Burberry’s eclectic styling
Although traditional tartans and woolly knits were abundant on the Burberry catwalk, the styling showcased by the British luxury label was incredibly eclectic – partly because models were allowed input into how they wore the looks. The brand's iconic checked pattern, for instance, features on a jacket, layered over a pink vinyl trench, and worn with socks, heels and a crystal-studded shoulder-length earring, all in one look. Overall, the September 2017 collection, which landed in stores and online right after the show, takes a maximalist approach to the granny-chic trend, allowing the heritage label to appeal to a whole new generation of buyers.
Ralph & Russo moves into ready-to-wear
Known for producing breathtaking couture gowns, British fashion house Ralph & Russo debuted its ready-to-wear line over the weekend. The show opened with a palette of soft whites and blues, punctuated by silver embellishments, and evolved to include utilitarian-inspired glamour. Highlights included exaggerated silhouettes pieced together from pastel tiers and reflective metallic textiles topped with a touch of the handwork that the label is known for. But don't expect the couturier's ready-to-wear clothing to come at attainable price points – pieces cost up to Dh75,000.
Mary Katrantzou at her playful best
Voluminous bubble skirts and dresses reminiscent of buoyant hot-air balloons opened Mary Katrantzou's spring/summer 2018 show. The queen of prints yet again proved that her forte is pattern-mixing, as she poured moments from her childhood into tangible, wearable pieces. A pencil skirt in the collection features blue and yellow Lego pieces, and colourful dresses feature gingham-inspired prints formed from crafty Hama beads. Polka dots in various hues and sizes are given a sleek, chic update, while drawstring waists and oversized colourblocked pockets give a camping-inspired touch to feminine silhouettes.
Flirty and feminine at Simone Rocha
What started as a showcase of deconstructed nightwear ended in a celebration of femininity in all its splendour. Irish designer Simone Rocha artfully balanced dark with light, and weighty with effervescent, in her Victorian-inspired garments for spring/summer 2018. Silhouettes were reminiscent of dolls' dresses, and textiles ranged from slinky silks to eyelets, tulles and nets. Defined by asymmetry, lace overlays, floral motifs and ruffles galore, the dramatic dresses were made for the woman who gravitates towards frilly, girly dresses, but will never settle for an option that's too safe.
Shrimps makes art of faux fur
Known for her fabulous concoctions produced from rainbow hues of faux fur, Hannah Weiland of London label Shrimps showed her knack for combining the fun textile with a dose of amusing artwork. She collaborated with London painter Faye Wei Wei, whose kitschy scrawls feature on vintage-inspired dresses, button-down blouses and dramatic, tiered trousers. While tone-on-tone styling, furry tote bags, bedroom-style slippers and a lime-toned maxi coat covered entirely in faux fur may not be every consumer's cup of tea, they will resonate with city girls seeking conversation-starting garments.
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Read more:
Luxury Magazine: Beirut style, Zuhair Murad, Charlotte Tilbury and more
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