Friday, August 22, 2014

White Suede S/S 14/15

White Suede S/S 14/15

Designer Jacqui Demkiw of Australian fashion label White Suede produced a sleek, minimalistic collection titled 'Architectural Wanderlust'. Sculptural silhouettes and modern multifaceted, over exposed photography prints starred on an array of garments, creating optical illusions which wouldn't look out of place in a Magic Eye art book.

The collection opened with a shrunken, printed bodice in shades of dark rose, ebony, white and teal. The bodice was paired to a high waisted, body con pencil skirt, with centre split detail. Feminine allure reigned supreme on an effervescent, ivory blouse which featured lace torso panelling and delicate short sleeve detail. A scoop back added sensuality to the mix.

The elixir of youth was prevalent on an ensemble that consisted of waxed, leather flip short in relaxed micro proportions and digi print sculptural bustier. Sporting references crept in on a reptilian snake print neoprene crop top in shades of navy and Aegean blue. The crop was married to a matching high waisted tulip skirt , a bourgeois addition. Vibrant shades of azure were evident on a cut-out shoulder dress which featured spliced torso and decolletage in an electric landscape print complete with jolts of luminous white emblazoned throughout. 

Saccharine bubblegum pink punctuated several garments including a  deep v fold dress, cleverly draped tulip dress with captivating back design and a scuba inspired, racer front scoop neck dress complete with white zipper.

Monochrome arabesques which are a big trend this spring/ summer dominated the collection and starred on garments including a peplum bustier, architectural bodice, curved hem pencil skirt, leather cami and charming lace blazer. 

A muted rose, Aztec inspired print highlighted a thigh grazing mini dress with sheer fabric strips swathing the model's torso. The print was also a hallmark feature on a cropped bustier, tulip skirt, strapless dress and silk tracksuit bottom.

Sumptuous racewear oozed of grandeur. Standouts included a cut-away knee length lace dress with subtle peplum detail and a strapless version that comprised of angular, panelled opaque and lace bodice with asymmetrical lace tail finalised with stark black and white above the knee a-line skirt.

Tailored finesse flourished throughout. Think rigorously, defined silhouettes exuding consummate class.

White Suede's flagship store is located at 116 Oxford St, Paddington, 2021. Selected garments are available at Myer's Sydney City store. The entire collection is available online at www.whitesuede.com .

By Courtney Jones.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Ginger and Smart S/S 14/15

Ginger and Smart 'DUALISM' S/S 14/15

Adept design duo Genevieve and Alexandra Smart of Australian label Ginger and Smart produced an irrefutably modern S/S 14/15 collection aptly titled 'DUALISM'. The collection delved into the realms of double vision and duality with the duo drawing inspiration from the art form of double exposure photography. 

The collection opened with an azure, teal and midnight cap sleeve, midi length dress featuring undulating reptilian fabric in a fluid silhouette. The exotic reptilian print also starred on a cropped boxy blouse with perforated sleeves, knee length elongated body con number, relaxed shirt dress and a sleek pencil skirt with plunging centre split in rose gold. Wardrobe staples included dainty, neutral, multi layered camisoles with industrial zip detail toughening up the arabesque.

A minimalistic, silk jacquard, pantsuit in ivory offered structure and texture. The protracted jacket oozed of masculinity. The streamlined trousers fell mid calf. The silk jacquard was reconfigured into a sassy, fashion forward jumpsuit. Clever waist drapery ensued a sleek silhouette with a dose of playfulness thrown into the mix.

Graphic ombre lace was a standout on a reptilian tiled, funnel neck, three quarter sleeved, midi dress in shades of ice silver and gunmetal. Sumptuous cocktail attire came in the form of the 'Broken Beauty' strapless dress. A feminine, sculpted dress complete with trompe loeil panelling and sensual centre split adding a provocative edge.

A dramatic floral print was present on a boatneck, waisted, knee length dress which embodied dark glamour with a hint of romanticism. A racer front dress, drop waist midi skirt and relaxed blouse also featured in the floral print. Bold graphic candy stripes in peony pink and turquoise were prevalent on a bustier, high waisted pencil skirt and shift dress. A blush, quilted, cropped bomber jacket brimmed with joie de vivre. A sweetheart bustier complemented the jacket and the look was complete when teamed to high waisted shorts in relaxed proportions.

Ginger and Smart's 'DUALISM' collection is available at boutiques and selected David Jones stores nationally. You may also purchase the collection online at www.gingerandsmart.com

By Courtney Jones.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Billion Dollar Babes S/S 14/15



















Billion Dollar Babes S/S 14/15

Australian designer Michelle Cooke, of Billion Dollar Babes produced a jubilant line up for her S/S 14/15 collection. The collection kicked off with BDB's Resortwear line. Think exotic, maxi embroidered kaftans in staple shades of midnight and black, perfect beach to bar ensembles. Bohemian references reign supreme, brimming of energised cool. Gathered peasant blouses teamed with nautical striped bikini bottoms are a chic cover up option. Ideal for a tropical paradise sojourn. A sassy tropicana, halter jumpsuit comprised of gathered neckline, attenuated sash belt and palazzo pants in relaxed proportions. The tropicana print continued to feature on an azure, wraparound, flounce cap sleeve maxi dress complete with thigh high split, adding seductive charm.

Sporting luxe references crept in and were evident on a boxy mesh muscle tank and mesh jogging short. A drop waist, crew neck, short sleeve, flounced hem dress was a sizzling number for the bold. A striking, ombre, shirtmaker maxi dress in delectable shades of duck egg blue and indigo was a standout garment. The diaphanous skirt oozed of class.

Cocktailwear comprised of an asymmetrical, turquoise, graphic print dress with side split detail. A knee grazing, body con version was a sassy annexation. Lace played an integral role in the collection and starred on charming tennis tops, dainty pencil skirts and lace up kaftans in shades of spearmint, black and ivory.

Enticing eveningwear consisted of a bourgeois, v-neck knee length dress with slimline belt creating a defined silhouette throughout the waist. The body skimming godet arabesque was a flattering design and is available in shades of daffodil and staple summer white. For those seeking a floor length gown this style featured in sizzling black. Enchanting lace panels punctuated a floor sweeping evening dress. A scintillating, intricately embellished navy and nude gown is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Clever drapery was prevalent on a boatneck maxi featuring ruched waist and sensuous open back, cowl neck detail. A fine silver chain graced the back, body jewellery at its finest. A lustrous sequin adorned dress complete with ribbon straps and waist bow belt featured in shades of azure, blush and black. Metallic accents flourished on a gold, peak shouldered column dress with circular disc pattern. Sheer sophistication teamed with allure best describes this sultry number. Lackadaisical glamour came in the form of a crisp white shirt worn unbuttoned to the navel and knotted at the waist. Sleeves rolled up nonchalantly. The classic shirt was married to a sequin maxi skirt in ice silver and ebony.

Billion Dollar Babes exclusive collection is available online at www.billiondollarbabes.com.au

 

1. Amelia Lace Dress

2. Penelope Dress

3. Amelia Beaded Dress

4. Lily Shirt Dress

5. Lily Embroidered Kaftan

6. Lily Peasant Blouse

7. Bridget Dress

8. Lola Godet Mini

9. Bridget Dress

10. Stellar Dress

11. Penelope Skirt

12. Penelope Dress

 

By Courtney Jones.





Saturday, August 2, 2014

MIMCO






















MIMCO Roxstar Earthgazer Collection

Mimco's upcoming Spring/Summer 2014 collection aptly titled Roxstar Earthgazer, is a cornucopia of celestial delight. The intergalactic expedition showcases a treasure trove of charming accessories brimming with panache.

Futuristic wrist bling features on ornate cuffs, textural mash ups are prevalent on a glistening, patent, exotic zebra print envelope clutch complete with wrist strap. A relaxed, slouchy hobo in the shade of flamboyant peacock green is sure to garner plenty of attention. The staple shoulder satchel is updated in Crayola box blue and poppy. Embossed, circular disc detail lends a certain sixties sass.

Femininity and romanticism rule on 3D, pillbox racewear. The floral extravaganza includes shades of blush and ebony with spot and crystallised netting completing the look. Opulence dominates on a multi layer, capacious, rose gold chain bracelet, complete with lustrous pearl and jewel facet spike charm. A striking, guilty pleasure.

Other standout accoutrements include varsity stripe cuffs and necklaces, decorative sandals, a star emblazoned hardcase, jewel encrusted headwear, crystal and feather crowning glories and scintillating minaudieres bursting with pulchritude.

An enticing display replete with finesse and impeccable glamour.

Items available at Mimco boutiques nationally and online www.mimco.com.au

1. Zebra M Pouch $129

2. Gidget Trio $199

3. Big Top Dot Heel $249

4. Moontide Hardcase $199

5. Astro Cuff $149

6. Dim The Lights Wedge $229

7. Spot The Rox-Star $199

8. Clambake Wrist $129

9. Fintasia Day Pouche $399

10. Sorority Heel $299

11. Demure Debutante $229

12. Alma Stretch Wrist $89.95

13. Origami Hip Multi $299

14. Narrow Hinged Bangle Mariner $69.95

15. Narrow Hinged Bangle Poppy $69.95

16. Astro Block Heel Yolk $249

 

By Courtney Jones.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Style File






















STYLE FILE

This season's quintessential staples include defined silhouettes suffused with architectural lines oozing with finesse. Polished accessories radiate impeccable glamour teamed with consummate class.

Grid 1- Top left, clockwise:

FRIEND OF MINE Working Blazer $440

RAG AND BONE Floppy Fedora $197 (available from Tuchuzy)

MIMCO Venetian Satchel $450

ONE TEASPOON London Trashwhores $99


Grid 2- Top right, clockwise:

MANNING CARTELL Due East Asymmetric Dress $699

SASS AND BIDE La Paz Aviators $229

SASS AND BIDE The Bank Roll Quilted Jacket $1200

SASS AND BIDE Snake Charmer Leather Booties $570

 

Grid 3- Bottom right, clockwise:

SASS AND BIDE The Cold Snap Mini Dress $990

DYLAN KAIN Wax Chainbag $480 (available from Tuchuzy)

MIMCO Venetian Chandelier $129

WHITE SUEDE Elvira Kitten Heel $169

 

Grid 4- Bottom left, clockwise:

MANNING CARTELL Once Upon A Time Dress $899

SASS AND BIDE Midnight Memory $490

CELINE Retro Cat Eye $420 (available from Tuchuzy)

WHITE SUEDE Thunder Dome Jacket $185 

By Courtney Jones.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Balmain Resort 2015

Balmain Resort 2015

Fashion virtuoso, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain created a striking Resort 2015 collection suffused with lavish sophistication. Uplifting, artisanal silhouettes dominated throughout, injecting high octane energy.

Model of the moment, Binx Walton opened the collection in a canary yellow, halter, bandage bodice complete with leather trimmings. A drop waist handkerchief hem, mid length skirt was of free flowing proportions. Sleek, minimalistic, burnished bronze cuffs and collar were a mod addition. Warrior inspired, black, peep toe stiletto booties brimmed with attitude.

Fluid drapery featured on a sleeveless, wraparound, asymmetrical tunic with Greek goddess connotations. Floor grazing, flared trousers in matching georgette concluded the look. For the Balmain woman who favours flesh baring ensembles this look offered modesty. Time will tell whether Balmain devotees will embrace this new arabesque.

The alluring Balmain blazer dress returned once again this season in micro proportions sure to delight perennial party girls aplenty. Details included honeycomb satin lapels, cuffs and pocket flaps. Regal gold buttons featured on the double breasted blazer dress adding a dose of ostentation.

White, stretch lace, elongated flares were teamed to a woven black and white leather staple boxing belt and round neck midriff baring crop top. The look was finalised with a lust worthy, monochromatic, white, peak shoulder blazer complete with black trimmings and gold button fastenings. The poncho played a prevalent role in the collection with Native American references evident throughout. A pannier weave, structured poncho in fiery tangelo, ivory, black and white was married to an a-line mini skirt. A robust silhouette highlighted by paprika hued, embellished peep toe midi boots. A heavily beaded turquoise poncho and matching dress made for a divine ethnic creation. Think bohemian babe does New York. A play on textural delight came in the form of an ivory, ribbed, transparent racer front tank paired to high waisted chevron stripe ebony and ivory ,mini skirt.  

A hot coral, strapless, body con mini dress featured satin strips of fabric encompassing Binx Walton's torso. The skirt featured clever drapery emulating a sash worn knotted at the side hip. Black trimmings punctuated the garment adding the luxe factor.

A yellow mustard, cut out shoulder embroidered, tattoo blouse referenced Zuhair Murad's archives. A subtle, fringe black and white pencil skirt fell above the knee making for a feminine combination with a hint of provocation.

By Courtney Jones.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Zuhair Murad Resort 2015

Zuhair Murad Resort 2015

Zuhair Murad's Resort 2015 Collection was a culmination of everyday staples through to dramatic, scintillating, high voltage eveningwear fit for the red carpet. Safari and colonial influences were prevalent. A bourgeois and tailored update to the fatigues found in army surplus stores across the globe.

The collection opened with a pistachio hued safari inspired mini dress. Details included funnel neck, black mesh armhole inserts, gold button closure, zippers exposing subtle box pleats and a waist cincher belt creating a sleek, streamlined silhouette. Bondage style, peep toe stiletto sandals were a vampy addition. Look two comprised of ebony, cigarette leg  trousers with flared ankle detail. A modern, contemporary, textural delight came in the form of an aerated black mesh blouse featuring pistachio placket, pockets, cuffs and peplum. Imagery conjured up edgy athleticism.

Safari inspired garments continued to dominate and included a lace up, utilitarian, cuffed short sleeve shirt reminiscent of the famed YSL dress modelled by supermodel Veruschka. Locally look to Australian designers Bec and Bridge and One Teaspoon for garments fit for an African expedition. Sensual lace made an appearance on a body con, cap sleeve, knee length dress. A khaki obi created a robust arabesque drawing in the waist adding feminine allure. Bohemian, gypsy overtones were prevalent on a diaphanous, floor sweeping maxi. A tiered skirt featured intricate embroidery and billowy sleeves.

Sumptuous eveningwear featured fluid drapery caressing every curve of the models' physiques. A lady bug red and ebony gown consisted of v-neck plunge neckline in silk with tooled leather waist cincher. A fanciful accession brimming of finesse. A burst of scorching tamale starred on a sweetheart, a-line mini dress. The full skirt screamed of pulchritude. Flesh toned sleeves and decolletage, which Murad is famed for, were evident and created the illusion of tattooed inner sleeves with the red fabric cascading down the entire arm. A sultry, sophisticated cocktail number came complete with scoop cowl neck back and tattoo brocade detail. A slimline, pencil skirt concluded the look.

Ikat print played a vital role on a peak shoulder, plunge tuxedo jacket. Embellishment in shades of tomato, burnished gold, white and black made for an electric combination. Look to Sass and Bide for a similar aesthetic. Streamlined, cropped trousers  in ebony completed the look. A floating tile shift dress in stark white and black was a monochromatic addition. Perfect office attire with a sassy twist. Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli-esque garments were evident in the form of a pellucid, cobalt , lace up kaftan in a gossamer delicate fabric. Labour intensive, floral, applique embroidery adorned the kaftan. Covet worthy attire for the Cote d'Azur. A square neck, beaded bodice graced a floor sweeping evening dress. A sheer transparent skirt injected plenty of glamour.

For the modish bride, a boatneck, 3/4 sleeve, ivory, fishtail gown featuring tooled lace and beading teamed to a skinny leather belt with bow detail drawing in the waist. The collection concluded with a high neck, cutaway, drop waist, milky white full skirted gown. Aztec and zig zag embellishment added grandeur and vivacity.

By Courtney Jones.