Balenciaga S/S 2013 Review

Today, Balenciaga has come to be known for its architectural structures and unique prints. It is these particular signature features that could not be more prominently seen in Nicolas Ghesquière’s S/S 2013 collection. Like many other designers this spring, Ghesquière stuck to a more monochrome palate, infusing pale spring shades to the pairings of different fabrics and patterns to create a more chic look. The almost lustrous structures contrast perfectly with the dynamic animation of the flamenco skirts giving a sense of flowing movement within the garments, in comparison to Balenciaga last S/S collection in 2012, where block shapes and colours appeared to be the central theme.

Androgynous cubism meets modern elegance is my first thoughts that come to mind when thinking of Balenciaga. As a huge fan of the ever expanding androgynous trend, I find myself always attracted to the likes of Balenciaga as well as Yves Saint Laurent, Celine and Prada who are notoriously well known for their masculine structures in woman’s wear. I also find myself attracted to modern simplicity. And it is modern simplicity and dynamic antiquity, I think that has indeed been the success of Balenciaga in Nicolas Ghesquière’s S/S 2013 collection.

A/W 2012 TREND: PURPLE

Prada

Chanel

Purple. Primarily the colour of passion and symbol of magic, mystery and royalty, now the colour trend of the season. From Haider Ackermann to Prada and Christopher Kane to Gucci, purple has been the prominent colour of the season dominating nearly all the catwalks.

Christopher Kane

 Purple has always been one of my favourite colours I’ve always found my self drawn to it’s opulent bold character and distinctiveness. So, it’s understandable that this colour of kings has become the colour of luxury this season.

Haider Ackermann

Gucci

Celine S/S 2013 Review

Chic and sophisticated. Two words that come to mind when I think of the luxury French brand, Céline. It’s chief designer, Pheobe Philo, has once again triumphed with the new S/S 2013 RTW collection, balancing simplicity and sovereignty  through the gentle flows of feminine silk and androgynous masculine structures.  In comparison to Céline’s S/S RTW collection back in 2012, where the colour blocking trend was at its height and Autumn colours seemed to be particularly prominent  and experimentation with different shapes accentuated the catwalk, Céline’s S/S 2013 collection  was at ease with its monochrome and neutral colours and elongating elegant shapes. 

I remember the first time I came across Céline, it was my first time in Selfridges. I was overwhelmed and surrounded by designer brands. The ones that  I almost instantly became infatuated with were the likes of Prada, Haider Ackermann, Balenciaga , Chanel and of course Céline.  I found it impossible to deny the gentle effortlessness Céline exhorts. Every garment  on the railing was simple ; no prints, no eccentric detailing, just the feeling of sensibility. Céline has ever since left an impression on me and given me a love of the androgynous  structure trend. In my eyes Céline is yet to put a foot wrong.