Gucci Spring/Summer 2016

From the deconstructed images of dated maps that plastered an iridescent skirt to the kaleidoscope trompe d'oeil ruffles and pussy bows that sat loosely around the neck. Yes, this season's Gucci collection was, without a doubt, the most beautiful art installation I've ever seen.

 

As you probably all know, I was apprehensive about Alessandro Michele taking the Gucci reigns from Frida Giannini. Their difference in styles and aesthetics are huge. Giannini was one to create an illusive, dark yet romantic Gucci woman, however Michele's vision for the house is far more experimental- 70s, androgynous, eclectic and nerdy.

Now, I have to say, I absolutely adored this collection. Talk about going big or going home. 

It was definitely a spectacle, we saw practically every piece seen last season, reimagined and reworked- taking on a new form of Michele's modern techniques. For example the invoking of the trompe l'oeil was certainly one of the main focus points in the collection. Now for any of you wondering, trompe l'oeil literally means 'deceives the eye', with this in mind Michele uses this as a technique, simply by taking a normal cut transparent piece of fabric and putting this special print over the top of it, appearing to us will be an object in three dimensions, however this is just an optical illusion. Quite clever I think.
Take the pink sequined skirt with the trompe l'oeil ruffles imprinted on it, anyone would have thought that was just a chiffon skirt, however we are wrong.

 

The clothes also felt more historical than ever. Perhaps it was those 70s bejeweled glasses, those boxy crocodile handbags which reeked 50s glamour or even the opulence from the graphic images which slathered onto a whimsical column dress.

 

 

As always the styling was unusually executed. You could tell that Michele was more bothered about the pieces individually and the fabrics and textures, more so than anything else. Lace, lurex, silk, chiffon, organza and eel skin, believe it or not- the list was endless.

my favourite pieces included the leather biker jacket with embroidered serpentine and oriental motifs, the python A-line midi-skirt with the red panel which sat on the hem, those garish primary studded strappy sandals that accented the geek-chic idea and lastly those psychedelic 70s wallpaper prints that gave a brand new definition to the word nostalgia.

 

  Please note: I do not own any of these images, courtesy of Vogue.com
 

How To Achieve Charity Shop Chic

I have always been one for a good old charity shop, I adore the concept of rescuing used or abused clothing and knowing that everything you buy will go to a significant cause- my example of guilt-free shopping.

Although being a great lover for charity bargains and vintage garments, I wouldn't go as far in saying that I solely buy all my clothes from charity, unlike some of my friends.

I think the most important thing about charity shop shopping is not to be put off by your preconceptions. Yes, a charity shop will have cheap, tacky and old-fashioned pieces, but don't let that deter you; let it cultivate you.
Also you never know, you may be lucky and unearth some treasures.

In this post I shall give you, my dear readership, an insight into just a few of the charity shop gems I have discovered over the past year.

Firstly I was lucky enough to find perhaps my current favourite piece in the wardrobe- my Levi 501 jeans. Before you assert a facial expression of pure desire, I must tell you that I also purchased them for a bargain price of £10, now if we were in Urban Outfitters I can tell you that the price would, without a doubt, be considerably more (£70 to be exact).

I am aware that we are gone of the days when we wore straight or regular cut jeans, now everyone conforms to what I think is a solely British trend, the skinny jean. A super skinny jean and a t-shirt emblazoned in the word 'Hype' and topped off with one of those black Harrington jackets. My definition of a stereotypically young Brit look. We seek no imagination when it comes to a trouser.

  

Here I have paired the jeans with a Breton top from Jack Wills and a cardigan I got in a charity shop for £1.99, to create an ultimate 90s look, aka the Tash Yeo look.

               

My next item is this denim jacket I got in Oxfam for £8.99, another great bargain. For me, denim bombers and jackets are definitely a wardrobe essential. I mean you can dress them up or down and they inevitably go with any colour, black in particular. The only rule I have is if one commits the crime of double denim, then one should be locked up.

  

             

Here I'm wearing my denim jacket incorporated into a autumn/winter look. My roll-neck is from Zara, jeans from Asos (ripped by moi) and my boots also from Asos.

                  

Lastly I have this vintage blue shirt I got in Urban Renewal in Germany. Forgive me as I know this isn't charity shop but more vintage shop. I love this shirt, despite what many people think of the audacious 80s prints. What I can say in response is that these kinds of shirts are a acquired taste and they will not suit everyone but I encourage you all to be adventurous.

Here, I have gone for the rather feminine summer look. This look oozes the last drops of masculinity that's held within me. I am wearing some short dungarees from Asos and my Céline flatbrow sunglasses (of course channelling my love Kim Kardashian).

                    

           

        

Watch out for Part 2 of my Charity shop guide in the next few weeks, along with show reviews for Couture Week. 

                

                            Until next time

Trending Fall 2015- Brisk Boho

70s Bohemia was the defining aesthetic brought to us by designers this new Fall season. We saw Christopher Bailey at Burberry produce a British Boho Burberry girl, comprising of patchwork, fringing, whimsical folk dresses coated in embellished florals and paisleys.

 

 

 

Lanvin's Alber Elbaz combined his Moroccan roots with the Lanvin archive, creating a raw sophistication. It was dark, texturally complex (fur, goat hair, snakeskin yokes, leather harnesses, embellishments), but at the same time screamed luxury.

 

 

                                        

 

Others labels such as: Etro, Dsquared and Dries Van Noten all formed an embodiment of  boho beauties or Aztec princesses. Laid down in front of us:- printed ponchos, gauzy gowns and earth-inspired hues, all spiced up with a generous handful of eclectic ethnicity.   

 

 

                                      Etro

 

Another trend, relating closely to the boho chic was a gypsy, medieval revival. Think Esmerelda from The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Gypsy dresses covered in quaint waistcoats, suede tunics draped in strips of fringe and,lastly, flowing patchwork skirts in all manners of textures (seen at Chloé). With gypsy boho, one can have the freedom to experiment- there is no conformity in this trend, it's all about that element of  uniqueness.

 

 

                                      Chloe

                          Picture Courtesy of Style.com

Zac Posen Fall 2015

I have always admired Zac Posen's work. He is able to produce the most beautiful evening wear which is always red carpert worthy.

This collection was dramatically glamorous. On the one hand, we had the Grace Kelly influence; cinched in waists, silky foulards and volumizing skirts. True elegance. 


 

                

 

 

On the other hand, I felt that this collection was targeted at the more mature, sophisticated woman; seen through the fitted sage green suits (very Christian Dior in the late 40s) and the complexity of the built up appliqué on the evening wear pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was made apparent that Posen had prepped this collection with the thinking that A-listers will choose his brand ahead of the Oscars.

I can tell you one thing, my readers, that that ball gown which Naomi Campbell closed the show wearing. I predict that someone will be wearing that in a couple of weeks time.

 

 

Picture Courtesy of Style.com

 

 

The collection had body. More strong, elegant glamour than sweet, sexy and seductive (a trend for this current season).