BY MALENE BIRGER

BY MALENE BIRGER SPRING 2017

Danish designer Malene Birger unveiled her Spring 17 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week. The collection was steeped in modern contemporary relaxed silhouettes. Admirably wearable wardrobe staples were on the agenda oozing of effortless chic.

Italian model Greta Varlese opened the show in an oversized, midi length, vanilla trench. The boxy arabesque brimmed of nonchalance. Sleeves were pushed up insouciantly. A studded waist belt was worn casually. Elongated, flare, loose trousers in the shade of oyster featured open button, side splits revealing windows of flesh. Black, cumbersome, strappy, flatforms strengthened the ensemble. An exotic, leather, python bucket bag in shades of khaki, mustard, chocolate and lemon zest was the accessory of choice. Crystal strip, drop earrings added a dose of glamour.

A deep decolletage, wraparound blouse starred in white with press stud detail frequenting the cuffs and base of the blouse. An over extended, cabana stripe, skinny scarf was draped around the neck. Hip hugging, languid, leather, peg leg trousers screamed biker chic. A heavy duty silver zipper and press stud waist detail added androgyny to the mix. A stark white, drawstring hobo bag was embellished with black beading throughout. Fairy floss pink, furry court shoes added an avant garde edge.

A black and white, candy stripe, diaphanous maxi offered freedom of movement. Details comprised of a scoop neckline, cutaway thick black shoulder straps and a mullet hemline. A matching skinny scarf adorned with tassels accessorised the resort ready number. Order that mojito now!

Heavenly monochromatic looks continued to dominate the runway with a sleek, tailored, plunging, longline vest falling elegantly to the knee. Raven loungewear pants were teamed to the clean, minimalistic vest. The hallmark skinny scarf highlighted the neck, trailing with every stride Line Brems made on the catwalk.

Danish model Mathilde Brandi modelled a simplistic, high neck, racer front, body skimming, midi dress. The sporty arabesque oozed with Scandinavian style connotations. A drawstring tote was emblazoned with scintillating silver beading carried casually by a narrow leather strap. Peep toe, ballet pink, fluffy courts added an injection of colour to the LBD ensemble.

Luxury loungewear was taken to the next level with a cobalt pajama set complete with white piping igniting the runway. Collarless, v-neckline with side split hem graced the tunic while undulating piping was evident on relaxed, subtle flare trousers. A shrunken, collarless jacket in the shade of custard was worn leisurely over the PJ set, the ultimate in finesse.

By Courtney Jones.

GUCCI RESORT 17

GUCCI RESORT 2017

Italian designer Alessandro Michele held his latest resort offering at the ostentatious Westminster Abbey. When asked as to why the designer chose the aristocratic location Michele responded, "To dive in this gothic sea of inspiration! The punk, the Victorian, I can work all my life!"

A succession of haphazardous prints in a kaleidoscope of colour ignited the runway with retro connotations reigning supreme.

Poetic elements shone brightly on an electric purple, velvet, structured, bouffant sleeve mini dress. A delicate frothy lace bib in the shade of vermilion framed the shoulders and cascaded down the bodice of the dress. Chevron lace panelling  frequented the skirt and cuffs. A statement vanilla, floral centrepiece adorned the neck. Scalloped, patterned, black lace stockings, tough ankle boots bedecked with multiple straps and buckles screamed rebel biker chic. Sleek cat-eye sunglasses with hand painted gold floral detail featured on the frames.

Peasant folklore was evident on an emerald green, midi length, ponykskin, leopard coat. Plush lavender fur cuffs graced elbows while yellow and red slouch sleeves oozed of 90s grunge. A seafoam, opalescent, pleated midi skirt offered ladylike demure. Accessories comprised of cornflower blue, tiger emblazoned bowling bag complete with signature Gucci racing stripe strap. Cumbersome, almond toe leather loafers with ankle strap added a granny'esque' vibe to the eclectic ensemble. A glittery jade hat featured a centre flower crown in a vibrant coral. Oversized sunglasses complete with yellow lenses brimmed of 70s swagger.

Australian model Maddison Stubbington took to the runway in a canary yellow, romantic, velvet mini dress. A ribbed, ruffled bib in the shade of tomato and a turquoise bow flourished on the bodice. An elasticised waist resembling a garter drew in the waist. A cobalt, leather hobo featured scintillating, embellished ferns. Under the knee chevron socks in the shade of ebony were paired to round toe, reptilian high heeled sandals in neutral complete with 3 buckle closure which crept up the leg. Bronze, jewel encrusted, knuckle duster rings adorned fingers while an emerald floral brooch starred as a centrepiece to the turquoise, frayed bow.

British model Karen Elson modelled a floor sweeping vintage derived maxi dress which screamed polished, beatnik bohemian.  Striking, bold peacock print was plastered throughout which worked harmoniously against the eye catching tangerine shade of the dress. Details included 3/4 subtle bishop sleeve, grandpa collar, crochet tasselled motif keyhole, bouffant shoulders and a billowy skirt. Narrow cat-eye sunglasses highlighted cheekbones. Elongated, collarbone grazing, crochet earrings matched a voluminous crochet, crown headband. A leather cuff and bronze chain slave bracelet hardened the 70s inspired number.

A charming collection enriched in stylish majesty for the hippie at heart.

By Courtney Jones.

VERSACE RESORT 17

VERSACE RESORT 2017

Donatella Versace's Resort 17 collection embodied sheer luxury in which the house is famed for. A dose of athleticism was thrown into the equation adding a utilitarian edge. Shrunken silhouettes offering plenty of skin were on the agenda with a monochromatic colour palette dominating throughout.

Sleek, clean, minimalistic lines were evident on the opening look modelled by Dutch native Roos Abels. The ensemble comprised of a streamlined, 3 button closure blazer with elongated sleeves accented by a jolt of cobalt on welt pockets and on button holes revealing finer details and craftsmanship. A funnel neck, white top was splashed with Versace's Italian tiled border print. Precision tailoring dominated on  7/8 skinny leg flare trousers. Fire engine red and cobalt side panelling ignited the arabesque. Matching panelled socks were on display, perfect for the woman who likes to sport coordinating under garments. Leg lengthening, high shine, patent platform strappy sandals and a ladylike boxy satchel in ebony complete with silver hardware screamed of powerhouse connotations.

A two tone black and royal blue leather parka threw sporting luxe into the mix.  Athleticism continued to frequent with the parka teamed to a black and white, pleated, netball skirt. A stark blanc and noir round neck blouse was worn tucked into the thigh skimming mini. Sculptural patent platform heels were finalised with velcro ankle straps and tomato, lavender, ink and white panelled socks.

A cropped, cocoon shouldered, candy stripe jumper was highlighted by shades of cherry, vanilla, lemon, cornflower blue and raven. A vertical candy stripe pencil skirt fell to the knee extending the silhouette to extreme streamlined proportions. Striped flatforms added the athleisure factor.

A ribbed, languid, slouch knit, hooded cardigan starred blue and white racing stripe trimmings with the letter 'V' for Versace placed around biceps. A midriff baring polo crop was worn buttoned to the top of the neck. 3/4 nylon trackpants came complete with side zip detail. An intergalactic cobalt leather satchel was plastered with star motifs and a star charm keyring. A heavy duty leather strap resembling a guitar strap was married to a silver chain short handle, strengthening the kitsch accessory.

A simplistic, waxy leather shift dress consisted of a round neck and stripe detail which starred on the right hand side of the bodice, geometric qualities reigning supreme. Colour infused Art Deco cuffs adorned wrists. A crisp red, black  and white satchel complemented the dress effortlessly. 

Polished panache was very much in attendance with flesh baring limbs, signature Versace style prevalent throughout.

 By Courtney Jones.

90s MODERN GRUNGE

90s MODERN GRUNGE

Embrace a sensual, body caressing satin slip in iridescent silver.

Team a fudge, minimalistic, streamlined, wool vest to a cropped, rouleau strap, bustier.

The staple Mini Rockie bowling bag is updated in the hard working, neutral shade of military green. 

Model off duty must have- destroyed denim cut offs evoke sheer nonchalance. Pair to a large open knit jumper. Accessorise with an edgy, leopard, ponyskin bumbag and waxy, almond toe ankle boots complete with oversized silver buckles. Two tone, reflective, aviator shades in molten metal and liquid gold are the ultimate in luxury eyewear.

Clockwise from top left-

ALEXANDER WANG Mini Rockie $1120

TOPSHOP Metallic Slip Dress $72

ALEXANDER WANG Mesh Jumper $700

ALEXANDER WANG Denim Shorts $390

ALEXANDER WANG Leopard Bum-bag $765

ALEXANDER WANG Ankle Boots $1150

ALEXANDER WANG Bustier $935

DIOR- Aviator Sunglasses $772

ALEXANDER WANG Wool Vest $1045

 

By Courtney Jones. 

 

BLUSHING BEAUTY

BLUSHING BEAUTY

Embrace sensual nudes with romantic flounces, tactile suede, textural exotic snakeskin and iridescent shades for the ultimate in luminosity.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT-

GIVENCHY Dress $2785

LINDA FARROW Sunglasses $1595

GIVENCHY ‘Pandora’ Python Leather Box Bag $3960

ESSIE Nail Polish $19

CLARINS Lipstick $37

REPOSSI Rose Gold Twin Ring $9065

SAINT LAURENT Monogram Wallet $1115

GIVENCHY ‘Dahlia” Eau De Toilette $100

STUART WEITZMAN ‘Myex’ Sandal $660

LARSSON & JENNINGS Rose Gold Watch $470

CLARINS Eyeshadow Palette $58

KHAKI ACCENTS

KHAKI ACCENTS

Military green is a great neutral to incorporate into the everyday working wardrobe.

Add a dash of camouflage for an edgy combination when teamed to sumptuous oxblood leather skinny pants. A structured blazer complete with a nipped in waist, accented with gold insignia buttons is the ultimate in designer luxury. A velvet and gold braided mini oozes ostentation. 

Accessorise with time classic aviators, Greek fisherman cap, polished colour block shoulder bag and stacked rope sandals for the self assured woman ready for battle.

Clockwise from top left-

FAITH CONNEXION Off The Shoulder Military Denim Jacket $735

CLARINS Eye Quartet Mineral Palette $58

ISABEL MARANT Miana Rope Wrap Sandals $470

BELL & ROSS Military Ceramic Watch $2910

RIVER ISLAND Captain’s Cap $48

GIVENCHY Aviators $730

BURBERRY Nail Polish $29

BALMAIN Wool Blazer $2450

BALMAIN Velvet Mini $5375

CLARINS Kohl Eyeliner $35

MOSCHINO Shoulder Bag $1790

ISABEL MARANT Gold Cuff $250

BURBERRY Lip Gloss $44

ISABEL MARANT Gold Earrings $125

ISABEL MARANT Leather Pants $2570

D&G Mascara $49

TRUE ROCKS Military Star Necklace $440

By Courtney Jones.

BALLY RESORT 2017

BALLY RESORT 2017

Design Director, Pablo Coppola of Swiss house Bally, delivered a kitsch, retro inspired Resort 17 collection. Characterful combinations oozed with vivacity resulting in flirtatious, pitch perfect style.

A polished, cropped, forest green leather jacket featured clean lines. The wardrobe staple was teamed to a bold black and white cabana stripe tee which was worn tucked into a high waisted, bubblegum pink, pleated, swirling skirt which fell elegantly under the knee. A dainty, satin bow neck tie in the shade of pumpkin adorned the neck. Rounded, wayfarer style, geek glasses, mocha suede embroidered Panama hat, oversized fishnets, emerald patent quilted shoulder bag and platform, canary yellow, burnt toffee and tomato sandals concluded the look.

Colour blocking reigned supreme on a shrunken, jade, precision cut blazer. A seventies derived floral print blouse was worn buttoned to the neck and starred in hues of chocolate, latte and banana. Sleek, subtle, linen, flare trousers were ignited in a striking shade of azure. A signature monogram fuchsia belt was punctuated by a gold capital letter 'B' centrepiece. A magenta, suede, Panama hat featured a fire engine red wide hat band. Rectangular, luminescent milky frame sunglasses worked effortlessly against the black lenses.

A playful ivory, lace, blouse featured vermilion cuffs, collar and placket. A glossy, apple green, textured, a-line leather mini skirt grazed the thighs. Monochromatic, over the knee, flat, exotic python boots exuded grandeur. Bally's signature racing stripe graced a canvas strap mini satchel. Colourful studs adorned the onyx handbag, gold hardware brimmed with luxury.

Jubilance dominated on an electric pink, lacquered, trench coat. The coat was married to a kale green collared polo tee which was bedecked with white and ink pinstripes. Languid, 7/8 matching trousers screamed of modern contemporary connotations. Black leather Mary Janes complete with gold stud detail were the footwear of choice. A neat, monochromatic, ladylike, boxy satchel was carried with nonchalance. Tiered gold bauble earrings and pearl encrusted wayfarers added the bling factor.

A watermelon, quilted puffa jacket was bedecked with candy pink fur collar and cuffs. A demure, two tonal dress comprised of ivory bow round neck tie, salmon bust panelling and a grommet infested raven suede belt to attenuate the waist. A lattice racing stripe, woven bag in the shade of oxblood and white came with refined chain handle and silver hardware. Tough luxe, suede pumps were highlighted by eyelet ankle straps which hardened the feminine silhouette. A Bally emblazoned beanie complete with lavender flecked pom pom and geek chic glasses accessorised the casual cool factor. 

By Courtney Jones.