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.

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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.

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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.

Emilio Pucci Fall 2013

Emilio Pucci Fall 2013

Deftly designer Peter Dundas of Emilio Pucci unveiled an intriguing Fall 2013 Collection. A discordant mixture of textural fabrics and punchy contours draped lithe bodies erratically.

Sasha Luss opened the show in an intricately embellished, gunmetal grey, navy and sapphire decadent long sleeve blouse, tucked into signature Pucci scarf print, high waisted skirt, high low hem flounce detail in shades of muted lavender, black and white. The look was drawn together with a tiger, ponyskin waist cincher belt and palatial thigh high, second skin, suede boots in rich toffee.

Kasia Struss modelled high waisted ebony tap shorts, paired with beaded fringed collarless jacket in lunar accents. The look was completed with a gauzy, transparent, polka dot blouse featuring plunge, key hole, navel slit alluding suggestiveness.

Dense, woollen cape coats in monochromatic black and white featured Italian renaissance prints complete with generously sized stud trimmings.

Bouffant, dolman sleeved, silk scarf print dresses came in the form of micro proportions. Shades included cotton candy paired with dove grey and azure teamed with black and white, romantic, poeticism reigned supreme.

An injection of colour was evident on a peacock blue, boiled wool pea coat with military magnetism. Black suede over the knee boots featuring beaded adornment offered plenty of opulence.

An abundance of undulating swirls featuring transparent panelling were found on a saccharine, ice blue, body skimming mini dress.

Signature Pucci ostentation and glamour was seen on a burnished gold, sweetheart neckline, long sleeved cocktail dress starring polka dot decolletage insert. Boudoir inspiration played an eminent role in the collection. La Perlaesque lingerie slip dresses in spiderweb lace were married with exotic zebra print robes highlighted by oversized fur cuffs and collars.

Accessories comprised of zebra ponyskin hobos in camel and black, small neat boxy handbags and a fringed beaded drawstring bucket bag, an eveningwear covet worthy item. Suede thigh high boots in shades of claret, black and toffee dominated the runway, pointy toed patent stiletto slingbacks were a more demure option.

Hair maestro Luigi Murenu created soft faux fringes which swept models foreheads. Matte complexions, flesh apricot hued glossy lips, kohl rimmed eyes, lashings of mascara and false eyelashes lent a distinct 60s/70s beauty aesthetic. 

Please feel free to view my fashion blogs.

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

By Courtney Jones.

Saint Laurent Fall 2013

Saint Laurent Fall 2013

Supremely skilled designer Hedi Slimane  of Saint Laurent produced a thoroughly wearable collection this fall season. An interjection of grunge and rock influences flooded the runway.

Models emerged slovenly and dishevelled as grunge went into hyperdrive. On the other end of the spectrum, pristine, polished leather looks were seriously nefarious.

Hanne Gaby Odiele opened the show in a v-neck, metallic foil, fish tail, free flowing mini dress married with mohair, oversized plaid cardigan in mannish proportions. Sheer, polka dot hosiery and flat, buckled, moto biker boots finished the look. A dainty, delicate string of pearls was an ambiguous accessory choice.

A white, ruffled Peter Pan collar featured on a rose bud liberty print smock dress paired with clashing, cornflower blue cardigan emblazoned with considerably sized black stars. The shabby chic theme continued with lace up leather, cumbersome boots.

Australian model Julia Nobis modelled a leather, a-line, mini skirt, coasting hips, complete with double zippers off kilter. A waxed, leather, triangular bra was paired with a structured, knee length trench.

Masculinity and androgyny continued to creep in on multifarious garments including a YSL inspired Le smoking, oversized, pinstripe, black tuxedo jacket, slashed leather skinny trousers, muted plaid shirt dresses and a black molten peak shoulder jacket. Plenty on offer to appeal to the hip, young, indie musicians of today.

A more ostentatious addition came in the form of a flesh, cotton candy fur chubby combined with studded, high waisted knicker and floral pussy bow blouse tucked in for a look oozing of finesse and sophistication with an edge.

Flashes of tawdry and vulgarity were found on scarlet, tartan babydoll dresses, oversized cable knit metallic thread sweater dresses and lumberjack cardigans.

A fox fur cape coat consisting of an abundance of fox tails in shades of dove grey, white, ebony and toffee was teamed with a one shoulder, ruffled mini dress.

This collection is very accessible and easy to emulate. A newfangled approach to Marc Jacobs 90s grunge revival.

Australian designers to look to include Marcs and Fleur Wood for floral dresses, Shakuhachi and One Teaspoon for leather looks, Topshop knitwear, Dr Martens footwear and Wheels and Doll Baby for fur chubbies and embellished knickers.

Please feel free to view my fashion blogs.

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

By Courtney Jones.

Versace Fall 2013

Versace Fall 2013

Donatella Versace unveiled an audacious display this fall. Dominatrix and fetishistic themes ran throughout the collection. Eighties and nineties excess clubwear reigned supreme and it's sure to get you noticed.

Donatella reinvented Gianni's signature staple classics with an updated, punk twist. Vinyl played a starring role in the collection and featured on an abundance of garments, as did an invasion of the local hardware store with bolts and spikes hanging laboriously from models ear lobes and necks.

A concupiscent, white, vinyl, cutaway, halter bodysuit featured white, fur collar paired with a 3/4 length, cashmere, minimalistic trench complete with silver collar tips. A paradoxical mix of sexy and sensuous paired with a classic cover up.

Kasia Struss ruled the runway with overt prowess in a sexy, black, vinyl bodysuit resplendent of Catwoman. Model Nadja Bender with cheekbones as sharp as razor blades modelled a pair of hip hugging trousers caressing every curve. This was twinned with a vinyl vest held together by an oversized, precarious bolt. The look was finished off with neck junk comprising of spikes, bolts and layered chains.

A v-neck, plunge, black vinyl dress with exposed shoulder detail sauntered down the runway redolent of Azzedine Alaiia. Punk rock connotations were evident on David Bowie inspired numbers with plenty of tartan on display. Form fitting, peek a boo flesh cutouts for the strong, confident, Versace woman were on offer.

Canary yellow was a standout shade on the runway packing some serious punch on a cashmere coat, fur stoles, bumble bee cartoonish collars, mini skirts and vinyl numbers resembling super heroes. Cleverly draped bandage eveningwear with Grecian qualities graced the runway. Karmen Pedaru modelled a white, body con evening dress complete with asymmetrical neckline, one shoulder,torso cutouts and provocative thigh high split.

Footwear comprised of white and black studded, quilted, midi stiletto boot with chrome toe cap and heel. Studs, tassels and heavy duty spikes were found cascading down the front of a variety of boots. Lavish, leather, over the knee boots were statement making. For sheer decadence, embellished, fold over flap ankle booties oozed of exorbitance. Spike punk collars which wouldn't look out of place in a Gothic / Emo's draw were full of rebellion. Spiked cuffs dangled hazardously from models wrists, so dangerous in fact that they could be construed as weapons. Super stylish and armed.

Please feel free to view my fashion blogs.

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

By Courtney Jones.