Fashionising.com > Clothing > Fashion Designer Collections
Es-Trella Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009
When I saw the leather cage top in the Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009 lookbook of Australia label Es-Trella, I think my heart skipped a beat. There must be a thousand interesting ways you could wear such a piece - and every one of them would be amazing. This is the sort of collection that pushes the boundaries just enough to be uber-desirable, but not so much that you'd be too daunted to actually wear it. I love the uses of sheer fabrics to create unique shapes, and the detailing like fringing, gathering, and even some divine leather fish-scaling, that adds texture and complexity to the pieces.
Thakoon: Resort 2010 Collection
Thakoon's Resort 2010 collection shone through with pops of yellow, splashes of bright pink, and a soft pale blue on white that somewhat evokes the impression of a cloudy sky on a sunny day. The thing tying it all together though - the common thread throughout the collection - is an experimentation with texture. Ruffles came in all-over layers on some of the dresses; other pieces were pleated, or gathered in unconventional ways.
Alexi Freeman Spring/Summer 2009/2010
Seeing Alexi Freeman's collections in person is always a pleasure. And while the Spring/Summer 2010 lookbook perfectly conveys the understated elegance of the pieces, there are finer details that are only really seen up close. Layerings of mesh fabrics in contrasting colours lead to a unique shimmering effect; while what appears to be a simple black singlet from the front is turned around to reveal a sheer mesh back. Relaxed fits can lean to either a sporty or a more glamorous aesthetic depending on how you dress them, and the bold melon-coloured pieces - while not for the faint hearted - are striking in real life.
Erdem: Resort 2010 collection
The simple elegance of Erdem's Resort 2010 collection really catches the eye. The washy watercolour prints on some of the pieces call to mind youthful romanticism; but it's the floor-length gowns with their floating florals and easy cuts that stand out the most.
Mono: Spring/Summer 2009
Art and fashion collide with Mono; a succession of capsules designed by Canada's Heather Martin. The Spring/Summer 2009 series goes by the name of Interlacing opposing thoughts - and is made up of pieces that play fearlessly with texture and form. Mono's stockists are primarily Canadian-based at present; but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for future updates on the brand.
Ashley Guiel Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009
Sometimes in Winter there are days where you just want to throw on a big cosy knit and a pair of boots, and be warm. Thankfully, it's quite possible to do so and still look great - if you can find the right pieces. When I came across this Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009 collection by Ashley Guiel the other day, I was struck by a couple of things: the preppy meets geek-chic looks; the subtly military-inspired pieces; and the big cosy knits.
Toby Jones: 'Words Don't Speak' collection
Men's jewellery can be a tricky thing. And while we love the dandy look, especially for men's brooches, some prefer their accessories to be a little darker; a little more to the alternative side. Toby Jones' latest collection, titled Words Don't Speak, is definitely jewellery minus the bling. If muted metals and gothic-inspired symbols are your thing, the lookbook is worth a peek.
Prada: Cruise 2010 collection
There's an element of the tribal in the Prada Cruise 2010 collection, but the overall feeling leans more to the tropical. There are some moments of rather awkward clashing prints; and of even more awkward marriages of preppy shirts with sarong-inspired satin skirts. When things go right, however, printed dresses with low-dipping necklines are more of what we'd expect a Prada cruise collection to be.
Twenty-Seven Names: Spring/Summer 2009/2010
As soon as we spied the stand-out take on the military trend in Twenty-Seven Names' Spring/Summer 2009/2010 collection, we knew we were in love. A budding New Zealand label with a strong future on the horizon, Twenty-Seven Names bring a youthful aesthetic to their work that successfully walks the fine line between underground cool and mainstream appeal.
Radcliffe denim, Spring/Summer 2009
Here's a peek at another denim label: Radcliffe London. Their Spring/Summer 2009 lookbook presents some effortless-cool pieces, from super-skinnies to a few styles of boyfriend jeans (as pictured below).
