Chloe, Celine and Cacharel SS12!

CHLOE SS12

What a beautiful debut collection  Clare Waight Keller brought to the fashion house of Chloe!

I loved how Keller combined the solid colours together of tan, burgundy, burnt orange, peach, all featuring on either matt or sheer fabrics. 

The shapes were flowy and easy to wear, the key to their success was the attention and insertion of interesting detail.  The designer introduced pleating (both knife and pintuck) in tonal colours, and tonal mesh fabric inserts, giving the whole collection a modern yet sophisticated edge that appeals to the current market. 

The tops in this collection particularly inspired me, as I think they were executed beautifully- beautiful colours, great details and unexpected design twists.  My favourites would be the pleated tonal striped shell top, with an inserted loose panel resembling half a cowl neck, the broderie anglaise shirt in puritan styling, and the tan mesh insert front button sleeveless top..if i was going to ever wear mesh, this is the way I would do itttt!! oh, there is also the tonal striped balloon sleeve top and the pleated shorts (all can be seen below) i mean, I really must begin to save up!

 CELINE

aaaah celine....you get me every single time! EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I am a fan of Phoebe Philo as a designer, as she has such a clear design aesthethic that is difficult not to completely fall in love with her collections.  For SS12, Philo presented her usual, clean, modern lines throughout, but managed to move these simple clothes on by the introduction of minor silhouette proportion changes-  here I am talking about the higher waist lines (inspired by the 50's couture trend) ans wider legged trousers (that have been so popular on the high street) There was of course, the brilliant introduction of summer leather.  All of these stunning designs appeared in blocked hues of red, plum, brown and green that contrasted brilliantly with the clear crisp white tone.  what a way to show those whites off! The pleating used throughout the collection also allowed for interesting texture to come forward on some of the clothes, adding depth to the collection.

When talking about Silhouette, I don't think there was the introduction of new shapes, as rounded neckline shell tops often accompanied midi lenght pleated skirts.  The collection was given a modern spin on it with the use of fabrics.  Here I am talking about silk crepe, silk chiffon (which looked stunnng on pleated skirts) metallic fluid fabric and what looks like butter soft leather. 

I loved the high contrast colour blocking introduced (red/white) on tops, as this gave the sporty feel without it feeling too sporty.  I loved the high waisted  peplum detailing introduced on colour blocked sleeveless tank top and colour blocked leather.  One last detail to note, the pocket shapes that Philo used throughout the collection (on coats, tops and dresses) is interesting and shows a bit of character, as it is showing new shaping to be taking place.  Brava!

CACHAREL SS12

I can be a fan of Cacharel's pretty prints and easy shaping, especially when talking about summer.  This SS12 season marked the debut designing collection from due Ling Liu and Dawei Sun. 

This collection did not receive great reviews, as it was mentioned that it didn't feel that directional and that it lacked a certain spark.  Although I agree, I did love several key styling/details that featured in this collection!!!

The white shorts seen on the first look below appear to be normal white shorts that have nothing to say for themselves.  However, look closer-  they reveal that they are interesting after all! the construction of them is high waisted, with half of the pattern where you would usually close to insert the zip being exposed and being made to flop over.  I love it! it shows simplicity and modernism in an effortless way.  You could just pair these with a simple white tee and make them do the talking.  Another pair of shorts that I was taken by, were the lined blue chiffon shorts (seen below) how lovely! I liked them as I have not really seen anything like that in shorts in the last few seasons, and I think it is rather clever to allow the sheer chiffon to reveal the contrast colour-SATIN lining.  again, this could be just the statement piece of your outfit!

When looking at the tops designed in this collection, I am rather in love with the white, high waisted double hemmed top, with inserted mesh at fron panels.  woah!  I also like the way they have played around with sheer and shiny fabrics and inserted strips of ribbon/satin on clear chiffon flowy top.  La-vely!

The print seen below I liked very much too, those pretty pastels combined with canary yellow, blue and orange really set the spring/summer mood, and love the watercolour effect they have been given.