Fashionising.com > Clothing
S.LOVE: 2009 debut collection
Picking up a piece that is hand-crafted or individualised in some way is always an extra special shopping experience. We love S.LOVE's debut collection for its gorgeous dresses and scarves - in which each piece is hand-painted. The overall effect is of soft, sophisticated pieces with an edge, that ultimately tie sweetness and sexiness together.
Anna Sui collection for Target 2009
Taking its cues from hit TV show Gossip Girl, Anna Sui's collection for Target features bright colours, neck bows, and girly minidresses. The collection hints at Sui's signature quirky style, but will sell for a fraction of the price at Target stores US wide.
La Perla Studio Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009
Here's another lingerie collection that warrants a mention, if for nothing else than for its ability to turn highly functional underwear into a gorgeously soft and sexy lookbook. The La Perla Studio collection for Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009 features seamless pieces in nude and black that slightly raise the bar on how good seamless lingerie can actually look.
Globe-Trotter: refined luggage
Whenever I travel this globe there's one mistake I always make: I buy too much. Luggage. That's right, all those times I've back my bag to within grams of getting kicked off a flight (my personal record is 42kg over the permitted weight allowance) have always been preceded by the purchasing of new luggage. I simply can't help it. Each and every time I travel overseas new luggage must accompany me. To date, that itch has largely been scratched by Samsonite. Next time, I suspect that it's the British luxury brand Globe-Trotter whom shall be accompanying me.
Savant Spring/Summer 2009 collection
I can confess to having a bit of an obsession at the moment with cage designs and harnesses, being one of the greatest things to come out of the bondage trend that has swept through the fashion world in 2009. I was only just the other day admiring a leather cage piece by Es-Trella; and now label Savant have also caught my eye for their divine pieces of a similar nature.
ae'lkemi VIP launch: Winter 2009 Collection
Thursday evening's double date with chic sophistication and edgy leather pieces saw Perth's finest '09 winter collection being unveiled at the ae'lkemi flagship store in Claremont.
Once again, designer Alvin Fernandez managed to stay true to his style while spicing it up with a few current trend twists. "The ae'lkemi woman will still wear a delicate feather and lace cocktail dress, but this season she is wearing it with a black leather jacket," Fernandez said. Also showcased on the night were the luxurious in-store jewelry designs by Annmarie McGinn, which also added to the chic sophistication yet edgy with soft leathers.
Alexander Wang: Resort 2010 collection
Moving further away from the ripped stockings and zip-up boots that really brought grunge into the 21st century, Alexander Wang puts a sophisticated spin on his 2010 resort collection. Though overall the cuts are cool and relaxed, some more sharply tailored pieces also make their way into the mix; as do some effortless goddess dresses and draping minis. Though the casual sophistication takes a different turn, Wang's signature style shines through from start to finish - and we're pretty sure the oversize lattice knits will be a big hit.
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.
