Poca and Poca Winter 2012

In order for me to get to Poland, I would have to pay over 600 Euros to fly 11 hours, covering a distance of 8720km. But I think all that may just be worth it to shop Poca and Poca's Winter 2011-12 Collection. Designer Karolina Gniewek brings her unique vision to this enchanting brand, creating gorgeous and girly clothes with a retro twist. Each delightful piece is handmade in Poland, ensuring that special care and the highest quality is maintained. 

For this season, Poca and Poca have brought together a delectable range of outfits in sugary sweet shades and ladylike looser-fit shapes. Ruffles and bows are a salient feature, adding an extra dose of prettiness to each piece. Key looks include frilly jumpsuits, high-waisted trousers, a sequined ape, flirty cotton dresses, silk blouses and alluring puffed shorts. 

It's refreshing to see single toned fabrics, and an absence of prints. It makes these ensembles all the more timeless and versatile. A mini black bow tie and large hair bows enhance the charming, feminine theme. If Alice in Wonderland fell down a rabbit hole into 2012 and ever got tired of wearing that blue dress, she could always try on one of these endearing outfits.

Temperley London Pre-Fall 2012

Alice Temperley's Pre-Fall 2012 collection embraces all that is feminine and luxurious. Grand tailoring of the 19th century is modified to suit the 21st century girl. It begins with extravagant sequined dresses in multi-tonal golds, and ladylike lace frocks, elegantly paired with gloves, tasseled minauderie cases and pearl necklaces. It's the kind of collection that any Manhattan maiden and Gossip Girl groupie would revel in.

Temperley chose an understated colour palette, in a blend of rich fabrics, conveying the notion of graceful glamour. The only form of colour comes from pistachio green & the boldest shade of pink, printed on brocade dresses. Leather skinny pants are paired with embroidered longer-length tops. Chunky cardigans and trench coats are a sophisticated way to keep warm while wearing a lavish gown underneath. Black & white frocks are belted with large floral brooches. I have a feeling that those opaque black spotted stockings are going to catch on easily. 

The range concludes with vintage inspired evening gowns, more flowy than fitted and accentuated at the waist. Make-up is focused on a strong red lip and bejeweled headbands adorn a chic updo. I feel like some of these outfits were made with Blair Waldorf in mind, don't you think?

Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall 2012

Monique Lhuillier fine tunes uptown elegance for her Pre-Fall 2012 collection. With minimal use of colour and an abundance of ideas, she has created day and evening wear that personifies femininity in it's most favorable form. Lace covered dresses that are fit for a high tea at the palace, or for the fashion-conscious bridesmaid. Then there are extravagant evening gowns that beg to be shown off at prime red carpet events.

Besides for innovative black and white prints, Monique has used blue as a primary colour choice. From cobalt to sapphire, indigo and navy, to shades of midnight, this collection gives new meaning to the term 'feeling blue'. We are presented with jubilant blue creations, in draped chiffon, full tulle skirts, satin ruffles and impeccably placed lace. Silhouettes are kept full and billowy, suited for any type of figure. 

The one dress that I'd really like to see worn on the red carpet is the second last one at the end - which has royal blue lace gently adorning a nude tulle gown. Perhaps on someone regal like Kate Middleton or even Keira Knightly.

Naeem Khan Pre-Fall 2012

Naeem Khan has been gaining fame with a slew of celebrity clients such as Florence Welch, Julianne Hough, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and even Michelle Obama. He masterly crafts elegant and feminine gowns with interesting shapes, and in sumptuous fabrics. He applied this same aesthetic to his Pre-Fall 2012 collection, in which sequins were the order of the day, delicately layered upon slinky silk and chiffon gowns.

The colour palette began with sugary pink and creamy white shades, then blazed into amazing brights like cerise, lime and daffodil. Khan added a dash of animal print, for a more dressed down evening look, showing that he isn't only about glitzy embellishments. The range concludes with a few black feathered frocks and an outstanding ivory gown with beaded bodice and voluminous skirt, which would make for an opulent wedding dress. 

Khan experimented with different types of necklines, which keeps the collection from being monotonous. What I appreciate about this range is that each look is unique, and not a continuation of the one before. My favourite piece is the first dusky rose tulle dress below. Which is yours?

An Essentiel Winter 2012

Essentiel

Fall/Winter 2011-12

Who says that winter fashion has to be about dull greys and lifeless shades of beige. Essentiel revitalizes your Winter wardrobe this season with bold brights and fearless colour-block combinations. The Belgian fashion label has become a favourite of mine, as all their pieces retain that comfort factor while being youthful and trendy. 

For Winter 2011-12, Essentiel offers chunky knits in optimistic shades like sunflower yellow, cerise pink and tangerine. Their classically fit jackets in varying lengths are suitable for work-to-weekend wear. Stripes are seen on jerseys, woolly scarves, skirts and bags. Keeping up with worldwide trends, there is also a fair amount of coloured demin in this range. Trousers are high-waisted, tapered or cropped at the ankle. Essentiel pushes the boundaries of colour-blocking, teeming shades like red, yellow and purple together.

The collection wavers between masculine and feminine tailoring. Elegant blouses in saturated shades of coral and green are tied up with pussy-cat bows. Besides for the typical black leather jacket, try your hand at one in exotic emerald green. Basic shift dresses are belted and paired with contrasting coloured clutch bags. All the charming accessories you see are also part of the Essentiel range, including the mammoth furry bags, high-heeled moccasins, jewel-toned shoes, cute banded socks and gloves. This collection proves that being stylish and discernible does not require having any fanciful airs. It focuses on fashion that is more wearable and relaxed, with an update on basics and experimenting with playful pigments. 

French Indian Flair, Done The Chanel Way

Chanel 

Pre-Fall Collection 2012



From the chic streets of Paris to exotic India, Karl Lagerfeld takes us on an intercontinental voyage for Pre-Fall 2012. His Paris-Bombay inspired collection is a collision of French tailoring and Indian intricacies. The result? Pure, over-the-top opulence.

The quintessential Chanel emblems are all there, albeit not as conspicuous as we're used to seeing. The impeccably fit pants, traces of tweed, boxy shapes, braided trims, the black and ivory palette, rows of pearls and the classic skirt and coat combination. Lagerfeld has an ingenious way to breathing new life into the established Chanel prototype.

Fur-edged coats in rich brocade are sumptuously paired with velvet and lamé. Indian-styled churidar (narrow) pants are a prominent feature in this collection. Flat footwear and bejeweled chappals (sandals) kept within character of the Eastern theme.

The colour scheme varied slightly from it's neutral foundation, pigmented by shades of ruby red, deep burgundy, magenta and neon pink. Lagerfeld didn't stray too far from the fundamentals of Indian fashion; which are intricate embellishings and traditional silhouettes. He's used the layering of dresses over narrow pants to his full advantage. It's a concept he's used, (perhaps overused) throughout this collection.

  Lagerfeld puts a modern spin on imperial Indian designs with Eurocentric flair. He chose metallics tones such as bronze, pewter, platinum, silver and gold to convey the luxury element of the range. The models wore their hair in pinned-up dreadlocks, adorned with bejeweled tikka headpieces.

This range of evening wear shows Lagerfeld's ability to reinterpret the worn-out idea of a 'glamorous gown'. Instead of the expected strapless, mermaid or ballgown styles, he gives us modest designs elevated by rich embroidery & crystal beading, all laid upon exquisite fabrics. 

Polished ivory silk proved its adaptability, being draped into tulip skirts, & then molded to form sleek Nehru coats. I found this section to be the calm after the lavish storm of looks shown before. The second last dress & the blue one above are my favourites from the range.

With a collection that exudes this much grandeur, it's saving grace lies in the individual pieces. Most of them can be worn as separates. Otherwise, I could only imagine these elaborate ensembles being suited for a high tea at the Taj Mahal, in 1658. But take away the excessive styling, Medusa-like hairstyles and ornate jewellery, and you would have some red-carpet worthy looks. I get that these outfits are not to everyone's taste, but hats off to Mr Lagerfeld for transporting us to a world where Indian custom meets French couture, the Chanel way.  

Hoss Intropia Winter 2011

Spain has given us some remarkable fashion brands; Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear and Mango, each with their own massive cult following. Hoss Intropia is another one of those inspiring brands, but unlike the contemporary feel of the others, this fashion franchise marches to the beat of it's own folkloric drum.

For Fall/Winter 2011, Hoss Intropia paints a bohemian picture in earthy shades of brown, cream, tan, khaki and black. The attention to unconventional detailing is what distinguishes the brand from its counterparts. They create their own unique prints and focus on innovative cuts, hand-beading and embroidery and mixing textures, using quality fabrics. The collection has the charm of a romantic countryside, with military-inspired masculine tailoring. Each eclectic ensemble tells a story of sophisticated style and laid-back elegance.  

I could easily go into a Hoss Intropia store and purchase my entire Winter wardrobe all in one go. I particularly love how each outfit is styled in this photo shoot. It shows off the versatility of the individual pieces, and how creatively it can be worn. All the shoes, bags, gloves, hats and accessories are also part of this incredible collection. The range is so extensive, their shapes are flattering, their fabrics luxurious, and their style refined. Hoss Intropia's Winter collection is kindled with originality, and a beauty that is honest and endearing.

Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere has just warmed up with the release of Gucci's inspiring Fall/Winter range. The luxury Italian brand interprets the latest fashion trends with high class glamour and relaxed sophistication. The central 70's theme is depicted through suave masculine suits and ladylike dresses. Every piece is an example of refined style and elegance, setting the tone for the season to come. The collection begins with trendy and versatile weekend wear, dabbles in stylish office wear, and ends with classic cocktail dresses. 

Black and slate grey lay down a neutral foundation, built up by terracotta, magenta and steel blue. Simple shorts and denim jeans are paired with texturally interesting tops and jackets; featuring fur trims, fringing and chunky knits. Long trench coats are slung over smooth, streamlined velvet suits. Evening gowns are modern and understated, column silhouettes enhanced by delicate draping. Fedoras, skinny belts, knee-high boots, luxe leather bags and clutches - these accessories are the perfect accompaniment to this polished collection.

Atelier Versace Fall 2011

Atelier Versace have released a magnificent range of couture gowns for Fall 2011. The collection finds its roots in Asian and baroque influences. Floor-sweeping gowns are lavishly adorned with crystal and sequin embellishments, while others bear the vintage Versace print. The different silhouettes are draped, cut-out, architectural and flowing.



I like the lack of cohesion in Atelier Versace collections. Each piece isn't a continuation of the next, but instead is a unique depiction of the brand's originality and ingenuity. Polish model Kasia Struss beautifully exhibits these looks; donning a blond beehive, dark smokey eyes and nude lips.

I like the pairing of teal and purple. The surprise element of this gown is the embellished detail upon the triangular cut-out on the back.

Unique and distinctive patterns are imprinted on dresses. The first one boldly shows off the Versace emblem, while the second one has an oriental-inspired dragon design.

You will recognize the light blue Mandarin-collared dress as the one Katy Perry wore to the MTV Movie Awards. The intricate beading seen on the close-up photo is exquisite.

Silk satin, chiffon and silk mousseline form the basis for these glamourous gowns.

These structured gowns amaze with their complexity and intricate leather engraving.

Manolo Blahnik Winter Shoes 2011

Manolo Blahnik

Autumn/Winter Collection 2011-12

The Manolo Blahnik Winter 2011-12 range is a mix of unusual, classic and slightly outlandish pairs of shoes. The collection is inspired by various themes, including the literary works of Leo Tolstoy and Miguel de Cervantes, the surrealism of Salvador Dali paintings and also, Moorish architecture. Each shoe is like a piece of art, diligently sculpted and painted to perfection.



Blahnik makes use of exotic fabrics and interesting textures like velvets, fur, animal prints, tweed, metallic leather, fringing and suede. The colour scheme starts out with neutrals like black, brown and grey, then surges into a circus of bright colours like cerise, lime, red & yellow. The silhouettes are streamlined, with steep angles, pencil heels and pointed tips. Basic designs are furnished with zigzags & scallops, geometric shapes, ankle-cuffs and tie-up bows. 

The Spanish shoe maestro is always one step ahead with his ambitious and imaginative designs. Putting a pair of Manolo's on is a sure-fire way of getting noticed. I can picture a few of these in Carrie Bradshaw's closet.

While I do appreciate the beauty of the conventional pieces, I haven't embraced the unique charm of the quirkier pairs. What are your thoughts on this collection?

Lauren Conrad's Fashion Line for Kohl's

Lauren Conrad has proved that she is much more than just a Reality TV star. She's written three bestselling books, runs her own beauty website and is the design diva behind two fashion lines - her own called Paper Crown, and one for US retailer, Kohl's, called the LC Lauren Conrad Collection. For Fall 2011 Lauren collaborated with Kohl's on a clothing range that's both pretty and affordable.

Lauren's personal style is conveyed by the flirty florals, pleated skirts, 70's style blouses, boyfriend blazers, girly dresses and dainty jewellery. Ballet flats, wedges and platform loafers also form part of the range. I like that this collection is cohesive throughout, with a touch of vintage elegance melded into the peach toned palette. Every piece costs just under $100 / R700, with sale items under $50 / R350. See more at Kohls.com

Mango Fall/Winter 2011

Mango Fashion Campaign

featuring Isabeli Fontana



Gorgeous Brazilian supermodel, Isabeli Fontana is the newest brand ambassador for Mango. The well-known Spanish clothing brand chose the Victoria's Secret model for "her extraordinary beauty and naturalness." Isabeli represents the two sides of their Winter 2011 collection; ultra sexy femme fatale and masculine elegance. Each side is differentiated by the styling - tousled waves with smokey eyes, and slicked back locks with striking red lips.



A primarily black colour scheme runs throughout the range, with dashes of leopard print and polka dots. The collection is a mix of glitzy cocktail dresses, leather and faux fur, classic coats, luxe knits, mini skirts and impeccably tailored suits. I love the gold-tipped black shoes and embellished clutch bags. 



With their Winter 2011 range, Mango seeks to style the modern, dynamic and independent woman. While the rest of you dress for success in one of these polished looks, us in South Africa will only be receiving the range next year.