Showing posts with label spring 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring 2016. Show all posts

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

Temperley's trip to Havana for Spring/Summer 2016

The whether hasn't really got any better, yet the spring fashions have started to appear in magazines and in the shops everywhere. One of my favourite ss2016 shows from London Fashion Week was Temperley - and after you've read this catwalk report, this collection will be your favourite too...

Alice Temperley took us on a whirlwind trip to Cuba, or more specifically Old Havana for her spring/summer 2016 show. The vast Atlantic Ocean may separate London from the enchanting, colourful capitolio of Cuba, but that didn’t stop the joyful, holiday spirit of the clothes shining through in what was a captivating and beautiful collection.

Temperley opened the collection playing to her design strengths, with her classic cotton sundresses covered in beautiful broderie anglaise and intricate embroidery, with a carefree bohemian feel. Loose silhouettes and delicate ruffles added a touch of romance, while halter necks, v-necks and boat necks were experimented with to great success on a variety of tropical tiered dresses. There was plenty to admire with pretty floral prints, inspired by the delicate studies of Canadian wildlife photographer Robert Polidori, featuring on floor length skirts and a-line midi dresses which would certainly please Temperley’s loyal customers, such as model Laura Bailey, Natalie Massenet and Caroline Winberg, who were all perched on the perfectly poised front row. 
 
If anything, this collection was a radiant blaze of colour, celebrating the scorching summer temperatures and cultural richness of Havana, formerly known as Villa de San Cristóbal de la Habana. From the mint greens, cerulean blues and lemon drop yellows which gave way to grown up pastel pink and elegant monochrome; the clothes ran seamlessly through the colour spectrum and reflected a steady transition from day to evening wear.

Models casually strolled down the catwalk, with a light and breezy air with some wearing raffia fedora hats, complete with a black band around the rim – very Cuba circa 1950s! While hair was tied back loosely in a low slung ponytail. Some looks were accessorised with a matching silk scarf, worn carelessly around the neck, a nice throwback to Temperley’s last spring/summer 2015 collection, while the gladiator sandals which crawled up to the knee were an instant must have item – especially when worn with a gently bronzed tan.

As the collection progressed the mood changed from fairly relaxed to much more glamorous and sophisticated, yet still held onto the shows vivacious spirit, which according to Temperley, reflected the, ‘forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life.’ High waist shorts were paired with pastel crop tops, sheer tunic dresses were covered in silver palm tree leaves, monochrome polka dots and stripes featured on wide legged culottes while small flashes of midriff and décolletage were as daring as Temperley ventured  for show stopping evening wear. A silk kimono dress covered in a tropical parrot print was one of the more interesting looks while the clear highlight of the collection was the mirrored, metallic evening dress which shimmered across the floor, matching the giant glitter ball which hung above the catwalk.

And then before we knew it the holiday was over and a triumphant Alice Temperley was taking her final bow, to the jubilant applause of a very satisfied audience.  

Monday, 4 January 2016

A trip to Portofino with Dolce and Gabbana

First of all, let me start by saying Happy New Year! Whatever this year holds for you, I hope it is fabulous, enjoyable and you achieve everything you set out to do. With the start of 2016 brings in the new season ad campaigns. From Gigi Hadid and Natasha Poly for Versace, Natalia Vodianova for Prada and Lineisy Montero and Mica Arganaraz for Chanel; these spring advertising campaigns are sure to put a spring in your step. But it is the Dolce and Gabbana ad campaign which stands out as a clear favourite for me. 

If you can remember back to their Spring/Summer 2016 catwalk show, you will recall a trip to Southern Italy, preferably Portofino, with lots of selfies involved. Models paraded down the runway in colourful, embellished dresses, striking summer hats, brown raffia handbags and beautiful silk scarves on their head - think jet set Italian glamour circa 1950s. Their stunning campaign mirrors that jovial holiday feeling, with scenes reminiscent of a vintage Italian restaurant complete with gingham table cloths, plates full of spaghetti and all members of the family gathering for a fun lunch. There are even two nuns photographed passing by! 'Italia is Love' was the clear message of the show, and these photographs reflect Dominico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's love for their country. All the models wear decadent crowns on their head, layers of jewelry and encrusted heels that are sure to be a sell out immediately. Overall, a wonderful campaign from two of my favourite designers. 


Thursday, 19 November 2015

50 Shades of Pink

From Disney princesses to Lady Penelope’s bright pink Rolls Royce, Victoria’s Secret to the iconic Pink Panther. It’s fair to say that plenty springs to mind when you ‘think pink,’ as Diana Vreeland once famously put it. In terms of fashion however, as soon as pink is added to the equation most people at once jump to the ultimate ‘dumb blonde’ stereotype, envisioning a dippy Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde.’

But for spring/summer 2016, gone is the Moschino Barbie girl Jeremy Scott brought to life last year, as designers introduced a fresh outlook on the colour, which felt and looked a lot more sophisticated, powerful and refined. 

Pink first popped up across the pond at New York Fashion Week, with Diane von Furstenberg, Herve Leger and Carolina Herrera all featuring striking yet delicate pinks in their collections. “This is my rose period,” Herrera told WWD after her show. “Fashion should be optimistic.” And there is no denying her sweeping chiffons, ruffled blouses and elegant midi skirts in tea rose, carnation and baby pink were enough to make anyone blissfully cheerful. JW Anderson, Emilia Wickstead and Roksanda Illinic followed suit in London. Meanwhile Fendi, who opened their show with Edie Campbell wearing a crimson playsuit, and Giorgio Armani led the way in Milan. Gucci’s Allesandro Michele played on pinks feminine connotations by featuring pastel shades on masculine 70s suits as did Roberto Cavalli, who included beautiful tie-dye waistcoats with splashes of magenta and coral in their collection.


Even Karl Lagerfeld, who once warned, “think pink, but don’t wear it,” seemed to do a U-turn on the colour, and sent out a stunning Chanel collection bursting with floral embroidery, classic tweed jackets and layered tunic and trouser combos – all in the sweetest shades of pink. “It’s interesting given the political and sociological contractions of pink, that designers embrace this colour again and again,” contemplates Emily Sheffield, deputy editor at British Vogue. It just proves there is something about pink which keeps fashion constantly coming back for more, despite its controversial undertones. 

Pink, which derived from a lighter tint of red, has been on quite a journey, with its romantic and seductive shades hugely popular in the royal courts of 18th century Europe. But it was during the 1900s that pink really rose to prominence. Elsa Schiaparelli popularised the colour during the 1930s when she accidently mixed white with the strong hue of magenta and voila - her iconic ‘shocking pink’ was born. Since then, pink has featured throughout popular culture. From Marilyn Monroe’s strapless, fuchsia dress in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,’ and the famous hot pink Playboy bunny logo. To Gwyneth Paltrow’s amaranth Ralph Lauren gown at the 1999 Academy Awards, which caused quite a stir at the time, compared to her fellow nominees who chose more subdued dresses for the occasion. One particularly scathing fashion critic labelled Paltrow a, “Barbie doll wrapped in a satin ribbon,” - all because she wore pink. 

And this of course brings in the feminist issue. Should girls, already stereotyped as the weaker sex in society, wear such a delicate, feminine colour as pink? “Only if it suits them. I’m a huge fan - but then it suits me,” says Polly Vernon, Grazia columnist and author of ‘Hot Feminist’. And Polly’s not alone. Amal Clooney and Victoria Beckham are two respected, powerful women who regularly don smart, shift dresses in varying shades of pink, whereas multi award winning singer Rihanna, first shocked and then captivated the world with her huge Giambattista Valli couture dress at the 2015 Grammys, silencing her red carpet critics with her bravery to wear such a bold pink with style and elegance. Indeed it’s ironic to think that a hundred years ago, dark pink was a popular colour for new born baby boys as it represented power and strength. While blue, seen as a softer and more calming colour, was chosen for girls. Yet over time, and with the help of Barbie, gender norms have categorized all things pink solely for girls.

However, for 2016, this new wave of pink is not girly, or in any way submissive. Schiaparelli’s shocking pink is not on the agenda, but do invest in crisp corals, creamy cherry blossoms and pastel peony pieces, which will stand out against darker shades in your wardrobe.  If you’re feeling particularly daring, opt for a double breasted puce pink suit a la Gucci or for a more general take on the trend follow Monique Lhillier’s example and try a pair of patent, cerise sandals. Pink has re-claimed its power for next season, in all 50 shades of the colour. In the words of outspoken feminist and fashion enthusiast, Miley Cyrus, “pink isn’t just a colour. It’s an attitude.”

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

Paris Fashion Week: Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu

Louis Vuitton
Everyone is heralding this as Nicholas Ghesquiere's most triumphant collection yet for Louis Vuitton. I did really enjoy last seasons, fall 2015 show so I wouldn't go as far to say that it's one of my personal favourites, but if definitely is up there with some of the best.

Kicking things off on the final day of Paris Fashion Week, Ghesquiere presented an immaculate collection inspired by video game stars, and the futuristic sci-fi characters we love to play with when gaming. Models walked with hair slightly disheveled with small plaits running along the face, while makeup was video game-tastic! We were brought straight into the world of gaming with the first model, who had bright pink, candyfloss hair and a cool, Harajuku look about her. Working a pink and black leather jacket and a warrior style pair of shorts, she pretty much summed up this collection which was super cool, stylish and extremely want-able as well as wearable. The famous LV logo was printed on jacket sleeves, gloves and trousers while crop tops were paired with mini shorts and silver belts. I loved the use of layering and of course, the handbags. Who could forget the LV bags, which this season came slouchy, boxy, large and small but all with a minimal touch, favoured by Ghesquiere.

There was plenty of colour too, with futuristic prints on biker trousers and jackets, long leather dresses and sleeveless jumpsuits while black was the key colour in which everything was pared down with. The shoes came either pointy in boot styles or more funky, with sandals and flat brogues. I wouldn't say this was a sweet, feminine collection, in fact it was the complete opposite. It was tough, powerful, edgy and very stylish with covet-able pieces which will be instant sell outs across the globe. A fantastic collection from a master of design, Mr Ghesquiere.









Miu Miu
Mrs Prada never disappoints. Fact. Miu Miu, the younger more fashionable sister of the main Prada label, went a very grungy for spring/summer 16, with dark glamour and a sinister mood filling the entire collection. But what a collection it was!

The show opened with the classic over-sized Prada coats we have come to know and love, with large lapels, geometric patterns and giant buttons, layered over grey cigarette trousers. This moved into a more Victorian Gothic look, with high neck lined silk blouses and loose pinafore dresses layered over entire suit looks. Fur stoles in a variety of colours were thrown casually over one shoulder on top of coats and jackets; perhaps Miuucia Prada is forecasting quite a cold spring next year while chunky ankle boot shoes stomped down the runway. But there were lighter pieces too, such as the fluid silk floral dresses and midi skirts. The rest of the collection was just a lot of leather jackets, be it beautiful leather jackets.

Layering was a key factor, especially at the end of the show in which scary, sheer maid dresses were worn over jackets and shirts. It was very Halloween-ish, especially with the dark looks of the models. Each girl sported dark red lipstick and very white faces, with glittering hairbands sitting on top of the head. Head wear has been a big thing at PFW, with Saint Laurent showcasing tiaras and Chanel using white head bands, so watch this space for next season. Overall, this was a great Miu Miu show, with all the classic Prada features that the fans will surely go gaga for. And that's it folks! Fashion weeks are officially over for this year, in what was a fantastic season for spring/summer 2016. 

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Flying High with Chanel & an African Adventure at Valentino



Welcome to Chanel Airlines...
Just when you think you've seen it all from Karl Lagerfeld, he blows your mind once again. We have had a barn yard, a rotating carousel, an underwater kingdom complete with Florence Welch emerging from shell, a supermarket and now... an airport terminal, flying from gate no.5, of course!

Yep, you heard correctly. If you haven't already seen the amazing venue, watch the video link at the top of this post and you'll see what I mean. The Chanel spring/summer 2016, was held in a life like make shift airport, with air attendants, a check in desk, luggage trolleys, airport waiting seats and even boarding passes for show tickets, with seat numbers and baring the Chanel logo! Anna Dello Russo had great fun posing with the trolleys after the show - perfect Instagram material! Lagerfeld really out did himself with such a lavish, amazing spectacle that I can't even imagine how exciting it must have been for the lucky audience members watching the show, let alone me admiring the collection through a screen.

And as for the clothes. It was all classic Chanel. The collection opened with Edie Campbell wearing a neon pink and green gingham jumpsuit, pulling a suitcase along with her. Then it was just a roll call of fashionable passengers, all in tweed suits, bright blue eyeliner which looked like a sci-fi visor over the eyes, chunky skirts and silk blouses adorned with pops of colour.

Red and blue stood out predominantly, colours usually associated with air stewards uniforms, while gingham as seen at Stella McCartney was a key feature. Smart blazers came with layers of necklaces, something Lagerfeld really plays on seeing as Gabrielle Coco Chanel basically invented costume jewellery. While there were also 80's influences in the form with jackets tied around the waist, baseball hats and clashing prints piled against each other.

Mini skirts were swinging and transparent, silver shoes did all the walking, literally done the super long runway staged at the normal Chanel venue, the Grand Palais. Kendall Jenner made an appearance, which got Twitter talking, in a blue midi skirt and matching tweed jacket while models strolled through check in with ease and style. There were a couple of really lovely lady like looks, such as a v-neck pastel pink mini dress which was worn with a flat hat and sunglasses. Or maybe you fancied the white Peter Pan collared dress, which was slightly see-through but pretty enough to pass as a luxury day dress. And then came the finale, which featured Cara Delevingne, even though she didn't walk in show but is still an ambassador of the brand, however much she tries to distance herself away from modelling. Other models pretended to check out at the desks, while others filed through the departure lounge all head to toe in Chanel. What fun!

I know there are some who don't like King Karl, as I like to call him, and feel that his work at Chanel is dated and completely boring compared to the other amazing designers out there. But the truth is, I can't think of anyone who can possibly take his place at Chanel. his vision and design talent have built this fashion house into the mighty luxury brand it is today, and his crazy spectacles of a show are something which will have magazines and the press talking for months. I loved this Chanel collection, and respect such a talented designer such as Karl Lagerfeld. Now, please excuse me, I have to go and catch my flight on Chanel Airlines...


A Trip to Africa with Valentino 
Today's Valentino spring/summer 2016 collection was a million miles away from the Chanel show staged earlier today. There was no giant airport to distract you from the clothes, no gimmicks, no over the top craziness. It was just the clothes, and the craftsmanship and beauty that did all the talking, in what was a fantastic collection, and one of the finest I think Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paulo Picciolo have produced.

The collection opened with scuptural black evening and day dresses, some falling to the ground and others sitting comfortably on the knee. Picciolo and Chiuri now practically own the whole 'make the models look like angel' look, and this show was no different, yet models sported tightly braided hair which gave way to messy buns at the back of the head. An ode to African culture. Of course, there were still plenty of signature, Valentino, Italian pieces, such as the leather mini dresses, Victorian-esque blouses with high neck collars, pre raphaelite looking maxi dresses and decadent embroidery on silk tops and jackets. As well as black, there were earthy colours mirroring the landscape of Africa, such as browns, orange, yellow and beige which were sublime and beautiful.

I loved the Masai warrior style dresses, which looked like a fierce harness on the top and then gave way to black mesh skirts, as well as the fringing details and bright orange and white prints on jackets and shorts. The geometric patterns printed on sheer silk dresses were also impressive, worn with statement necklaces and flat gladiator sandals - footwear which has been the top choice for shoes so far at PFW. Long skirts came layered with flowing coats, decorated with pattern along the hem and the lapels while the white feathers which sprouted from shoulders and around the neck looked highly luxurious but also very African.

To be honest, there was Africa everywhere, southern Africa to be exact and the plains of country which are full of tribes, animals and wildlife. Dresses looked like old shields and spears that are usually hand painted by tribesmen and wonderful animal prints such as elephants and giraffes were printed onto sweeping maxi dresses in such beautiful colours like dark green, dusky orange and chocolate brown.

Valentino are known for their fluid, long, lean lines and this collection featured many of those classic shapes. I personally loved the white looks seen at the end of the collection, which were highly embroidered, embellished show stoppers which tastefully did not show off any flesh, covering the arms, the body and the chest. It just shows you can look elegant and beautiful without flashing your legs, or your cleavage and Valentino proved that mythical beauty can shine through anything any day with one of their gorgeous angel-like creations. The whole collection was amazing; so rich with cultural influences and beauty that you felt as though you were watching a couture show rather than ready-to-wear. This is one of my favourite shows so far of PFW, and we now only have one more day to go. Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu are the big names showing on the final day of Paris fashion week, and they will surely be collections you won't want to miss. Check back here for the full reviews and images.


PFW: Including Stella McCartney, Hermes, Sacai & Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent
Hedi Slimane loves his rock chick. For Saint Laurent, he left off from last season and presented us with a rock and roll girl, complete with tiger print coats, fur jackets, muddy wellington boots (Glastonbury anyone?) and lots of mini silver metallic dresses. There was a fun touch with all the models wearing little tiaras on their heads, while the slinky black dresses at the end of the collection were jaw droppingly amazing. It was nice to see some evening-wear from Slimane who tends to focus more on day outfits, and lots of barely there little dresses. A fun collection, which was also dark and sexy, with a Rolling Stones influence.


Stella McCartney
I absolutely loved this Stella McCartney show. Shown first thing yesterday morning at PFW, it kicked off the day with a bang with a youthful, yet very stylish feel. Gingham dresses in red and yellow opened the collection, which then gave way to fringed dresses which looked very futuristic and super cool. As the models walked down the runway, the small knife pleats moved beautifully and the soft pairing of colours, such as lemon yellow, navy blue and pillar box red created lovely combinations. There were also pastel coloured suits paired with amazing sunglasses, and of course, Stella's famous net, cut out dresses at the end of the show. Some came off the shoulder while others bared cheeky glimpses of flesh. An amazing show.


Hermes
With all the fun, crazy shows shown today at PFW, Hermes almost feels to be left behind with their minimal, sculptural designs. But this is a fashion house which just screams luxury, and has no problem doing what they do best without all the gimmicks that go with it. White skirts came to midi length with coloured lines along the hems, beige suits and leather dresses were effortless and beautifully tailored to perfection. There were pops of colour in bright orange and cobalt blue, but if anything this was for Hermes' minimal clients who prefer to let the clean lines and sharp cuts of the clothes do the talking. Fluid, soft and elegant.


Sonia Rykiel
I was drawn to this collection mainly because of the make up. The dark eyes, which were soaked in metallic eye shadow were mysterious, pale lips added drama and the amazing sculpted cheek bones really stood out against the hair which was pulled back away from the face with a severe middle parting. As for the clothes, Sonia went for glamour with fringed mini dresses, plunging necklines, bright, bold colours and super trendy military jackets complete with buttons and belt. The shapes of the clothes were feminine with the waist accentuated with tight maxi dresses and peplum style tops. Even the strappy sandals were glam, and the fur stoles which were carried casually by the models.


Sacai
Not only was there an amazing roll call of models, but this show was daring, stylish, maximal and full of colour. There were strong oriental themes running throughout, with kimono style prints, gold brocade, layers of silk on patterned shirts and high necklines. But it was also fun, with sheer black t-shirts, neck scarves which were wrapped loosely around the neck and colour strewn onto flowing midi skirts.


Giambattista Valli
Valli really is the go-to designer for preppy, stylish, sophisticated dressing. It is an old fashion house seeped in history, but now has a very modern core and appeals to the chic girls of Paris and beyond. For spring/summer 2016 there were a-line mini skirts, similar to those that Nicholas Ghesquiere did at Louis Vuitton last season, buttoned up white coats, jazzy bolero jackets covered in jewels and heeled gladiator sandals which came in white and black. Models walked with flowing, blow dried hair, working fun mini dresses, printed blouses and Victorian-esque necklines.

Sunday, 4 October 2015

'Une Histoire Romantique' Alexander McQueen: Spring 2016

Oh my goodness gracious me. What an absolutely wonderful, spellbinding, magical, beautiful Alexander McQueen collection. Creative director, Sarah Burton has really done Mr McQueen proud with a show which was dainty and feminine, with so many historical references and intricate detailing that it took my breath away, as well as a number of fashion editors too, I can imagine. As I tuned onto Vogue Runway to view the said catwalk looks, I did not expect to see such an incredible collection, which as I glanced looked as though it could have been the costume roll call for a historical movie. I fell in love straight away.

The show opened with a variety of sweeping dresses, covered in ruffles, tiered chiffon layers, sheer lace and beautiful embroidery. High neck collars gave a hint towards a Victoriana love affair while the amazing, and I really do mean amazing, level of hand embroidery could easily be carried off as a Haute Couture rather than just a measly ready-to-wear collection. It was romantic and whimsical, with models wearing minimal makeup and their hair tied back in a loose bun; flyaway strands surrounding the face as though they were a modern day Tess of the D'urbevilles, wandering across a lonely hill. Necklaces came softly layered over tiny white crop tops and jackets while the beautiful dusky pinks, neutral beige and off white colours looked so pretty against each; so pure and beautiful as the silk flowed gently in the wind.

For anyone who has looked at previous McQueen collections, then you would have seen some of the similarities between this collection and that of 'The Girl who Lived in a Tree' from a/w 2008. There were Indian influences and similarities between the boxy yet sweeping silhouettes of the clothes. As is usually seen in India and of the time of the British Raj, loose trousers were worn underneath skirts with small jackets on top, embellished sleeveless tops were worn casually with blue jeans which came with multiple rips down the front while the bold red and white jackets were again strikingly similar to the colours in the 2008 show. But this was all purposefully done, of course, and to great success as this was a modern McQueen girl who still carried a sense of intrigue and drama, and a pair of lovely heeled wedge sandals which all the models wore.

A lot of the dresses were sheer, in either black or white which added a sense of mystery and sex appeal while the floral maxi dresses which hung a-symmetrically were so majestic. I keep wanting to use the word beautiful because that is what this collection really was; beautiful. The show ended with some various floral patterns decorated on dresses then came the show stopping feathered skirts, warrior style corsets in monochrome and yards of fabric gathered delicately across the bottom of the dresses. Not only were there longer dresses, but shorter prom styles were also presented adorned in more frills and high necks with large buttons along the middle.

I loved everything about this show, which really did remind me of something the real Lee Alexander McQueen would have created if he was alive today. Burton followed no spring/summer 2016 trends, nor did she try and do something completely different and out there. Instead, it seems she delved into the house archives and her own memory from the years she has spent at McQueen, and delivered a collection which was like a romantic fairy tale. It had Lee Alexander McQueen's name written all over it (quite literally!) and perfectly summed up why this great, English fashion house is such the name it is. Practically perfect in every way.

Paris Fashion Week: Celine, Kenzo, Elie Saab and more...

John Galliano
Delicate and beautiful, this Galliano collection was perfectly parisian and cool yet feminine and quite dark. Black was a key colour, coming in sheer style slips and also on silk crop tops, shorts, long jackets and mini dresses. Polka dots made a brief appearence on midi dresses and tights as did splashes of colour such as electric blue. There were plenty of wearable dresses, maybe not the transparent ones for daytime, and added sparkle on skirts and patent leather shoes. I loved the use of draping in the skinny leg trousers and Grecian style white dress at the end of the show.



Elie Saab
It was obvious right from the beginning that this season, Elie Saab are looking to target a much younger customer. Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Lily Donaldson all took to the catwalk in beautiful dresses, bomber jackets and gladiator heels. It was a fun collection, with plenty of classic Elie Saab floral dresses, sweeping chiffon and layered ruffles adorned all over pretty, feminine dresses. I loved the use of black and white lace, as well as the candy floss stripes and punchy bold colours. The red jumpsuit was a fav!


Celine
Set in a giant circus tent, this Celine collection was as epic as ever. Pheobe Philo has a magic touch when it comes to minamilist chic, and this season was no different. Models walked effortlessly with swinging ponytail plaits at the back of their head, while carrying huge bucket bags, wearing leather dresses, gorgous oversized coats and loose smock dresses. Lapels were small and neat while seductive slips in white and black gave a nod towards underwear as overwear. Chino trousers were worn slightly creased, bold red lipstick off set colour blocks and decadent earrings were interesting and fun. There wasn't a strong circus theme in the collection, but it was still a spectacle.


Nina Ricci
Vampy, grungy, slick, stylish and sexy. The Nina Ricci spring/summer 2016 was dark and mysterious. It opened with khaki and finished with khaki, with lots in between. Rubber looking dresses, mustard mini skirts, slick silk blouses and tailored trousers; everything was thrown in there. I loved the daring sheer top which literally bared all and the feathered mini dresses which looked super luxurious. Kind of a little Lanvin, this show was dark but powerful realeasing our alter ego who likes to get dressed up to the nines and stalk the streets in style.


Thierry Mugler
Well, what a collection! And what a line up. Isabeli Fontana, Doutzen Kroes, Lily Donaldson and model of the moment Mica Arganaraz all stalked the runway for the latest Thierry Mugler show, in what was a very sexy, sophisticated and sharp collection. There was plenty of khaki pieces similar to Versace at MFW, the suede mini dress and leather trench coat were favourites, as well as lots of show off LBDs. Sparkle and metallics were thrown in as were large white buttons on pleated skirts and jumpsuits, with plenty of leg on display. If anything, this was a party collection with so many amazing pieces to dance the night away in. I loved the bold, orange coat dress that Isabeli Fontana wore with her dark hair slicked back with a side parting as well as the sexy floor length dresses at the end of the collection, which were form skimming and very glamorous. There was power and strenth but beautiful tailoring as well. An amazing collection.


Kenzo
Kenzo made his name in the 80s with 'Jungle Jap' and a cool, trendy image which chic Parisians could not get enough of. This was clearly evident in the latest collection for the urban brand, which was brimming with super cool yet stylish clothes with a crisp and elegant edge. It was very geometric, with red and yellow shapes splattered across white shift dresses and short coats, while bolder prints were adorned on knitwear and mini dresses.
And as for the INCREDIBLE gladiator shoes! They were fantastic and almost looked like a fashion suit of armour as they crawled up past the knee and up to the thigh. They looked difficult to walk in but with such shoes, who cares! They came in white, black and yellow so you could have a pair for everyday of the week if you really wanted. I loved the round John Lennon mirror sunglasses, the cool necklaces and the overall slickness of the collection. It was aimed at a younger audience, but then that is what Kenzo is made for really. The super stylish woman.