PFW SS14: Balenciaga

B A L E N C I A G A..yes the SS14 collection was swiftly executed, classy and sporty streetwear. We did see a glimpse of Wang, mostly in the first few pieces, similar traits from his own SS14 collection shown in NY. What I personally loved was the Baroque reference, I study ArtHistory so I know how much inspiration from the past is essential and makes an appearance in present day fashion, art and music, the bold flower-type patterns were stunning and the dark blue paired with the spring palette clothes are beautiful. Cristobal Balenciaga was also seen in the collection, a rare purity was exhibited laced with an amount of fun and experiment. Molded leather, embroidered with thread and printed swirly floral motifs, these are key signs of innovation where couture and modernism are joined. 

Presentation is key, especially when showing in Paris and the presentation was liberating, the three way mirrors made me fall in love with the pieces even more, a classical feel was attached to this collection. Trends such as high-waisted skirts and tulip-shaped peplum that hug the female form, which express an effortless collection. White and black elegant silk caped tops, present the dressed-up evening looks, cool confidence and effortless edginess is present in this collection...and a round - of - applause to Balenciaga. 

To Ra. 

PFW SS14 : Undercover

Jun Takahashi's, unveiled a brilliant collection, deriving inspiration from the MOD era, which caught my eye and made me so happy. Street trends and tailoring habits have transcending into his collection, classic sharp tailoring is also slapped into his collection and the juxtaposition between the two types of  tailoring has created a truly stunning collection. 

The best features of the collection was the glow in the dark pieces..I mean that is awesome. Six looks are ignited up with LED lights, the pieces have quotes such as "I Am Here I Am Here". An undertone of bondage-esque vibes with appearances of PVC and leather made appearances in this collection. 

Asymmetry was an additional key feature, ribbons tied in bows around necks, the colour palette was great, from block colours to strong accents of red. The tops held bold phrases, a sort of campaign motif, some read SNUG (GUNS backwards) and Silence Yourself. The individual pieces from skinny neck pieces, mint drainpipe trousers, a sort of clean cut wardrobe laced with lovely colours and notions. 

To Ra. 

PRADA SS14

Okay I am a ArtHistrory student so anything that harks to painting or art movements in anyway I feel instantly attracted to it and in my searching I have been drawn to Prada's SS14 collection and well I love fur jackets. To be honest the whole collection looks like amalgamation of art movements, the bright colours and art deco like fabrications is just stunning, all the greats...Picasso and Andy Warhol would have been proud...maybe. I'm loving those art print fur coats, best thing I've seen in a while...Fashion month is not over though...

To Ra. 

MFW SS14 : Ports 1961

Any designer who includes a limited colour palette is receiving all my love, I adore single colour pieces they look incredibly clean and sophisticated. Ports 1961, MFW SS14 showcase is flawless I want every piece...to be truthful I'm not too keen on the colour pieces but nevertheless I'm loving it. Smart looking pieces, silk fabrication and a philosophy of less is obviously is more. Look below, look at the clothes...the details the crispness of each outfit how the clothes, although lacking the an obvious outline it does have ounces of femininity to each outfit. If the colour palette does not appeal to you, no need to fear colours such as pinks and purples are available. 

Now although there were streaks of sophistication and elegance which every designer seems to be try to achieve, this set of photographs gives me a sense of more obvious femininity, the two-tone trend which is used to highlight the female form. Something I am intrigued by is the yellow sunset jumper...isn't it just stunning, I love it and I love the way it fades into the skirt, I myself would ditch the skirt for a pair of cropped trainers which ankle refinement. The all black outfit, Joan Smalls so dashing pulls off is just modernism combined with elegance, the collarless neck is beautiful I can't pull it of myslef but it is great. For all you pattern freaks the middle outfit *(which reminds me of a pretty carpet) is nice pair it with white trousers and you'll be grand. Yes, Ports 1961 has grabbed my attention and I am glad. 

To Ra. 

MFW SS14 : Max Mara

Head-to-toe single coloured outfits, hit the Italian runway an effortlessly chic austere was presented with the collection from tailored coats to the oversized tee-tucking skirts. When spectating the collection what I admired straight off the bat was the way the clothes hugged the shape of the body, I think that is a very rare aspect on the runway and it's brilliant to see from Max Mara. The colour palette...is hands down perfect I mean they are very mature expect from the splashes of Klein blue to eye-catching oranges, the colours such as the nudes and pearly greys made me melt inside.

 The colour harks back to architectural modernism, like steely buildings, kind of hi-tech we saw in the film I,Robot, the jackets are something I will certainly invest in I mean they look like they have been carved out of fabric by Michelangelo. Due to my personal preference I hated the crayon-like colours, the colours reminded me of traffic lights, I hated them I thought the collection was perfect but I was wrong, oh well I'm going to ignore that mistake. Sophistication was key to the collection and if you follow Max Mara, you will know that this motif is key to Max Mara as a brand.

To Ra. 

LFW SS14 : Meadham Kirchoff

Punk Rock Victorian dolls, this is what the duo pair of Meadham Kirchoff showcased for their SS14 collection, the catwalk was littered with dead red and white roses creating a typical Kirchoff-esque atmosphere. Vampire red and platinum blond tucked away neatly under black bonnets highlights the collection with strong notions of witchcraft and eeriness. Tailored and double breasted jackets in colour palettes of grey, black exhibiting their perfect technical skill which we love so much, the white lace dresses hark back to graveyard playfulness in movies. 

(IMAGES COURTESY OF DAZED AND CONFUSED AND STYLE.COM) 

A notable streak was the Elizabethan homage witnessed in the particular microfloral-embroidered silk satins and corsets. The palette derived from the Elizabethan era as they only wore black, gold, red and white if Elizabeth I was alive today she would be certainly be investing in MK's collection. A certain item which caught my eye and I simply adore was the bat-shaped sunglasses, I really want a pair, the whole collection was stunning and a labour of love was evident...Meadham Kirchoff did it again! 

To Ra.

LFW SS14 : Pam Hogg

So I had the pleasure of see the Pam Hogg SS14 show at Freemasons Hall, all I can say is Punk Pam did it again!! Now, this show was more than just a fashion catwalk...it was pure genius. A combination of quirky headpieces, a cracking soundtrack and a truly theatrical performance, in true Pam Hogg style. Punk Pam exhibited top-notch eccentric creations from angelic ballerinas to graveyard crutches wearing punk dolls, literally a collection with an sensual experience, the viewers went from gasping to being struck by awe.

(ALL IMAGES BY DEBORAH CROSSWIRE) 

Future past: War x Peace showcases what Pam does best with her classic signature of geometric latex body suits and dramatic veiling that is loved by all, classic Hogg trait, there was plenty of shock factor to be seen. The collection presented dirtied military jumpsuits, sparkling war heroines and (my favourite) and delicate feathered and floral headpieces, some where pigeons, grapes, flowers and massive veils. Through the colours and range of fabrics the juxtaposition of War & Peace was fully embodied at this show. A ballerina dressed in full Pam Hogg gear came fluttering down the catwalk to a controversial bride with a black veil and an uneasy crutch.

(IMAGE COURTESY OF TRACY ASSLANIAN)

Originality. Inventive, and truly creative are just a few of the words I would use to describe Pam Hogg's SS14 show.  

To Ra.