A Blush of Rose
ablushofrose.com
REGINA PYO images credited to Regina Pyo.
Sophia Webster
On a bright early autumn day we were invited into Somerset House where the flower fairies had taken over the Palace. Plants grew from guilded chairs and up through the floors as nature reclaimed part of the elegant London Landmark. Rather than over-turning convention, there was a sense that the new arrivals where
Faustine Steinmetz - all images by me below accept four front on images against dark Grey background
She takes a strong approach to design with a curious flare and her works beat with the pulse of contemporary fashion. Faustine Steinmetz is one of the most innovative designers who show on the London schedule and her work provides a chance to broaden the perspective on fashion today.
re-making the place into something more natural. Taking some inspiration from the setting of the grand galleries, models posed as still-life emulating the portraits that hung on the walls in centuries past inside gilded frames latterly transformed into cabinets. As we where carried away with this new vision of life and beauty in the Sophia beautiful creations for spring twinkled before us and this season she showed children's pieces too with tiny, very well cared for, models. Above centre you can see some of the twinkle toed creations for small feet alongside flower fairy stilettos with rainbowed-coloured butterfly wings. Light playful colours, be they on clutch-purses or shoes evoke a playful sense of prettiness and who wouldn't want a purse in their hand adorned by beautiful butterfly's?
Soft lilacs moving towards white usher in more romance and wistful magic for the new season. A model seated on the enlarged heads of dandelion like flowers, like a Thumbelina Fairy. With her neat box clutch gently off-setting the natural angles of the figure, the eyes are drawn to the beautiful jewelled bracelet of her wrist shaped like flowers itself. Spiraling downwards from the knees to the feet the intricate detail of the bejewelled boots is both fanciful in it's sweetly luxurious composition and also a detailed show of craftsmanship. Sophia's knee-high boots are something of a calling card of her style and recognisable across her collections and loved by clients and admirers across the globe.
Moving the focus away from jewels to metalwork, the centre image shows both gold and copper in the body of the shoes as well as circling the arms and the fingers of the wearer and another box shaped clutch purse sits on the knees in a simple show of elegance. The pieces are cleverly crafted to be interchangeable with many outfits and you could rock them in the city as well as in Fairy Princess moments. Gem-set shoes supported at the ankle sparkle at the feet of wearers to the right. You can imagine them winking on the dance floor and shimmering under candle light.
The cabinet's of delight above containing both purses and shoes are crowned by nature growing wild on the surface. Somehow it doesn't look the least bit out of place with the colours of earth and nature blending with the brighter colour statements of Sophia's designs. A trio of purses, as seen below with woven stitch detail shows beautiful floral designs in bucket tote, tubular and wrap-fold design. Gently hand-sewn in a high-craft style they fit seamlessly with the earth-centered design of the collection. A fairy's option for magic slippers sits by it's side in another cabinet with golden and cherry soles adding hints of fairy magic sealed with flower petals. To the right above a model sits in the branches of a tree with flowers playing across her feet and toes. It's a carefree natural look that is effortlessly pretty.
Cabinet's looking slightly more pared down display sleek contemporary options with wedge platform and stiletto heels and sling back shoes creating a monochrome contrast providing subtle sophisticated style options. The box shaped clutch appears again, so easy to fit in the hand and I'm also reminded how easy these are to choose as gifts for friends and loved ones.
Smooth clear lines compliment the natural curves of the body at the feet and the lower calves. These offerings show both the light and delicate options such as the black sandals that show the feet almost floating amongst flowers at the toes. These are looks that are versatile in their appeal for clients as Sophia deftly crosses age and social setting boundaries with ease.
A closer look at the flower detail of the shoes across the toes shows mirrored crystal set flowers bringing a twinkle to the wearer as she walks. It's a beautiful pair to wear shimmering on the dance floor and carry the hall marks of Sophia's quality and experience of craftsmanship. The colour tones blend in a soft musical harmony while the bejewelled pieces made in a series compliment each piece. The idea of a piece of simple foot jewellery is an appealing one and you can imagine this easily translating to a brooch as well. The shoes in this set follow the theme of high heeled looks in three pieces and the lower Golden sliders show a contrast for a more gentle approach for the feet.
Feet in close-up wearing the designs show the prettiness of the looks with flowers folded in fabric around the toes as well as the in-laid crystal designs. It's a simpler option that matches the mood of the innocent carefree nature of the collection with the softness of the petals perfectly captured. One of the most fun things was seeing the array of handbags and purses for this season hanging in branches of the tree. The simple theme of love captured in the thought bubble 'I'll bring you flowers' seamed to capture the pure sense of fun that the collection expresses and the the crystal set clasp of the purse again harmonised with many of the designs that we could see. There was plenty to choose from and plan your own fairy adventure for Spring.
There is a feast of fashion at London Fashion Week each season and when it comes to luxury Ready to Wear there are a series of names who stand out as creators of serious luxury with a fresh angle and Emilio de la Morena is one of them. It was a huge please to shoot this collection on the catwalk and all of the looks seemed instantly wearable leaving you aching for the new season when they would be ready to buy. Opening
the collection with a navy blue plumes of ruched sleeves a bold glamour
statement with layered neat ruffles of baby pink providing a gente
colour harmony. It's a beautiful piece of eveningwear that has
the power of elegance to discreetly dazzle and will look fantastic on the red carpet and in front of the camera. To the right a White bandeau top with plumed fringing at the decolette and at the upper waist is a light and delicate piece that crosses from luxury to casual. A Navy Blue pencil skirt with plumed fringe on the left side descending from the waist sets the tone for one of the style themes of the collection. Beautiful flounces of fabric add a romantic kiss to the collection. Emilio reawakens one of the classic British textiles with his take on tweed in several looks of the collection with a playful bright pink matching with green and orange and red. A zipped up jacket and mini skirt bring tweed into the 21st century and restyle it for a young urban audience while still very much retaining a look of sweet beauty.
Emilio doesn't go for edgy here and plenty of his clients have the same perspective. To the right a hot pink plays with style in cut innovation while the ruffles descending from the left hip to the hem are complimented by a flower to the side of the right of the bodice. This is another modern classic that could be evening wear or stun elegantly at day time receptions. He matched with fun grey socks and sandles it shows how you have many options for styling a look to change the nuance. To the right a waterfall effect of ruffles adds to the innate femnine charm of the piece with demure off the shoulder detail in the upper part of the dress signalling an easy option for parties on warm days and night.
A wrap fasten skirt with pockets resting on the hips in the natural spring harmony of pink and green is twinned with a baby pink tank top and high cut pink silk jacket. Making a slightly sharper statement this look places itself in the sweet spot of formal wear given a slightly casual edge. This would look great on a date night or for spending time with friends and it once again captures Emilio's ability to create clothes that are comfortable but look perfect in front of the camera. A duck-egg blue suit with lightly curved hem and gently cut pockets shows his ability to execute fine tailoring with an eye for what a younger generation and a non traditional mind set may prefer. To the right another wrap-style tweed skirt with pockets and high waist-cut long sleeved jacket show that sophistication can be a partner of mix and match styling. This fun style duo creates an elegant look for day or evening. To the right a Navy Blue dress, twinning in cut with the Pink dress above, is another sophisticated piece for day or evening that would look amazing on the red carpet. For premiers or private dinners Emilio hits the right spot time after time. To the right a split contrast of amber shades translate an earlier dress shown into a brighter feature piece for a stronger statement.
A fluted mini dress with puffball hem brings back the fun fashion of the 1950's and 1980's with folds falling from the shoulders through the sleeves in a nonchalant pop of glamour. In bold bright Green, this is a look that is ready for a party just like it's peers. To the right two dresses in White play with sea anemone pleated ruffles recalling the soft feminine waves of the ocean that fall across the figure of the wearer. Alternate styling of a halter neck bodice in peach or ruff-fringe in white give two elegant interpretations to create new-classic evening-wear. Turning up the heat for summer fun the duck-egg Blue mini dress and shorts have a hint of swimwear and this play-suit will look fantastic on hot days for a party. Ever playful the classic marine combo of White blazer and Navy blue skirt is given an extra punch of colour with a Blood Orange bodice bandeau on the outside. Experimenting with garment layering convention as well as colour contrasting it illustrates well that beyond his aptitude for creating classical designs Emilio still has the creative fire inside to bring surprises to our eyes. To the right swimwear also plays an influence in the composition a suit with a one-piece transformed by adding dropped sleeves and an off the shoulder neckline.
Seductive and elegant the above dress in a Midnight/Navy Blue is a charming piece to wear for the evening. You could dress this up further for black or white tie events with jewellery or chose to wear simply by itself. To the right a pay on ruffles see a jewel of a dress composed of two layers of ruffles circling the figure like giant petals over a sheath of a dress. Jewel, itself is an apt word for this collection as the clarity of the colours evokes in many looks the brightness of high jewellery pieces. Centre above ribbed details and ruching in a figure hugging dress sets of a look in delicate style. The medium toned brightness of the Pink is enough to draw attention to the detail of the garment but not so much as to overwhelm it. To the right a plunging neckline in white sits above layers of white ruffles hugging the figure and gently emphasising the beauty of female curves.
This piece, like much of the collection feels like an ode to feminine beauty. Taking a little inspiration from the sea perhaps, the outer layer of the next dress to the right is composed of Aqua-Marine Green as part of the outer layering and moves gently over the White satin skirt beneath as the model walks. Another look that cross the spectrum from days wear to formal wear above to the right shows knee length navy dress with a sheer neckline and arms descending through ruched layers to fluted hem detail. There are hints of Hollywood's Golden era here in the design with sunglasses looking like the perfect match for sunny days. I think this like many pieces in the collection does have year-round classic appeal too.
A sleeveless tunic top teams with a white skirt ribbed at either side of a balloon band. Accentuating and expressing the natural curve of the hips it draws the eye across a natural rounding of the figure. Rosette detail appears at the shoulders again in a beautiful Green look that uses the strech-ribbed detail to show the natural tones of the upper body before descending into the playful double layers of a skirt. There's more than a hint of fiesta here and it's easy too for a party. For evening drinks in a glamourous setting or lunch with friends on warm days the next look with a navy bandeau trimmed top and hot pink skirt shows the a dynamic feel of the pulse of high fashion in London today. This is chic and now. To the right a wrap dress closing across the figure with escalloped white folds is a perfect statement piece for both glamour and impact. Boudoir meets the red carpet. A profusion of Navy ruffles at the decollete neckline provide a clash/contrast with the skirt lengths of the dress to the right in bold Teal Green. Cut generously it's easy to move in and flatters many figures. To close the party for this season in the world of Emilio de la Morena a Blood Orange bodice sits in perfect harmony with a hot pink skirt with tiered ruffles at the knees through the ankles. I challenge anyone who wears this not to dance.
She is one of the brightest stars definifng modern luxury in London and is a drawing lots of attention internationally which is very well deserved. Regina Pyo creates classic pieces that the reach further through her imagination and into the hearts and minds of her audience. She's making classic tailoring styles work for women who want a fluid contemporary wardrobe and the shapes she brings have the audience spell bound - this really happened - I was there.
Women with spending power, be they buyers, private clients or journalists want to see clothes by and large that they and their public will want to wear. Opening her first catwalk show with a clear note of white in an elegant suit, she made a strong themed note of freshness that lit up the theatre. In a clever innovation she used the cut of a man's shirt, long at the sleeves and dipped around the hem, to create a day-suit jacket with polished semi-precious stones and rocks forming buttons as they did in places through the rest of the collection. Wide leg trousers also matched the mood of the collection becoming the warmer airs of summer. An out-sized collar hints at the early years of Chanel and uniformity. The bag the model carries have a nod to the vintage in it's construction as do all the pieces carried in the collection. A baggy cut suit jacket on teal is paired with generous culottes fitted with a gentle pleat at the waist to give another variation on the suit theme. Charming stone buttons seal the double breasted look and this suit could be worn to the office for lunch on-board a yacht in the summer.
Taking a vintage theme and making it new, the next look centre above is corseted lightly at the waist with the under layer meant to fasten exposed to form a belt of the dress. With long balloon sleeves softly cuffed and a full mid-calf skirt this is another confident working of easy casual chic. Again this is a fluid leisure or casual piece that crosses every age, just as much of the collection does. It shows Regina's unified vision for women. A suit in Hot Pink is filled with life and the double breasted jacket like it's Green counterpart sits loosely on the figure although it's neatly tailored. Wide cut pressed-crease trousers are a light option for both summer and inter-season wardrobes. To the right, a new variation on the bias-cut theme sees a line falling across the silhouette. The classic long denim skirt is given a flamboyant new look with a large fringe channelling Flamenco vibes with a sweeping dipped hem. To the right a sleeveless rounded collar neck in black breaks the line of sheer pink with a pin-tucked hem again adding the extra touch of sweet and pretty. Although full-length it's still light enough for Summer.
A loosely cut plaid suit in Grey with earth mineral buttons is anther stylish option for the summer months, continuing again the theme of being both working or casual appropriate. It's a dream to accessorise too with bags or a variety of shoes styles. A light Teal broad lapelled doubled breasted coat is worn lose and open indicating the casual way of warding off the cold on a spring evening. A light White blouse underneath comprising part of the day outfit appears tantalisingly at the neckline in keeping with the tone of understated glamour. A Navy dress gently cut with stone buttons sitting at the waist keeping the piece close to the figure. Clever asymmetric ruching alternately at the hip and below the waist give the Pyo fingerprint of style.
A soft Clementine enters the collection with a generous sash styled blouse bound to the waist contrasting harmoniously with the loosely styled sleeves. A pencil skirt receives the same geological button treatment as the coats and suit jackets echoing double breasted style. In shimmering white satin cut to the mid-calf it's perfect for a warm day or evening and completed with chic shoes tied in half bows at the ankle. To the right a dress tiered at the bodice and waist is an easy piece of summer chic that is styled for pure stylish relaxation. Accompanied by sliders and a woven bag, it will look as easily suitable in glamorous warm locations, as in your local village or town. To the right a perfect party dress for the summer season. Flatteringly cut with ruched detail around the bodice the Red satin length of the dress is cut to flatter the figure and fluted into a tulip bell skirt. In cardinal Red and White it's flattering to varied skin tones and creates a bold sophisticated statement of glamour and feminine beauty.
The loose style White blouse is perfectly aligned with the Clay White skirt beneath it composing a simple day-wear look that would suit many spaces in your life next season. Again this is another outfit that demonstrates how well Pyo understands the female figure as it can be worn by many women as can most of the collection. A twist on the traditional military coat appears next in a dress that is side-buttoned from detail echoing the epaulet position down through the hips to the legs. Cut generously at the arms, giving freedom of movement, it's a piece that could be worn to formal events. A subtle colour contrast is provided by the Teal Green flat shoes that make an easy summer pairing.
Evoking marine themes of warm days the centre and furthest right looks of Blue and White capture relaxed but well defined style. An open-necked blue shirt ruched at the elbows is style smart for hot days and an easy wrap skirt tied at the waist is versatile and easy to add to the wardrobe. Pyo again makes a statement of femininity demonstrated in playing with design in shirt sleeves softly ballooned at the elbows, placed bet wen a buttoned collar and mid arm length cuffs. A Marine Blue skirt is cut dramatically in an asymmetric hem bridging the gap from mini to ankle length. Geological semi-precious stones again balance beauty with earth nature in the composition. An ankle length Red dress has echoes of ancient Spanish traditional clothing with a ruffled neckline and a dipped double layered hem in the lengths of the dress. Light and feminine this could be worn casually or for a more formal event replacing the Red chocker with a necklace. Long cuffs borrowed from the design of shirt sleeves are a design innovation that brings a hint of practical utility to the garment and a small woven bag shows she is neatly prepared.
The White and Blue Marine look morphs into an off the shoulder dress that again is easily adaptable for casual day or more formal evening events. Sitting more broadly on the hips than some garments may, this piece again emphasises comfort for the wearer and with the gathered ribbons of fabric at the neckline and pin-tucked hem fringe adding extra touched of feminine chic. Easily worn for the beach or ball. To the right a Black dress has echos of carefree Spanish style to my eyes, combined with the structures and habits of the traditional evening gown formulated in the mid twentieth century. Innovative touches are added with the thin straps supporting the garment at the shoulder alongside the banded sleeves at the lower arms. The skirt of the dress descends to lengths gently rising and falling like waves around the circle of the figure.
A golden silky dress echoing the styles of the Golden era of Hollywood. With silk moving like liquid across the figure as the wearer moves the dress is cut in the demure style common to the designs of Pyo with a low cut neckline and draped open-cut sleeves. It's a dream dress for a drinks party, Summer formal or a Red carpet. Longer in length, it would suit both black and white tie formal occasions. To the right, a long black dress echos it's red predecessor with slightly more dramatically emphasised ruffle layers and delicate sheer sleeves. Again you could swap the choker for a formal necklace if you wishes or wear the look just as is. Keeping the feel relaxed and informal the dress, like it's neighbours, is accompanied by slider sandals. To the right a golden sleeveless dress takes a new perspective deconstructing formality by adding cuts to the fabric and making bowed twists from them. The body of the dress is composed of ribbon strips of silk giving an almost patchwork feel but rather than a Cinderella piece it has the stamp of originality on it that captures the pulse of Pyo's work.
TOGA
In the atmospheric surroundings of Southwalk Cathedral the sense of almost spiritual poise and emphasis that TOGA places on clothes was reflected in the arched gothic halls that we sat in. As the models walked we saw the new offering for Summer of a collection that touched both minimalsit and creative chords in the style
In this collection for Summer 2018, she takes the familiar and transposes it into something that challenges the eye and makes you question. The opening look of the collection introduced the tone. A white t-shirt with cut-away sleeves sat off-centered across the shoulders matched with white tracksuit trousers the line was broken by a belt made from the off-cut of a denim shirt. It may in fact have come from the cut-away section of a look later in the collection as it looks to fit a gap in the outfit centre above. This mix and match approach is, I feel, a hint at how fashion can be looked at in a more sustainable way. Unfinished or undone does not necessarily mean beyond use and particularly in a care free Summer wardrobe the casual feel to these pieces come into their own.
A tracksuit above to the left appears stripped down to it's basic elements in woven strands hanging together. Above centre a denim dress cut open becomes a caped jacket when matched to white trousers with both elasticated waist and jean cut-away threads. Possibly the most fascinating part of the collection was the mix of acrylic paint itself into the structure of many of the garments. To the right above a cut-away shoulder and torn-waist t-shirt continue the theme of deconstruction while the trousers are composed of paint work sitting over a close weave fabric I believe. Still wearable and easy to move in, it forms a direct synergy between art and style. To the right two looks demonstrated the blend of two elements seen so far, the thread composed top far right and the tracksuit styled trousers are teamed with an apron skirt and long blouse composed in the most beautiful print silks cut and torn by modern friction.
The delicacy of silk is overlaid with strands descending through the lengths of the dress gives a carefree alternative to the traditional hemline. perfect for a party or drinks on a warm summer evening it's a fun piece that makes a statement of curiosity. A cut-away denim shirt provides a dramatic contrast to a long line skirt with side split. The classic lines of the blouse in white to the right are re-worked again in a deconstruction of the traditional offering answers as well as questions. A denim skirt cut to tatters around the models legs shows a possible angst with the status quo of fashion and desire for change. To the right another blouse and a pair of jeans receive the same styling and models appear to look for something new and less uniform. To the right a sleeveless blouse and crinkle foil trousers make a 21st century composition work for the catwalk and the hot days of Summer. The torn blouse trails in place of the conventional train.
A slip dress is an eternal classic for the wardrobe and above to the left it's wardrobe staple soul-mate the denim shirt appears in piece work applique. It's a unique piece of inspiration, what two pieces of the wardrobe do all women have a some point in their lives? To the right a white jacket is teamed with a formal style baguette shaped purse contrasting with the cut-to-pieces jeans beneath it. To the right the lines and form of the denim jacket are re-made with bold sweeps of acrylic paint composed into a sheer surface running between cloth and paint. Varnished, I would guess, and made into a wearable form this is s look that will turn heads and neatly crossed the bridge between established conventions of fashion and art. In a moment of rebellion the seem-less liquid-like surface of a slip dress is tattered and torn beneath the jacket showing the wearers probable rejection of convention. The open-necked summer shirt and lose summer skirt are given another lease or a more carefree life to the right above with another exploration of fashion becoming pieces of art that live on the figure.
Fabric is reduced to it's primary elements in the undone denim jacket and trousers to the left with threads strafing downwards across the upper legs. Threads also work loose at the ankles of the trousers. Centre above another form or fabric reconstruction is explored to defy the conventions of the classic denim look. A sheer mesh appears spun or perhaps growing across the figure. The free strands of ripped denim contrast with the carefully constructed weave and a belt sitting on the waist gives a gentle structure. The beige slip top is another staple that blends to the figure naturally leaving the eye to look at the other design intricacy's. But it's not all about complex fashion, the raincoat gets multiple make-overs from Faustine at the close of the collection and to the right she experiments with shape ahead of possibly her most daring piece of the collection. A raincoat composed in it's outer body of acrylic paint over a base fabric was one of the most interesting looks that appeared on the catwalks through the SS18 London season. In one garment it neatly symbolises the melding of traditional art and fashion into one form.
that TOGA is so admired for. Opening with a strong modern statement the classic style of the man's pinstripe is softened into a combination of a bolero jacket sitting over a white shirt and a high-waisted pair of trousers to be worn with or without a belt. It's a sharp simple look with effortless international appeal to a broad client pool. To the right the soft pleats of the cream skirt of a nude and cream dress add dimension to the sleek lines of the bodice and formality of the grey blazer. Set against the backdrop of the grey pillars and the City of London landscape this blended perfectly and balanced minimalist tendencies with a more creative flair. This is still a look that can be worn for work or leisure or semi-formal events. To the right another minimal-style staple in a Grey rain coat sits over a light Blue shirt and wide legged Navy trousers. Again there is the unmistakable touch of easy international style about this look and one that TOGA clients can trust when looking to put together a contemporary 'arts and urban' look.
Taking a step in a more artistic direction the belted tunic top to the left sits over a Navy pleat-skirted dress with a futuristic snap of style. Like a modern gladiatorix this piece shows confidence in the lines of conformation with the elbow length sleeves and skirt split accommodating the warmer days of Summer weather. The pinstripe suit gets a fresh kiss of life with a long line double breasted jacket casually turned up at the sleeves and the pleated skirt moved into the culotte style. Using a jacket that looks like a convert from the male wardrobe is also a deft nod to having the confidence to wear any look that you feel is appropriate for your style and matches your ambitions for the outfit that you want to create. Simple sling-back heeled shoes show the ease of adding modern flare to the look.
Centre above an androgynous look is styled with black narrow trousers, large white shirt and grey suit jacket. A nod to the 1980's in the puffed sleeves and casual twist on tradition show an echo of the fun decades sense of soft rebellion that continued after the punk era. A Red sheath dress above partly fringed in semi-precious stones and tied with a soft belt shows a bright tone of colour for the warmer summer months. This outfit could be worn to a party or for work in more casual and less traditional environments such as contemporary art galleries. A classic sophisticated composition of wide leg Navy Blue trousers and White blouse finished with Navy sweater tied at the shoulder. In an individual twist to the look is the carefree volume of the blouse and also at the trouser hem you can detect a split length in the hem with a drop to the back. The uniform blank canvas of the Navy blue long sleeved mid-calf dress is adapted into something unique with the cut-away flourishes of ribboned fabrics and a grey bikini top. A White ribbon tie melds the bodice and dress to create a unique for private dinners or parties or a Red carpet flourish. It's a fantastic piece to wear alone or with a jacket.
Dappled floral effects are a key way to add femininity to an outfit and with the added composition of layering the first look above to the left of trousers, shirt and jacket is topped off with a sheer gauze dress that adds a subtle layer of challenge to the conventional gender neutral lounge suit look. Tailored separates are an easy addition to the wardrobe and the sheer dress also has possibilities as a complementary outer layer for a base piece. Wide legged trousers with deep hems slashed to the side compliment a raincoat dress with outer sheer plastic lining. Double breasted detail shows a nod to the formal lines of the dress coat while degrede colour ranging from Turquoise Blue through to Navy. A revealed shoulder hints at the cold shoulder trend of recent seasons but the joint is sheathed in clear fabric to protect the figure underneath.
The ruffles of Blue fall like ripples of water across the figure in the look centre above as the model walks in a blue tunic dress completed by a white under-slip tied with ribbon. It's a beautiful evening wear look that could be worn for parties, dinners or in front of the camera in the Summer. A White dress with a cut-away left shoulder detail and subtle patterning across the surface of the fabric makes a play on the traditional formal shaped belted Summer dress. The mid-calf length adds to the classic feel of the design and this look is a perfect piece for formal wear events with a hat possibly and lifting the shoulder sash up to the shoulder if at formal places such as racing enclosures. To the far right a Navy dress is flecked with the same pattern and the cutaway shoulder appears again with an under-slip showing in a hint at the corner. With an outer dress that hints at waterproof attire it's a nod to guarding against the fleeting showers of summer in the composition.
An Azure fine pleated skirt is teamed with a Blush-Beige two tiered blouse, a sleeveless collared shirt sitting beneath a nude wide sleeved sheath. An Aquamarine purse sits at the side delicately balancing the clutches tones with the colour of the earring to compose a harmonised look. To the right an abstract style of cube shaped print creates a striking blouse design overlayed with a light Spring coat that features an opaque length tunic but sheer arms. Something so simple but to my eyes, completely new. Cream coloured trousers cut loose on the legs give a nod to Summer ease. The ruched ribbon styled dress appears again above in the centre with a myriad rainbow of colours sweeping down across the figure. Split at the side lengths it gives a slightly mermaid appearance to the wearer. A relaxed lounge style with a hint of the classic cruise collection colours appears in a White blouse, Navy blazer and Khaki trouser combination. To the right a more daring contemporary look channelling hints of British punk and late 1970's New York perhaps. A sheer Neon pleated skirt hints at the lower part of a Red tunic while a
two-toned semi-sheer blouse could be matched with many pieces.
A beautiful White dress structured at the shoulders to set the tone for a full flowing style is accented with semi-precious jewel detail at the left knee and thigh. The full-flowing skirt has a dipped hem flattering well kept legs and also showing a fresh creative approach to one of the foundations features of a classic garment.
A draped silk grey dress cloaks the figure to the right offering experimentation in form at the sleeves, where one was cut short above the elbow in almost mantel style while the other flowed down to the upper hands and wrists. The dot matrix pattern on the dress to the right with its cut-away shoulder forms the basis of another dress that subtly re-writes the rules of style.
Again ribbons return streaming down the figure far to the right in a beautiful Black number with a Red pleat fringed under-layer. A tie at the garter melded into the design of the dress itself carefully answers the question of the fabric slipping too far from the figure and matching the shoes in it's Aqua hue it adds to the allure of TOGA's play with colour harmony and contrast.