Victoria Beckham - the real deal.

As we in the Southern Hemisphere are heading into our Spring / Summer season for 2012 / 2013, 

(YAYYYYY!) 

and inspired by the AMAZING Spice Girls performance at the London Closing Ceremony,
(where Victoria looked incredible in Giles)

Photo from Vogue UK

I am going to take a step back and take a look at Victoria Beckham's SS 2012 collection.

Ms Beckham has really proven herself as the real deal. Ubër chic and style driven, VB continues to move forward (fashion forward) in her design capabilities. Her rise in the fashion world is admirable. Not only is she producing intelligent, desirable collections, but she has garnered the respect of those in the sometimes impenetrable world of fashion.

Colour block cap fitted dress in Navy and Tangerine (love that bag!) 

Tangerine cross back fitted dress - VB trademark style.

Her collections are heavily tailored and use a simple, conservative colour palette. However, what the collection lacks in vibrancy of colour and pattern, it makes up in sleek, unadulterated sex appeal.

VB's pieces are designed to make the wearer feel fabulous. 

Whether it is the figure hugging pencil dresses she is famous for, or her stretched cut outs, you can't help but feel muy caliente!

 

Cross neck pleated tunic.
(sexy boots gurl!)



 Techno stretch and silk crepe cutout floorlength dress
- LOVE! 

And let's not forget the bags... Victoria is also making a trademark for herself in her simple yet luxe bags - whether it is her Calf & Soft Victoria in Tan Matt Alligator (above) or the Victoria Tote in Orange (below) - treat yourself. 

You can find out more or shop Victoria Beckham at www.victoriabeckham.com - the photos of the gorgeous bags were from there.

The runway photos were from www.vogue.co.uk.

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Alex Perry Gown - A.M.A.Z.I.N.G

Miranda Kerr is obviously doing her job, because this Alex Perry gown, worn by Miranda at last night's David Jones' Spring / Summer launch, looked incredible...



With a deceptively simple silhouette and conspicuous red, Alex has created a gown that is effortless, confident and simply effervescent...

BAM!

Checkout www.fashionlaunch.davidjones.com.au/spring-summer for more.

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Melbourne Spring Fashion Week designer: Alice McCall

Alice McCall is no stranger to success.

Designing two hugely popular lines for behemoth fashion house Topshop, and preceding Stella McCartney with her own sell-out collection for Target in 2006, McCall has achieved wide-spread and popular appeal amongst fashionistas and the general public alike. McCall’s success can be attributed not only to clever, approachable design, but an obvious drive to push herself towards new boundaries and inspire an enviable career.

One of Alice McCall's design sketches for Topshop
Courtesy of Vogue UK

McCall’s Spring / Summer 2013 collection is hot.

          
 

Entitled, ‘Babooshka’, after the colourful Russian dolls, the collection is vibrant, hip and fresh. It has that cute, soft edge that is trademark McCall, with light, flowing dresses, floral patterns and use of lace to add a touch of purity and innocence. The silouttes are clean and feminine, accented by a mix of bold and soft colours, and brought to life with the addition of traditional Eastern European prints and embroidery.


Loving this abstract, floral motif.
The cut of the dress and length of the sleeves are current and stylish,
while the pattern and use of vibrant colour are a bohemian rhapsody. 



Peplums are on the rise and this one is as striking as it is gorgeous.
The black outline with the blend of pale pink and lemon yellow invoke 70s chic.
The sheer lace and the folk inspired embroidery soften the look,
 and the addition of the powder blue belt is simply perfection.

Need I say anything?
I love it.
The floral pattern sitting on a sheer canvas is bold but not overdone. It draws your attention and invokes memories of youth and freedom, while being contemporary and elegant.
The powder blue heels and plaited hair only add to the utopian feel. 

Bold, eye-catching and enticing, this tangerine outfit in empowered.
The cut and drapery of the leg make an interestingly abstract contrast to the other pieces in the collection,
and the low cut singlet top, with just a wink of the midriff, draws a little (or a lot of) sexuality to the runway. Grrr! 

This year, McCall will be showing her Spring / Summer collection during the Trends series at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Sydney and will be a highlight of Runway 4 on Saturday 8 September during the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week - get your tickets now!

 

You can find more info and photos at www.alicemccall.com (it’s where I found the photos).

Plus, you will also find Alice McCall’s line available through David Jones’ stores across the country – visit www.davidjones.com.au for more.

For tickets to the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, visit www.msfw.com.au,
or the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Sydney, visit www.mbffsydney.com.au.

Topshop can be found at the Jam Factory on Chapel Street in Melbourne, or visit www.topshop.com.

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Christopher Shannon - another gold for team GB!

Christopher Shannon is exciting.

Mens fashion does not usually generate the same showmanship, drama and flamboyancy that the women's runways usually inspire, but Christopher Shannon's 2013 Spring / Summer collection appears to have found the right balance between wearability, individuality and theatre.

                        

Not that I can see myself wearing the above '50 shades of grey' inspired creation to work anytime soon - but the play on shades, the vibrancy of colour and the free-flowing fabrics inject an infectious enthusiasm into Christopher Shannon's design aesthetic. It is a fresh direction in mens fashion. His collections are not mind-bendingly abstract, or overly artistic to the point of being misunderstood - Shannon's creations are masculine, self-assured and confident.

The story of colour that weaves its way through Shannon's collection is bold and eye-catching. He has used the power of directed horizontal lines to invigorate his pieces with deep purples, magentas, greens, greys, off-whites and oranges. The infusion of tassels and subtle patterns only help accentuate the bursts of colourful energy.

The above look is my favourite. Yes, it is probably the model that draws my liking. BUT, I do love the look. The clinically white top and the free-flowing shorts cut just above the knee speak of long, warm Summer nights when life is indescribably good and the air is as fresh as can be. Team that with the understated but covetable loafers and the explosion of tightly packed colour, neatly corralled into tailored lines and celebrated with bourgeois tassels, the overall look is one of accomplishment and identity.

Christopher Shannon's silhouettes are clean and deceptively simple. That's what makes his collections so exciting. It is the way Shannon brings this clean simplicity to life through intelligent design and contemporary thought on the direction of men's fashion. Dramatic yet inherently style driven, I am always left wanting more.

I know you will want more too, so check out www.christophershannon.co.uk.

To see the rest of Christopher Shannon's 2013 Spring / Summer collection, visit http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2013/mens/christopher-shannon 

(that's where I sourced the photos!)

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Tabitha Simmons - me likey!

Flicking through Vogue Australia's September issue on the tram, I was immediately taken by the striking and crafty Tabitha Simmons patchwork Mary Jane staring back at me. The conservative patterns and demure colour palette make this one classy (and must have) shoe. A pair of these babies could easily breathe a little life into that plain old (but essential) little black dress or dress up that starlet-inspired burlesque, baby doll, cutsie look.

Tabitha Simmons is an English designer, living in New York and working internationally (a celeb favourite) - and I can see why. Her creations are sexy yet undoubtedly sophisticated. Feminine, but not girly. Classy, but not stuffy. Tabitha appears to tick all the right boxes. I am a huge believer in the philosophy that shoes and accessories make all the difference in the way someone feels, looks and acts. A stunning pair of shoes give you confidence and a platform on which to build a look. Tabitha has taken the every day heel, flat and sandal and made them into something worth admiring. Her collections usually include a mix of bold colours, shapes and prints and the more elegant, classic and timeless pieces.



The Dion Glitter



The Felicity Flower



This is one special heel!

 


The Frida Pink Black Flower Silk



Playful, innovative and ultimately wearable, Tabitha Simmons' creations are fresh and exciting. Whether you want to dress up or dress down, there is no reason why you shouldn't look fabulous, and Tabitha is ready to help.

PS -

Emma Watson +

Tabitha's "Gothic" sandals +

MTV Music Awards 2012 =

G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S

                         

Check out her many other creations and treat yourself at www.tabithasimmons.com (photos sourced from Tabitha Simmons).

You can also find some good deals at www.polyvore.com - like the patchwork Mary Jane shoe above.

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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival 2012

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Sydney is just around the corner and it is shaping up to be as glamorous, eye-catching and inspiring as ever!

From 21-25 August, Sydney Town Hall will be transformed into a fashion wonderland, and it all kicks off with the Bendon Lingerie show. With the divine Jennifer Hawkins making an appearance as Bendon's ambassador, it is going to be the hottest (and sexiest!) ticket in town. (PS - visit Bendon's website, www.bendonlingerie.com, and check out Stella McCartney's new season's range of lingerie. I'm no expert, but the pieces on offer certainly look sexy, chic and might I say, comfortable!)

One of the highlights of the week will undoubtedly be the MBFF Trends shows. Designers are able to showcase their Spring / Summer collections and, more importantly, we are able to admire, view and covet them! This year, the long list of hot Australian designers include:

Alice McCall

Bec & Bridge

Christopher Esber

Jayson Brunsdon

Michael Lo Sordo

Watson X Watson

and

Maticevski

With an Australian design aesthetic, meticulous attention to detail and an innate understanding of the contemporary, modern woman, exciting designers Bec & Bridge are ones to look out for. Their Spring Summer 2012-2013 collection is highlighted with flattering silhouettes, bold prints and adventurous cuts, all which form a cohesive and sleek collection.

Bec & Bridge
Nautico min-dress

Bec & Bridge
Limoncello panel jacket and pant
Piccola singlet

Bec & Bridge
Positano cut out maxi

Another highlight of the week will be the collections of visiting US designer, Whitney Port. On Saturday the 25th, the runway will light up with Whitney's latest fashion lines, Whitney Eve and WE by Whitney Eve. Whitney's pieces are playful, wearable and young at heart, and I am looking forward to seeing what looks she has in store for MBFF this year.

Whitney Eve - Tiffany Oatmeal dress

Whitney Eve - Frilly Jumper Pastel Floral

And let's not forget Myer's Spring Summer 2013 show on Thursday 23 August. Inspired by the, 'rich culture and colourful landscapes of South Africa', this show is set to once again be a spectacle of fashion not to be missed. With such designers as Aurelio Costarella, Ellery and sass & bide, Myer will once again be showcasing its ability to support Australian talent and bring designers' collections to our wardrobes!

Plus, there are many more happenings going on around Sydney during MBFF, including Fashions on Film, presented by Portable, and Mercedes-Benz Street Style.

Visit www.mbffsydney.com.au for more information and tickets.

Bec & Bridge photos were sourced from www.becandbridge.com.au, where you will find more from the SS 2012-2013 collection and can purchase pieces directly online.

Whitney Eve photos were sourced from www.whitneyeve.com, where you will find more looks from Whitney Eve and can also purchase your favourite looks online.

I would love to hear about your favourite (and not so favourite) looks, trends, designers and events from MBFF, so drop me an email at stylemeplease@brandmaker.com.au, comment on this post or let me know on Twitter @thebrandmaker.

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Melbourne Spring Fashion Week designer: Gwendolynne

“I love working with beautiful exclusive fabrics and designing my own embellishments. My design philosophy is to create timeless beauty; I choose to work in small quantities in order to maintain  quality, exclusivity and longevity.”

Gwendolynne Burkin

Who else is excited to see Gwendolynne’s latest collection at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week this September? I certainly am.

Feminine. Delicate. Exquisite.

Looking at Gwendolynne’s creations, you feel a sense of purity and lightness, all the while becoming entranced by the intricate beadwork and embroidery (see below) that adorns so many of her pieces. The perception of the female form and the couture effort that so obviously goes into creating her collections is more than admirable - it is sheer talent!

Gwendolynne’s inspiration appears to be drawn from a time embodied by romance and elegance. With many pieces created from the most delicate of laces or shimmering with heavenly crystals, the wearer is transcended from mere mortal to goddess-like stature. Perhaps this is why Gwendolynne is turned to when a bride wants to feel that extra bit special on her wedding day. Her dresses engender uniqueness and individuality. Pieces that are designed for you and your purpose. Your delight.

             

The style and femininity that radiates from Gwendolynne’s collections is one of a kind, and I believe her star will only continue to rise.

Gwendolynne’s salon can be found in Fitzroy, Melbourne and her bridal services are complemented by Richard Nylon, who makes divine veils and headpieces to accompany Gwendolynne’s pieces.

Gwendolynne will be showing her latest collection during Runway One of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week on Tuesday 4 September. I can’t wait.

More information and photos at www.gwendolynne.com.au.

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