cut-offs, a cheeky addition. A sensual lace tee was worn with a dose of androgynous appeal. Lace also made an appearance on a knee length skirt with libidinous centre split worn with white opaque mini underneath. A seventies long sleeve, body skimming lace jumpsuit was worn with a plunging white bodysuit for modesty.

Rich mocha and ink cowhide prints were evident on jogging shorts, funnel neck crop tank and second skin dresses.

Closing the collection were a series of black sequined cocktail wear pieces comprising of a structured bustier, culottes and a 3/4 length jumpsuit only for the flamboyant and dauntless.

Purchase Maurie and Eve online from their E-boutique at www.maurieandve.com 

Pictured top left clockwise: Glow Jumpsuit, Forever Midi Dress,Hazy Shade Crop Top, Oh Boy! Jean, Goddess Bustier and Oh Boy! Short.

By Courtney Jones.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney

Sydney Town Hall was transformed into a catwalk extravaganza for Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival. A ticketed consumer event aimed at fuelling the retail economy. Designers entice the consumer with displays of their collections currently instore. An app titled Boodl in association with MBFF was developed so the customer can purchase garments hot off the runway with their smart phone with a tap of their fingertips.

The schedule was divided into several shows. The most anticipated being the Spring/Summer Trends, showcasing looks from 33 Australian designers including Aje, Alice McCall, Camilla, Shakuhachi, Rachel Gilbert and Talulah. The shows duration totalled 45 minutes. Perhaps a fraction too long for most fashionistas who appeared overwhelmed by the number of looks to take in. An average show goes for 15 minutes maximum and this longer duration resulted in the attention span slipping radically for many of the shows attendees.

Key looks included diaphanous, billowy kaftans from Camilla evoking all things bohemian. Perfect for an exotic sojourn for the well versed traveller. Shakuhachi produced digi floral print dresses, bursting with bold flowers and botanica. An Aje standout comprised of a blossoming, floor length, chiffon maxi in petal pink. The bustier featured ruching and the gossamer skirt with provocative thigh split surged as the model strode down the runway. Ginger and Smart embraced the bralet this season, pairing it with jacquard emerald and navy tailored pant, complete with matching jacket worn casually cool over the shoulders. Rachel Gilbert added a dose of high voltage glamour with a flesh tone, strapless gown featuring undulating sequin panel embellishment, highlighting panels of delicate, wasp like, nylon tulle. Perfect for that red carpet event or for mere mortals, that special occasion. Market HQ provided youthful pieces for the budget conscious wanting there fashion fix at a fraction of the cost. Think trend driven pieces such as PVC moto vest, oversized college tees, white lace dress and a midriff baring top in racer silhouette. We Are Handsome continue to dominate the world with their edgy swimwear, think sexy 80s one pieces in shades of sorbet and barely there bikinis perfect for an iconic Australian summer.

Clockwise from top left: Ginger and Smart, Aje, Shakuhachi, Camilla.

By Courtney Jones.

Theyskens' Theory Resort 2014

Theyskens' Theory Resort 2014

Designer Olivier Theyskens of Theyskens' Theory, latest Resort 2014 offering had a distinct 90s flavour. The collection starred Hanne Gaby Odiele, a model who is renowned for own personal style and is admired by 20k plus on Instagram alone for outlandish style combinations and zany personality.

Odiele opened the show in a white sports crop paired with a black leather vest and low slung, free flowing, pinstripe pant. So voluminous were the pants that they could be construed as a maxi skirt. The look brimmed of casual cool mixed with insouciance.

A shapeless shift in mushroom featuring distressed, fringed v-neck insert was the epitome of model off duty style. The shift was worn a size too big, engulfing Odiele's lean frame. Effortless style provoking just the right amount of attitude was the driving force behind the collection.

A stone, canvas button down trench complete with sloping shoulders was married with an indigo, utilitarian shirt worn open to reveal an exposed black sports crop brimming with athleticism. A neatly tailored flat front trouser in a narrow leg arabesque concluded the look.

Baggy boyfriend jeans teeming with androgyny were sandblasted, stained and distressed at the knee caps and drawn in at the waist by a simplistic, charcoal belt twinned with bouffant sleeved sweater, sleeves pushed up ever so slightly for nonchalant allure. 

A slim fitted black leather shirt was worn buttoned to the neck and paired with an a-line denim mini skirt with sand blasted panel detail.

Platform, strappy, t-bat sandals complete with double ankle strap and chunky heel were coupled with a bleached, cropped denim jacket featuring frayed hemline. The ultimate fashion blogger's staple uniform. An apron style, midi length dress offered a play on proportions when paired with a shrunken jacket.

A glamorous accession came in the form of a cap sleeve, snow white dress featuring a waist defining cummerbund and hemline falling elegantly to the calf. A natural tone and white fur short sleeve overcoat evoked an old screen siren diva yet updated with an energetic twist.

Wardrobe fundamentals included the paper bag taupe shorts, basic scoop neck tee and a structured ink blazer.

For those wanting an injection of prints opt for the graphic, monochromatic skinny trousers.

By Courtney Jones.