Versace Atelier Spring 2014

Versace Atelier Spring 2014

Donatella Versace's Atelier Couture Collection was a breathtaking display of tantalising grandeur replete with all the hallmark features Versace is famed for. Think exhibitionism, sass and mesmeric garments for the fearless, empowered, woman.

Model of the moment Anna Ewers opened the collection in a sensual, black satin hooded single breasted tux featuring a crystallized hood and lapels. The rear of the jacket was spliced open to reveal shoulder blades, precision tailoring ensued a sleek silhouette when paired to an asymmetrical draped skirt.

An immaculate, snow white, peak shoulder tux complete with dart detail and flat placket hugged every curve of model Sasha Luss's torso. Sequin centre back embellishment is sure to garner plenty of attention. A nude bustier complete with burnished bronzed sequins shimmied with every stride Luss made.

A dark grape, fluid, draped silk jersey glided over Jacquelyn Jablonski's physique, brimming with Greek goddess connotations. The dress came complete with structured shoulder, plunging to the waist, long sleeves and a nude, sequined, embellished body suit reminiscent of ice skating attire which was  affixed to a knee grazing skirt.

A cowl neck, muted lavender, micro mini dress with diaphanous, billowy split sleeves encrusted with Swarovski crystals came complete with nude, undulating mosaic tile detail. This was adjoined to a racy, wrap, mini skirt. 

A deluxe, ostentatious midnight cobalt, oversized fur coat was a plush addition sure to appeal to Russian glamazons. The coat was accessorised with a Georgette hood. Fur also played a starring role on an off the shoulder, belted coat in the pure shade of snow white, drawn together by a gridded boxing belt. An inbuilt crystallized hood and shoulder detail added sheer decadence. Donatella's current campaign star and muse, Lady Gaga requested that she attain this one of a kind, handmade, couture garment to add to her collection. Versace ever so kindly obliged, so don't expect to see this luxury coat gracing the pages of Vogue Paris anytime soon. Fashion heavyweights Emmanuelle Alt and Mario Testino were also present in the front row alongside Gaga.

A cleverly draped, golden chartreuse, turtleneck dress was spliced and slashed to reveal a diamond bralet. The dress gathered at the hip and fell elegantly creating a sleek arabesque.

An attention grabbing shade of molten mandarin, Fanta highlighted a floor sweeping halter dress and was accompanied by a thigh high split and ornate sequin obi waist cincher, adding an iridescent sheen. Centre part, poker straight Donatella inspired locks were twinned to garments.

Anna Selezneva modelled a monochromatic, black and white mink fur stole which was married to a cutaway, transparent, halter jumpsuit, slashed past the navel. Plenty of flesh was on display with a standout low scoop back.

A ruched, fishtail silver evening dress with nude embellished glass beaded inserts featured on decolletage and side torso added high voltage allure with a flirtatious edge. A seductive, pistachio, asymmetrical scarf dress swathed Manon Leloup's body. Intricate sequin darts throughout added plenty of dazzle and scintillation. 

The finale song that pumped throughout the room was 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga. This was a fitting choice given the close relationship Versace and Gaga currently share.

By Courtney Jones.

Emilio Pucci Pre Fall 2014

Emilio Pucci Pre Fall 2014

Stalwart, Peter Dundas of Emilio Pucci presented a triumphant display this Pre Fall 2014 season. Majestically stylish garments for the proverbial globetrotter were present throughout the collection.

Look 1 comprised of a sloping shoulder cocoon jacket with poncho like qualities. The jacket featured Ikat embroidery in shades of magenta, crimson, white and black. The jacket was paired to white, flat front jodhpurs with illusionistic side black panelling creating a sleek silhouette. The pants were tucked into intricately laced midi boots with triple buckle detail.

A plunge kaftan oozing with liberating connotations came complete with diaphanous 3/4 sleeves with ornate, embellished hem and cuffs.

Robin Hood inspired ebony, suede, lace up, over the knee, second skin boots with eyelet detail concluded the look.

A flamboyant, fairy floss pink, faux fur, oversized, double breasted coat fell mid calf and was accompanied by muted fuchsia suede boots. A look not for the faint hearted. An effervescent, boatneck maxi column dress complete with cascading pink and purple motif was a winning combination of pulchritude and polished bohemia. A graphic, architecturally inspired, aubergine, black and white body skimming dress was attenuated by a robe style belt. Colour blocking was prevalent on a cobalt and snow white envelope clutch.

A pristine white cape coat with funnel neckline revealing black fur trimming was a chic and simplistic garment with just the right dose of minimalism thrown into the mix. A suede and waxed leather, textural, large size satchel was clutched casually.

A Florentine Pucci signature scarf print turtleneck dress in beetroot featured diamond print design and was married to desert sand suede boots. Stretch ponti suiting in the eye catching shade of azure featured on stretch ponti leggings and safari inspired hip length jacket. Leather dungarees were worn effortlessly with braces slumped casually by the side of thighs. The dungarees were twinned to yellow and cobalt, embellished,studded boatneck knit with subtle fluted sleeve.

A sizzling, sirenesque, teal body con, floor sweeping jersey gown complete with libidinous hip high split was held strategically together with gold button and elastic toggle detail. The split revealed matching teal suede thigh high boot. A burnished bronze, scintillating sequin tux with black lapels was a lavish addition. Flat front cigarette leg trousers screamed Studio 54. An Ikat print, duchesse satin, textural plunge evening gown with tulle trimmings, peplum and cummerbund starred in the shades of cobalt and black. This was the closing look of the show. A standout, timeless classic with an avant garde edge.

By Courtney Jones.

Gucci Pre Fall 2014

Gucci Pre Fall 2014

Frida Giannini's Pre Fall Collection brimmed with 60s and 70s references. Pop Art, conceptualism and Andy Warhol sprung to mind with garments comprising of tailored silhouettes, bold graphic prints and the time honoured staple trench.

The collection opened with fire engine red, cigarette leg trousers, minimalistic, sleek fuchsia overcoat offering clean lines which was teamed with a raspberry v-neck sweater, leather shirt, patent horse bit loafers and a leather Greek fisherman cap. A white, architectural, quilted envelope clutch finished the look.

A magenta cocoon shift in free flowing proportions was married to a leather, platform midi boot featuring a chunky, platform pillar heel. Socks were worn peeking over the top of the boot which gave the look a distinct 70s flavour.

A neon tangerine duffle coat came complete with oversized black toggles. Colour blocking played a starring role in the collection and this was evident with the coat being paired to a chambray shirt, vermilion round neck fur sweater complete with fuchsia streamlined trousers.

A high waisted, knife edge pleated skirt in persimmon fell mid thigh. Casual cool prevailed when twinned to an oxblood, oversized, man style leather shirt.

Military references were apparent on a navy, shrunken, double breasted jacket paired with matching tailored trousers. teal platforms added an unexpected twist.

A gargantuan, astrakhan golden chartreuse fur jacket was teamed with a mustard and black Breton stripe top, skinny leg ankle grazing trousers and black patent loafers.

Leather featured on a sumptuous waxed fudge jacket. The shade of canary yellow starred on trousers and loafers, finished off with a pair of eternally chic wayfarers. Canary yellow continued to make an appearance on a poetic, ladylike demure, above the knee, body skimming dress complete with peplum obi sash and puff sleeve shoulder detail.

Covet worthy garments included a teal, brushed angora, double breasted jacket with a funnel neck, ribbed knit and a boatneck sloping shoulder, trapeze woollen sweater with wide black leather cuffs.

An undulating flesh, black and white striped maxi dress commanded attention. On the other end of the spectrum a simplistic black shift with embellished beaded collar and cuffs offered a lackadaisical approach.

By Courtney Jones.

 

Burberry Pre Fall 2014

Burberry Pre Fall 2014

Designer Christopher Bailey of Burberry Prorsum embarked on a design affair rich in classicism coupled with meticulous tailoring which resulted in an enchanting collection bursting with panache.

A minted turquoise, knee grazing dress featured spliced keyhole to the navel and gathered waist detail. An elegant, body skimming, sensual addition which was complete when paired with the time honoured ankle strap stiletto embodying pure femininity.

An angora wool, muted mauve, midi length, pencil skirt oozed with textural qualities. The skirt was married to a printed graphic shirt complete with road map fabric. A black, floral, jacquard, double breasted jacket worn with sleeves pushed up effortlessly, accompanied the look. A diamond print, mocha and black bowling bag featuring gold accents and a pair of suede, intricate lace up, ankle wedge booties, with peep toe, were the accessory of choice. 

The staple Burberry trench was reinvented in a grey and white London street map fabric, collar displayed protruding, pure ingenuity by Mr Bailey.

Jewel tone, emerald green, brocade, baroque skinny leg trousers had plenty of rock star appeal. A shrunken, leather, bouffant, cropped jacket came complete with plush fur detail. Romance ruled on a forest green, chiffon, scoop neck, sleeveless dress with ruffles, flounces and a drop waist. A midi length hemline and enticing side split added allure. A mahogany bowling bag with mod squad print oozed with Prada connotations.

A colossal, black fur luxury collar was married to a chunky, navy, crop cardi jacket. A tee with architecture motif and a rich khaki angora wool pencil skirt finished the look which evoked deconstructed glamour.

An ink, ostentatious fur chubby was worn with a midi length transparent lace skirt which skimmed thighs. Other standout garments included a blanket wrap cape coat in cobalt and sapphire baroque trousers. A sumptuous, high neck, black fur caplet was twinned with a sapphire, body con, stretch velvet embroided dress.

A floor length, v-neck, side split, scarf print dress was teamed with a shrunken leather moto jacket with fur shoulder and wrist detail. Cultivated beauty was toughened up with this fashion forward jacket.

A ruby, jacquard, brocade trench dress brimmed with consummate class. The epitome of regality. Possibly a future ensemble to add to Princess Catherine's collection.

By Courtney Jones.

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas Gift Guide for the beach, bohemian goddess.

Must have summer essentials include distressed denim shorts in ultra cheeky proportions. The leather Gladiator sandal returns once again this season with a vengeance. Shades include ebony, butterscotch, and dark chocolate. Pedicured nails a must! A luxurious beach towel in a Moroccan inspired print will radiate beatnik charm. I'm pictured wearing my floral and crochet bandeau bikini by Seafolly and my Ginja 'Marrakech' halter bikini complete with undulating paisley print and tassel detail. A roomy, durable, carry all for all your beach necessities is a given. Eyewear designers continue to push the boundaries with fashion forward designs. Be sure to get your hands on a pair of covet worthy, sophisticated yet edgy cat eye wayfarers in tortoise. A bold, brightly coloured slip dress is sure to get you noticed. Perfect to throw over your bikini for a beach to bar ensemble oozing of feminine allure and nonchalance. Accessorise with oversized, sterling silver, Navajo earrings or layer wooden beads around your neck or wrists for instant hippie, luxe glamour. Lastly to avoid harmful UV rays be sure to don a straw cowboy hat a la Elle Macpherson style.

Top row left to right-

One Teaspoon 'King Cobra Pinky Dress' $119, One Teaspoon 'Wild West Bonitas' $99, Billabong 'Nevermind Cowboy Hat' $50, Tigerlily 'Amode Sandal' $129.95, Element 'Westwood Carry Bag' $70, Billabong 'Woodstock Towel' $50, Tigerlily 'Beatnik Bohemian Candle' $39.95, Sunday Somewhere 'Laura Sunglasses' $265.

By Courtney Jones.

Blumarine Spring/Summer 2014

Blumarine Spring/Summer 2014

Italian designer Anna Molinari of Blumarine produced a whimsical S/S 2014 Collection brimming with innocence and feminine charm. Halfway through the collection Molinari injected a renegade, grunge element. Insouciance reigned supreme.

Kati Nescher opened the show in a pure white, delicate, point d'esprit, funnel neck peak shoulder jacket with deconstructed cummerbund detail worn spliced open to reveal a transparent mesh tank. Sleeves on the jacket comprised of embroided butterfly lace. Bermuda shorts in matching lace fabric completed the look. White, strappy, T-bar sandals with caged connotations were a bourgeois accessory.

A frothy, ethereal, dainty, butterfly lace strapless dress was body skimming and featured point d-esprit on sleeves and decolletage. A grosgrain ribbon belt attenuated the waist.

Romanticism ruled on a blouse featuring scattered blossoms with ruched cap sleeve detail. A simplistic addition which oozed with insouciance. Strategically placed blossoms were strewn throughout a sheer tank paired with an a-line pencil skirt. Detail comprised of a light imprint of fire engine red and ink.

A nude, barely there look graced a round neck, 3/4 sleeve floor length gown with embroided rosettes. A nude strapless corset slip dress was worn underneath. Butterflies enveloped a high waisted pencil skirt in shades of teak and white with gossamer like qualites. Garden party attire best conjured up the imagery.

The rebel within began to emerge when Yumi Lambert took to the runway in a strapless, ruffled rosette dress complete with mullet hemline, flowers cascading. Black, chunky ankle boots with buckle detail were a fierce addition.

Molinari channelled a modern day Brigitte Bardot reminiscent of her St Tropez days when Anna Ewers modelled a sweetheart neckline, fitted dress with cake like ruffled trimmings in canary yellow. A duchesse silk satin pencil skirt in lemon curd was paired with an empire line, cropped cardigan complete with fur collar and crystallized body and sleeves. A bling worthy, crystal encrusted envelope clutch complemented the look.

A lady bug red, man style blazer was of relaxed proportions,  featuring a white lapel, a provocative sheer mesh tee teamed with masculine, black leather, 3/4 trousers.

A fire engine red, a-line leather pencil skirt was married to a scoop neck blouse complete with silver cobweb embellishment.

A black chiffon, polka dot, deep plunge blouse revealed Ieva Laguna's broad shoulders. The blouse was worn tucked into a monochromatic black and white pencil skirt with sketched flowers printed onto the fabric.

An iridescent silver and black sequin encrusted mini dress was paired with a structured shoulder satin and lace tuxedo jacket. Perfect for the club scene and glitterati. The show drew to a close with a  strapless, cocktail, undulating ostrich feather dress in dove grey, black and silver. Embroided silver fauna completed the look.

By Courtney Jones.

Versace Spring/Summer 2014

Versace Spring/Summer 2014

Queen of glamour Donatella Versace delved deep into new territory this S/S 2014 opening the collection with a series of full round skirts, grazing knee caps. The ingenuity was noted yet the signature Versace woman would be more inclined to yearn for the sleek silhouettes the designer is famed for which progressed as the collection advanced and finally closing with a series of sensual, showstopping eveningwear.

Kailtin Aas opened the show the show in a hip hugging, low slung, knee length full circle skirt. the skirt seemingly appeared to have a lurex finish when in fact comprised of raffia, techy fabric at its best. Chunky, body chains were strewn across the bust and decolletage. A black, flecked, denim, boxy jacket worn spliced at the elbow was complete with suture detail. Strappy, bondage platform sandals lent a vampy feel to the look. 

Denim continued to dominate on an oversized jacket complete with sloping, bouffant sleeves. The jacket was worn fastened from the hemline to the navel to reveal a silk, chiffon, halter bandeau. 

Lindsey Wixon modelled a snug, stretch denim pencil skirt with centre suture detail. A man style, linen shirt worn cuffed oozed of safari connotations.

Undone, rock n roll glamour came in the form of baroque, skinny leg trousers teamed with an indigo, denim shirt worn unbuttoned to reveal fetishistic harness with lion head centre adornment.

Sasha Luss took to the runway in a snow white bandage corset with placket and collar detail. A pearlescent, high sheen, circle skirt swung playfully with every stride Luss made. Polarised chartreuse and bronze, oversized cat eye sunglasses and dove grey strappy sandals were the accessory of choice.

Watercolour ink prints brimming with fluidity came in delectable shades of violet, turquoise, fuchsia, lavender, canary yellow and ebony gracing a series of garments including a cami slip dress, elongated bomber jacket, vest and a relaxed knee length tunic.

Daria Strokus modelled a butter soft, muted lavender, leather, tooled floral blazer worn deconstructed at the base of the lapel. A matching hip encapsulating, libidinous pencil skirt added high voltage sex appeal. The look was finished off with a sheer, halter, bandeau in black.

Newcomer Anna Ewers glided down the runway with innate prowess in a ruched, mauve, body con dress with cross bust drapery. Glistening, capacious chain and suture detail were a juxtaposition of soft versus hard. 

Botanicals flourished on a free flowing languid tunic, ruched sheer pencil skirt, short sleeve blouse, stretch fitted shorts and a racy cut out one piece swimsuit complete with Grecian references.

Rock n roll influences featured heavily on a muscle tank emblazoned with the Versace motif taking a vintage cue from the likes of Aerosmith. Tooled leather shorts in more modest proportions were a sleek and inviting addition. 

Glomesh prevailed on a series of tanks, maxi Goddess dresses and a cowl neck scarf top. Deftly draped, ice blue, disco  glomesh draped a models lithe body in a boatneck, low scoop backless dress with wraparound mini skirt detail.

Stars aplenty will be clamouring to wear a floor length, plunge, v-neck, halter, asymmetrical gown with thigh split in nude and embroided azure, romantic florals devouring the dresses' entirety, finished off with a cross back, halter azure tailored vest.

By Courtney Jones.