Petal Perfection
There is something about flowers. I know they are synonymous with Spring; but I am happy {more than happy – ecstatic even} to wear them all year round. Four seasons of flowers = sign me up.
Flowers do have power. While seemingly these pretty petals are girly and fragile, there is something about a beautiful floral print that could quite literally stop you in your tracks. Why you may ask? Florals are a print classic. They join the likes of a Benetton stripe or a spot in the category of timeless perfection. So when a floral print is done well – with charisma, with charm, with elegance – it can be an extraordinary moment.
Florals can be bold and enchanting; moody and romantic; light and airy – the myriad of prints available can be matched to your every mood and manner. There is a petal for every personal taste. A bloom for every occasion.
So think freshly cut flowers. Think Carrie Bradshaw’s beautiful blossom brooch. Think the secret garden. Be inspired by the new and invigorating ways designers interpreted florals for the upcoming season. Their green thumbs growing a garden of botanical delights…
A Return To Elegance
Entitled ‘Return To Elegance’, Temperley London’s Spring / Summer 2013 collection had the vision of “a late-1950s couture model or a young Sophia Loren”.
Alice Temperley’s vision to modernise her muse while making her “uncomplicated and effortlessly beautiful” was exquisitely achieved. With an effortless sophistication and chic simplicity, Temperley played with the notions of sheer and solid; precision and prettiness; modern and timeless.
In a luxurious colour palette of pale china blue, white, navy, scarlet and black – intensive workmanship shined through in every piece of the collection. Intensive digital prints and delicate floral appliqués combined for looks that were beyond beautiful. Thick horizontal stain bands ran around organza skirts and dresses – evoking a floaty, fun and overtly feminine look.
The freshness of the colour palette – especially the use of crisp white cotton and lace sprinkled with fine crystals – evoked pure loveliness for Summer.
It was a distinct departure for the label, which saw this collection appear much lighter and more luxurious in decedent fabrics and undeniably pretty silhouettes.
Femme Fatale Accessories
Iconic wide-brim hats, statement-making circular sunglasses and sweet net gloves – created an additional dose of drama. While the highly covetable heels were courtesy of Charlotte Olympia.
“It’s just more fun, more playful this season. It’s less about the dress – which is obviously still a really key piece for us – but more about really great separates in high-quality fabrics, and the way you put them together.”
– Alice Temperley
Photos from style.com
An Explosion Of Colour
“I love to play with colour for Spring.” – Frida Giannini.
Unabashed colour is undeniably enticingly. Exuberant, passionate and joyously enchanting – an explosion of concentrated colour can put a spring in your step.
Gucci’s Jet Setting Colour Palette
At the recent Gucci Spring / Summer 2013 collection, bold colour captured the imagination combined powerfully with chic silhouettes for maximum impact. From bright pink to coral, cobalt blue, citrus yellow and rich turquoise – it was a collection that screamed of maximalist Italian glamour.
Igniting the imagination and evoking a jet setting lifestyle – the colour intensity lifted the spirits to create a collection the designer herself labelled “aristographic”. The late 60’s / 70’s silhouettes heighted the good mood; while subtle attention to detail saw ruffles line sleeves and necklines – arching around the body for added drama.
Colour Tip
Embrace vivid colour in a little cocktail dress. From bewitching cobalt blue to provocative red- it’s a dashing alternative to the classic little black dress…
Will you embrace a high-voltage colour palette? xx
Photos from style.com
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