Fashion

Spotlight On: Stella McCartney

As one of the world’s finest female fashion designers, Stella McCartney’s sharp yet feminine pieces are instantly recognisable for their timeless chic appeal.

“Stella’s style has been influential because she is her customer” – Tom Ford

About Stella McCartney

There aren’t many students who would have world renowned super models Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Yasmin Le Bon take to the runway to model their collection…. at graduation.

After graduating from world renowned Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design in 1995, Stella McCartney had that well publicised debut collection quickly bought up by London boutique Tokio.

In 1997, established and esteemed French fashion house Chloé hired McCartney as their new Creative Director (despite criticism from celebrated German designer and former Chloé  Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld).

After four and a half successful years at Chloé, where she achieved both commercial and critical success – bringing a more feminine and romantic feel to the brand,which still resonates with Chloé pieces today – McCartney entered a joint venture with luxury powerhouse the PPR Luxury Group (formerly Gucci Group).

Since her debut collection under the Stella McCartney brand in Paris, October 2001, it has become one of the most talked about companies in fashion today.

Stella McCartney has continued to create an array of luxurious garments; beautiful scented perfumes; and not to mention the launch of her Stella McCartney Kids collection in late 2010 (…what could only be described as positively adorable).

A Cut Above

At Stella McCartney tailoring is always a matter of priority. McCartney has become renowned for her precision cuts, with her distinctly feminine yet sharp trousers and tuxedo jackets coveted by women of all ages. 

While studying fashion, McCartney turned her attention to the craft of tailoring, honing her skills for world renowned Savile Row tailor Edward Sexton.

It was this time spent on Savile Row, learning and observing the philosophy of the ‘perfect cut’, that has now positioned McCartney as one of the world’s finest designers – creating timeless pieces perfect for the modern day woman.

The Fall 2012 Collection

Focused on merging city & country, and day & night; Stella McCartney pieces perfectly encapsulate how women want to dress.

Of the collection, McCartney said: “The Stella woman is about balance”. 

Working mainly with a dark colour palette and an emphasis on vivid midnight blue, McCartney’s Fall 2012 collection played with the aesthetic of masculine and feminine; rough and soft. Fabrics with a tough sensibility – i.e. traditional English tweed –were made softer and more feminine; while iconic masculine pieces, such as the oxford shirt, were refined and reinterpreted.  

With an unmistakable sporty feel (understandable considering McCartney has just revealed the official British Olympic team uniforms), the collection also placed an emphasis on chic comfort and understated elegance.

McCartney’s signature emphasis on tailoring was dressed up with beautiful botanical embroideries. Graphic white and black prints appeared strikingly against the brilliant blue.

Coats and tuxedo jackets appeared slightly oversized with unexpected detailing, such as asymmetrical zips, contrast panels, and oversized proportions. Trousers slouched from the hips, while shoulders were emphasized and waistlines highlighted. Luxe texture was also a feature, with chunky knit separates and dresses making an incredibly chic impression…

What do you think of Stella McCartney’s Fall 2012 collection? xx

Photos from style.com

Fashion

A Pop Of Prep

It’s time to renew your Country Club Membership…

With the warmer weather fast approaching (in the Northern Hemisphere at least), embrace a leisurely Summer spent playing tennis & lying by the pool.

Take your cue from the Spring / Summer 2012 collections, where Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney and Christopher Kane, showed effortless daytime dressing with a preppy pop.

Rewrite poolside dress codes with sweet matching short sets (think of Stella McCartney’s red gingham shirt, shorts and matching accessories – pictured above).  Meanwhile at Christopher Kane, the classic tennis outfit was given a modern yet romantic reinvention – the skirt was made of darling pearlescent fabric giving it a fresh, feminine air.  At Tommy Hilfiger, the classic houndstooth print experienced a colour overhaul and was teamed with unexpected chunky knits and bold horizontal stripes.

Statement accessories complete the preppy look. Oversized sunglasses and tote bags in bright colours and prints will certainly turn heads by the pool & add a little summer sizzle…  

Will you give the preppy look a workout for Summer? xx

Photos from style.com

Fashion

How Does Your Garden Grow

Spring has sprung (well nearly in the northern hemisphere anyway) with colourful, feminine and exquisitely beautiful florals.

Joyous and enchanting, floral prints in a selection of vivid colours will put a Spring into your step. Brilliant blooms add a whimsical romance and retro aesthetic to sweet silhouettes and charming accessories.

Add the Va Va Bloom to your wardrobe:
For classic floral dressing, a little dress in a pretty print is perfect with heels. To dip your toe into this blooming trend opt for a classic white shirt and printed pencil skirt – a la Stella McCartney (pictured above left). While for high impact garden appeal embrace head-to-toe florals – accompanied by printed tights or socks in complementary tones.  Add the perfect finishing touch with a vibrant burst of pure colour. An iconic Lady Dior handbag in darling sun kissed orange will do just nicely (pictured below right).

“Where have all the flowers gone? They are sprouting everywhere for spring fashion.”

For Floral Inspiration
Featured in W Magazine’s March issue, models Patricia van der Vliet and Emily Baker are divine in extraordinary floral prints for this fresh editorial. In pieces by Christopher Kane, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander Wang and more; the editorial is perfectly captured against a flower market of gorgeous colour…

Happy Friday! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! xx

Photos from fashiongonerogue.com

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