Babydoll Forever

Giorgio Armani once said “Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.” And he definitely made sure of that. His FW 15/16 show was defined by collar art and surface highlights turning into a catwalk extravaganza, and why not, as the house marks four decades this year. Slick glamour highlighted an array of statement outerwear for both day and night. We select a shocking pink number featuring a wave of pleats moving across the chest while a sparkling fabric closely hugs the waist, and a skirt matching the pleat fabric gently falls away to the ankles. Teamed with a pair of black boots, it’s sure to set those mobile cameras clicking!       

It will remain a mystery forever as to what can inspire a designer or an artist. Take Sarah Burton for that matter. Her muse for Alexander McQueen’s FW 15/16 collection is that moment when a rose is on the verge of decay, when the petals turn a little crinkly and a little floppy. And in typical Alexander McQueen fashion, the show was held at the Conciergerie in Paris, the vaulted chambers where fashion realm’s muse-forever, Marie Antoinette was imprisoned and later met her sad end. Each model captured the heartbreaking beauty of a rose in decay with piled up 18^th century hair, powdered faces, Victorian collars and tiered lace fishtail gowns. Feminine and beautiful, each of them depicted a life well lived, and though mournful, it celebrates instead, Life’s triumph. Hope you’re listening from up there Sir McQueen? From now on we suggest, see the bright side of things…   

Reem Acra celebrates the Bohemian gypsy with an ethereal collection featuring beaded short dresses, embroidered jackets, skirts and dreamy lace gowns dipped in a palette of greys, red and black. Intricate embroidery and jeweled surfaces of crystals and beads featured on lace, tullet, velvet and feathers refer to Victorian and Baroque styles.

Just who exactly is a Bohemian Gypsy you may well wonder? We’ll tell you. It refers to any woman or man, who enters on an artistic career, depending solely on his art and without any other means of livelihood. But while we ponder the merits of embarking on such an adventure, let’s celebrate the spirit with fashionable freedom...