Fashion

The Simple Silhouette

Effortlessly straightforward; seductively streamlined– a sharp yet simple silhouette is the epitome of chic.

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” – Coco Chanel

Appearing on the Victoria Beckham Spring / Summer 2013 runway, this sleek silhouette was the height of nonchalant style. With her ever growing portfolio of exquisite designs, Victoria Beckham demonstrated that with a bold burst of colour, a sharply tailored cocktail dress can be heightened from the potentially mundane to très magnifique with that delicate, restrained touch.

Chic Simplicity

Favoured by designers who emphasise modern, timeless designs – just think of Phoebe Philo at Celine and her extraordinary restraint when creating classical pieces women will cherish for decades to come.

Distinctly feminine and wearable, Stella McCartney is another designer who understands a sharp cut can exude an unmistakable ‘grown-up’ allure.

Artfully structured, a simple tailored piece can do wonders for the figure. Tailoring can slim and flatter your body in spectacular ways. Honing her skills with Savile Row tailor Edward Sexton, McCartney became renowned for her precision cuts and distinctly feminine take on simplicity. Her highly coveted trouser suits and cocktail dresses have been worn by many of the world’s most stylish and are the perfect style inspiration for any modern day woman aspiring to achieve that chic, elegance.

Note: When adopting a ‘less is more’ philosophy, be sure to place a strong emphasis on the fit, quality and silhouette.

Will you embrace the ‘simpler life’? xx

Photos from style.com

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

Fashion Feature

The New Suit

Embrace the New Suit Silhouette For Highly Fashionable Business

From Stella McCartney to DVF, Hermès to The Row; designers are embracing the suit in new, ultra feminine, flattering ways.

The suit is a firm fashion favourite. Sophisticated, sexy and chic – the suit is synonymous with power dressing.  Yet today’s suits with a focus on clean lines and refined cuts, don’t need to be a flashback to 80’s ‘Wall Street’. In fact no woman’s wardrobe is complete without one…

Note: Be sure to place a strong emphasis on the fit, quality and silhouette… the perfect suit will slim and flatter your body in spectacular ways – you may never want to take it off!

Stella McCartney

At Stella McCartney (pictured above & below) tailoring is always a matter of priority. Honing her skills on Saville Row for Edward Sexton, her father’s tailor for a number of years – McCartney has become renowned for her precision cuts. Distinctly feminine and wearable, McCartney’s trousers and tuxedo jackets are cut sharp yet also soft and relaxed to exude comfortable allure.

Stella McCartney – Spring / Summer 2011

The Row

Taking its name from London’s historic Savile Row, The Row offers a modern directional take on traditional tailoring. The brainchild of Style icons, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, The Row’s aims to provide an updated concept of bespoke tailoring and modern day classics.

The Row – Pre-Collection Fall 2011

Will you cut a sharp silhouette in a suit? xx

Photos from style.com / therow.com