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 

Haute Couture is a celebration of ‘fashion as art’ in its truest form. Twice a year, designers gather together in Paris to display their incredible works, hand made garments that are intricately detailed and miraculously time consuming, promising to always be quite the spectacle.

This season, Alexis Mabille stepped up with his beautiful ensembles in celebration of the fashion atelier’s 10th anniversary. The Paris based designer paid homage to the female form with silhouette hugging pieces, cinched in at the waist to give the coveted hourglass figure, made up of a mixture of floor skimming gowns, jumpsuits and two pieces.

A clear floral theme graced the models, embroidered on sheer gowns, printed on dark, floating silks in bold reds and greens, and decorating two-pieces with power and purpose. Amongst the blooms, Mabille added a flirty aura with intricate lace reminiscent of lingerie, sultry bodices and corsets with seductive cross laced ribbon just oozing with sex appeal and femininity.

The models looked stunningly whimsical with feathered strings in their hair, giving the collection a magical feel in some ways, yet juxtaposing the tone with occasional sharp lines and bold colour splashes.

Above all, the expert pattern cutting was indeed, a cut above. Couture can be a place to explore the extremes and the sculptural capes and magnified bow from Mabille’s collection certainly demonstrated his ability to fit in with the ‘in crowd’.

Congratulations Alexis on hitting the milestone ten, here’s to ten more…

Written by Vicki Chagger

“It’s a nature, but not the nature that we know” is how Karl Lagerfeld describes yesterday Chanel Haute Couture SS15 show, which took place under the huge glass room of the Grand Palais.

In contrast to the recent, playfully controversial shows, this season’s display may seem somewhat tame. Predictable, even – florals are one of the first trends we think of for spring/summer, after all.  To assume so, however, would be to forget that this is Chanel – and Karl Lagerfeld doesn’t do predictable. When Karl Lagerfeld creates a garden, you know it will be nothing like any garden you’ve seen before. And this animated Garden of Eden may be the most youthful, intricate garden we’ve ever seen.

If a designer was ever able to bring fabric to life, there is no better example than the 3D acetate flowers which adorned the dresses. Crafted so beautifully they almost look more realistic than the real thing, this is a garden we really want to wear and expect many will too.  The classic Chanel suit’s iconic tweed was given a delicate makeover, softened by pastel hues and frayed edges. Length ventured into new territories too as skirts varied from above to knee to a modern, cropped ankle length. Jackets were cropped, making the waist the new cleavage.

The collection also features a beanie, as Lagerfeld attempts to take yet another everyday item to new couture levels following last year’s success of the same type with the trainer.

Written By Jodie Dewberry