All the buzz in fashion.
All the buzz in fashion.
Camp Sunshine
Speaking to fashion scribes post-show at the Tennis Club de Paris, Phoebe Philo tossed around words such as “joy” and “celebration” while explaining her desire to spread love and optimism at Céline this season. Earlier, she had recreated that warm and fuzzy feeling of sitting around a bonfire via a Smiljan Radic-designed set that resembled a gigantic tent, before huddling her guests together on benches covered with sleeping bags. With everyone in such close proximity and Mary J. Blige crooning “You’re All I Need to Get By” over the speakers, Philo rolled out a collection that delivered on the sartorial— and emotional—front.
Double-layered trench coats were installed with hems that looped dramatically inwards; cropped boxy jackets came with generously-cut pleated pants; oversized polo t-shirts peeked from under masculine vests; feathers fluttered and fringes danced on dresses… She ensured a display of fashion that filled every inch of the body with good vibes. Now into the final stretch of her tenure, Philo’s Midas touch will be missed once she presents her last Céline collection in March for fall/winter 2018.
CLASS ACT
Carolina Herrera knows a thing or two about dressing for the occasion, which makes her latest project—an evening range for the CH Carolina Herrera line—a blessing for women who want fuss-free yet elegant options that make an impression. Be it a gorgeous shirt-dress creation or versatile column number, each feminine piece reflects the sophistication and refinement the American designer is renowned for.
HARLEM NIGHTS
First there was a capsule collection; next came a coveted spot in Gucci’s ad campaign. Now, Dapper Dan, the legendary artist and innovator whose custom-made designs took New York by storm in the ’80s, has opened an atelier backed by the might of the Italian fashion powerhouse.
This comes after Gucci was singled out for a look from its cruise 2018 show that bore an uncanny resemblance to one of Dapper Dan’s earlier designs. “Everyone paid homage to Dapper Dan, but no one ever paid him,” said Dapper Dan in a statement. “The people have spoken and Gucci has listened.” Spread over 4,700sqft, the new studio atelier will allow Dapper Dan to customise pieces for clients using Gucci’s wide range of fabrics and hardware.
ISLAND LIFE
Braun Büffel’s spring/summer 2018 collection is an ode to Greece. However, instead of studying ancient Grecian myths and legends for cue cues, the brand mined the b the beauty of the Greek islands for its bags. From the rich blues that recall the Aegean Sea, to the sandy beiges that mimic the jagged coastlines of Milos, the colour palette has been carefully chosen to evoke the charm of the country. Even the clean lines and silhouettes of the bags point to the quaint cottages that dot Santorini’s picturesque cliffs.
BAND CAMP
Since its launch in 2008, the Fiji bracelet has become Monica Vinader’s bestselling item. So it's little wonder the jewellery designer regularly designs variations of the hit accessory to keep her loyal fanbase—and new customers—happy. From Vinader’s headquarters in Norfolk comes 2018’s re-telling of the Fiji: Besides introducing cords in a fresh array of colours, hoop earrings and cuffs that embody the puritan aesthetic of the line will also take centre stage this season. stage this season.
FINE MARCH
Manolo Blahnik’s fertile imagination has allowed him to dream up countless shoe designs that have captured the hearts of women. This spring/summer season sees the maestro making reference to inspirations as diverse as the plains of Africa and Italy in the 16th century. Blahnik’s vivid interpretation of African tribal prints is splashed across mules and flats, while the colourful costumes and th nik’s fertile imagination masks from the age-old theatre form of Commedia dell’arte have been reworked into vertiginous heels and boots.
NATURE REPUBLIC
Uniqlo’s partnership with Christophe Lemaire has yielded reinvented basics for savvy consumers who want design and comfort at quality prices. Now into its fourth season, the Uniqlo U range continues to expand with a covetable selection that puts the ease into dressing up. For spring, Lemaire and the team at Uniqlo’s Paris R&D centre engineered 50 items for women, including a functional and lightweight coat that doubles up as a great transitional piece.
PRISMATIC AURA
A pot of gold lies at the end of the rainbow, but what Swarovski’s Nathalie Colin discovered beneath the colourful arc was a treasure trove of inspiration instead. “Each and every collection starts with a blank page and this season it is beautifully turned into a brilliant rainbow of colours,” the Creative Director explained. Feminine jewellery pieces such as glamorous necklaces shaped like origami flowers and butterfly rings in brilliant shades of fuchsia and yellow further underscore Swarovski’s unparalleled expertise in crystals.
BLANK SPACE
Take your white tank top out for a spin and elevate it with a bold belt, studded handbag and embellished pumps.
PAW PATROL
The Year of the Dog will soon be upon us and Italian brand Moschino has joined in the Chinese New Year festivities with a limited-edition collection featuring motifs of Pudgy—the cartoon dog and pet of Betty Boop. The animated bombshell’s canine friend appears on a range of adorable Moschino merchandise such as a graphic sweater, dress and backpack—all dipped in the auspicious colour of red, no less.
