Opulent A rich mix of ornate hand-crafted luxury detailing took center stage for Spring/ Summer. Seen at: Valentino, Gucci, Dries Van Noten, Lanvin and Oscar de la Renta. The season’s new collections were rich and opulent with highly worked details. Clusters of precious decorative trimming were seen throughout the collections. There was a return to craft as seen at Gucci in the hand crocheted dresses, satin sprinkled with rhinestones and lace gowns embellished with sequined parrots that took eighteen hours of sewing. Tapestry flowers were hand stitched onto the back of biker jackets and luxurious 18th century brocades came ruffled with sequined hems. Jacquards came with showgirl paillettes at Dries Van Noten. The contrast of hand embroidery on basic cotton ticking stripe at Erdem was inspired by the women of the prairie in 1862. The trend is a part of a broader shift in the luxury market. Traditional craftsmanship can’t do that on its own since the term ‘craft’ has become a marketing buzz word to sell beer. With social media people have short attention spans. Women want luxury items they can’t find everywhere else that are of the highest quality possible. Accessories are the gateway to the collections. Pair a minimal dress with a beautiful embroidered shoe or tapestry handbag.
Where the rubber meets the road. A statement look from Louis Vuitton Spring /Summer 2016. Cutting edge platform sandals with chunky metal chain. Samourai Sandal available at Louis Vuitton.
Givenchy’s face jewelry has been around for several seasons. Last season’s jaw dropping severe black has been morphed into flattering gold for summer. Splatter your neck with crystals. Get the effect of multiple piercings without the pain. Looks great with an updo for a special occasion.
Slip into Balenciaga’s white lace slippers for summer.Keep cool and comfortable. Your feet will love you for it.
U-shaped nail rings are designed to surround your cuticles with a sparkling halo, enhancing the half- moons at the base of the nail. Add some extra bling with Swarovski crystals. Gold plated nail ring from Vita Fede available at Neiman Marcus.
Seen at Christopher Kane: branded plastic cable ties adorned hair, wrist and handbags. Styled as “hair chokers” enveloping the neck and air dried pony-tails. Throw away your hairbands and tie your hair to your neck. From Christopher Kane.