With lingerie as outerwear a growing trend, we're keen to see what new lingerie brands and collections are on the market - especially the ones that blur the line between what's kept beneath, and what's meant to be seen. We loved the elements of bondage Bordelle brought to their latest collection; but if you're after something a little softer, Dietrich Lingerie's Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009 collection may be more your style.
The first thing that strikes us about Gucci's 2010 Cruise Collection is the sense of retro-cool that oozes from the outfits. From a sporty black boyshort bikini, to a stunning floor-length gown with thigh-high split, it's almost as if the models have stepped out of a 1970s James Bond film and into the creative mind of Frida Giannini. The colour palette of black, white and navy means the pieces are geared towards being high-quality wardrobe basics; the cuts are sleek and body-conscious for a look that's simple yet sexy.
It's been quite some time since we first forecast a major ripped denim comeback. And just as we anticipated, the trend has gone from popular in 2008 to well and truly mainstream in 2009. In coming days, we'll spotlight on some ripped denim pieces and collection, starting with Erin Wasson X RVCA Spring 2009.
Much like their Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009/2010 collection - which saw models bundled in layer upon layer of cosy knits - Missoni's Cruise 2010 collection was made for layering. This time, the effect was achieved through light-weight slouchy fabrics, gathering, draw-strings, and loose cuts. Our favourite feature of the collection is the low-key take on the exposed stomach trend, via tiny Missoni-print cropped bandeaus.
Illionaire brings us an Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009 lookbook that's akin to vintage pin-up infused eighties. Or something. However you'd best describe it, the word sexy should probably be in there somewhere too.
My favourite piece is this rose-red ruched minidress, which is almost too cute for words. Also look out for a hot pair of leather shorts, a winter piece that will take you well and truly into 2010.
Looking to wear the military trend in 2010 gents? Then you'd be amiss to overlook H&M's Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009/2010 menswear collection.
We always wait with anticipation to see what flourishing Melbourne label TV will present us with; and their most recent RAFW parade was no disappointment. For a high-street fix of the label you can head into your nearest Sportsgirl store nationally, where TV have launched an exclusive 10-piece capsule collection.
I can't tell you how royally annoyed I am at not having London on my travel itinerary for this coming Summer season. And no, it's not just for the long nights, amazing bars, and the opportunity to laze away months in my favourite city. Those are all things near and dear to me, but coupled with the fact that I won't have the opportunity to shop for Matthew Williamson's men's range for H&M at their Regent Street or Covent Garden stores simply compounds the pain.
Fans of Matthew Williamson will be in heaven; the designer's collaboration with chain-store H&M bringing some must-have summer pieces into fruition, and of course at a fraction of the normal cost. Heavily based upon his Spring/Summer 2009 collection, the H&M capsule plays upon floaty exotic kaftans, peacock-feather prints, and a colour palette of eye-poppingly bright pinks, aquas, yellows and blues.
London label e.g... have just launched a debut collection which grabbed our eye for its interesting shapes and unique mix of the futuristic and the classic. Accurately described as being for a split personality - "a tough tomboy with a youthful girly look" - the collection sports many accentuated shoulders (a growing trend), sharply structured pieces, and contrasting drapes and folds.