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By: Li Thane-Kitson

In: News

Published: 23 February 2015

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The Daks Autumn/Winter15 collection drew inspiration from the term ‘luxury in motion’ and English motorcycling. We saw the heritage brand make an exciting new change, in this collection Daks has calibrated with motorbike wheels, in order to acknowledge and celebrate the great iconic story of English motorcycling. This collection was built on bold, block colours with a city chic finish. Although there was a reminiscent 60s feel with an implied twist of the 70s, the Daks show was undisputedly modern. 

Bikers’ gloves, jackets and shoes made this collection edgy, which strayed away from their usual traditional house check for a more bolder, but cooler aesthetic which saw women and men alike take to the catwalk clad in quilted biker jackets and sixties colour-blocked shifts. The different variations of colours and prints that were used in this collection such as deep red, purple, Prince of Wales check, tulip print, and of course the timeless biker black. Featuring some strong masculine style which was evident in pieces such as the double breasted jacket and matching crop trousers; yet still managing to stay feminine, with some softer more feminine elements which harked back to the chiffons that were seen last season. A tulip print was used in various sizes and colours to counter the leather biker toughness, but most notably on a floor length shirt dresses with deep autumnal tones. Despite having a charming quality, it did dance between fluidity and structure almost effortlessly.

Creative Director Fillippo Scuttti cited the term ‘mode’ as a starting point, the Italian term means movement, evolution and dynamism, which is all captured perfectly in this collection. Quilting was used throughout, red leather jackets lined with cashmere, and on the biker style skirts, gloves and shoes. The men too, were seen donning leather jumpsuits and baker-boy hats.

The forever famous Prince of Wales check did however make an appearance on a masculine inspired, double-breasted jacket and matching crop trousers, which was definitely one of the most striking looks from the collection. The 60s silhouettes echoed the 70s with the models flat-ironed hair, patent boots and jaunty headwear.

The soulful music set the tone for a show that took you back in time with a modern edge. What was very interesting about this arrangement was that it seemed to be the opposite to the traditional portrayal of Daks that we are all used to. Keeping in mind that Daks strayed away from their comfort zone with such different pieces for next season, they still kept some elements that they are known for with the tulip print being one of them.

Halfway through the show, the palette changed from scarlet red and off-white blocks into a paler, more solid one. Towards the end came a set of lengthy floor sweeping dresses that would be better suited to evening wear with an edgier feel, than the usual smart collections we have witnessed in the past and have become accustom to associate with Daks.

Overall I feel the Daks AW15 collection screamed uptown city chic meets utilitarian practicality with the military cap emphasising this, while keeping in line with 60/70s style with the knee-high patent boot, as the models strutted to the beat of motown tunes, it was difficult not to be swept away with the fluid lines of the dresses and the ambiance.

Written by Li Thane-Kitson

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By: Vicki Chagger

In: News

Published: 14 February 2015

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The Desigual show, with its upbeat and unlikely choice of music, along with models that beamed smiles across their faces in pure enjoyment brought a breath of fresh energy to New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Having started way back in 1984, the brand is known for its celebration of difference, and their bright, bold and ultimately fun collection, headed by the stunning Chantelle Winnie Harlow - the brand’s new ambassador - certainly followed tradition this A/W season. The collection, named ‘YES!!’, was born from the atelier of renowned designer Christian Lacroix, and has been described as a show where “dresses become canvases”, portraying the notion that fashion can be art but still be wearable and accessible for the everyday woman.

The collection presented a strong 60s vibe, with shift dresses adorned with big and bold circle prints of monochrome, yet remained ultra modern without falling in line with everyone else. Remaining true to the brand, Desigual included heaps of colour and graphic prints, pushing the tempo of design into the fashion forward season ahead.

Although extremely bold in colour, the hues where muted just enough to keep in tune with Autumn Winter, weaved in to heavy knits and fun pom poms, splashed over experimental silhouettes and vivacious cuts and shapes. Lacroix gave a nod to his French background with a homage to the beret, yet tied in the Spanish brand’s routes with full skirts and flamenco florals. Having said that, you could pick out inspirations from all over the world in their designs, as Desigual really are a global brand.

Say yes, choose design, be the Desigual woman. Have fun with your fashion.

Written by Vicki Chagger 

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By: Monica Cummings

In: News

Published: 11 February 2015

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Wow what a Grammy awards ceremony. It was like a competition on who could look the most unique and be the least predictable, there was definitely a yearning for self-created identities in the milieu. Rihanna (who hails from Barbados - where we'd rather be right now !) arrived in a huge, high-waisted, pink Giambattista Valli design, this fairy tale pink top and puffy full skirt was over-sized and exuberant, innocent and simple, two-tiered with the paradox of being striking. She looked like a sweet, sumptuous wedding cake. Her simple under-stated make-up worked well if it hadn't she could have ended up looking a little bit Lady Ga Ga ish.

Nikki Minaj turned up dressed to impress by sporting a fairly chic, sequinned fringe Tom Ford dress which afforded the wearer maximum cleavage exposure. The 32 year old rapper from Trinidad (and New York respectively) rocked this halter neck styled, figure-hugging dress for all the right reasons. Minaj's make up was simple and her hairstyle was almost regal, her look was minimalist as she strutted down the red carpet, her mood and manner was calm even though her shoe heel length was measured at  7 inches. She can handle 7 inches !  She's a strong lady right ?

The GQ-esq Nick Jonas's attendance at this 57th Grammy awards was marked by his grey and canary yellow Versace plaid suit coupled up with perfect white sneakers and a white buttoned down shirt. He looked like a heartthrob and we were all relieved that he refrained from growing a predictable hipster beard. He was clean, lean with hair full of sheen.

Kim Kardashian looked opulent and glitzy in her vintage Jean Paul Gaultier gown. The iridescent plunging neck-lined number was covered in sequins, swept the red carpet and was far from subtle, for one minute I thought I was watching a scene from Arab Idol (Middle Eastern X Factor/The voice). Someone had a rather expensive dressing gown on, that being said her tresses were perfect, the texture and tone completely on point and the nude lipstick complemented her strong olive skin tone. It doesn't make sense to harp on about hubby Kanye's cringe-worthy outburst this year. As usual he made a spectacle of himself thinking his opinion mattered the most perhaps Kanye and Russell Brand can start a sitcom together next year entitled 'self-awareness & tact what's that?' It's time to bow out gracefully because this is what these events are about. 

Honouring talented, humble, creative musicians who have worked hard and mastered their craft. Hats off!

Monica Cummings

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By: admin

In: News

Published: 01 February 2015

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