My Fashion Life

If countless magazines are to be believed, it seems it may be time for me to wean myself off my standard issue colour palette of neutrals and muted jewel tones in favour of block printed summer brights. Not that British summer is actually here yet (will it ever be…?), despite what the magazines would have us believe.

But in the absence of real sunlight and actual warmth on my little white shoulders, perhaps wearing bright colours would be an optimistic alternative? A self-conjured vision of summer colour and joy.

As much as I appreciate the simple impact of block colour by the likes of Jil Sander, I am a detail junkie through and through; a girl who likes her patterns dense and her layers clashing. Perhaps simplicity would not be the best way to approach a trend of which I am already decidedly wary?

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If the rumours are true, then deck shoes are the latest must-have fashion item this summer. It’s hard to believe that a shoe associated with fatherly types and would-be eurostrash sailors would make waves in the fashion circles, but it has. But how do you wear this trend without looking like you are on the way to the yacht club?

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Inspiration for the Giorgio Armani collection came from close to home….South of Italy and Pantelleria….where Armani currently resides. His palette took us to the sea with a combination of water colors, fused light and deep shadows mixing natural and earth tones of beige putty and grey with translations of lava black and palm green. The collection consisted of long, sheer gowns and tunics with bright floral accents, while plunging v-neck bustier dress brought the myth of mermaids to life.

Evening wear remained long and glamorous. Pleats, knots, and dashes added a soft ease and fluidity, while beaded detail, crystal adornment and embroidery injected a little sparkle. The collection relied heavily on the shawl-sheer, woven and metallic- to complete looks both for day and night.

Part 2, Part 3 & Part 4

Over the past week we have seen some of the most exceptional designers of our generation allow their creative imaginations to run wild in honour of the very privileged few that can afford to spend on them - yes, it’s been Paris couture week, the most glamorous of them all, and I’ve had the lucky task of rounding up our favourite moments and creations for you. Our top three shows were Christian Dior, Armani Prive and Christian Lacroix, and here’s why:

John Galliano for Christian Dior took a trip to 1920s Kyoto with a parade of red-lipped geishas gliding along in towering platform wedges and impossibly figure hugging skirts. The overall look was almost painterly with shades of cherry-blossom pink, oriental jade and a black that could have come directly from an ink pot – feminine and unashamedly sexy.

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