Happy International Women's Day

Because frankly, we are amazing.

In celebration have a read of this article on the Stylist website today. Because their persuasion really did build nations, to quote Bey.

Paris Fashion Week AW12: Carven

Guillaume Henry presented us with a stunning array of colours and prints at the Carven show, creating an excited atmosphere with his typically Parisian and very playful collection for Autumn/Winter. It was clear that Henry took inspiration from historic periods but his fabrics and tailoring techniques struck up a contemporary balance. The pieces came in a variety of shades, with bright stain-glass hues next to more muted colours. Cobalt blues, blood reds, warm oranges and mustard yellows excited the khaki and navy undercurrents. Carven gave us shapely silhouettes that embraced the feminine form but in a light and playful way rather than seductively tight. Necklines were high with collars reaching the top of the neck; instead, subtle slits in the fabric gave a cheeky, womanly touch. However, most notable of all were the laser-cut patterns and paisley and brocade prints. These worked so well because the fabrics were sumptuous with luxurious silks and velvets, and the colour scheme so majestic. It gave the collection an ecclesiastical theme and made the runway glow, as well as showing off the craftsmanship of the designer. The pieces were couture inspired but wearable, meaning anyone from a modern girl to a classic beauty would look radiant in the designs.

Images courtesy of Carven

Paris Fashion Week AW12: Barbara Bui

Barbara Bui delivered the ultimate duet between modern classic and retro glitz in an autumn/winter show this week that was both glamourous and sensible. It is not easy to create a collection that caters to all tastes while remaining wearable, but Bui fulfilled this easily and very brilliantly. The show was a gilded runway full of luxe and elegant fashion. Summed up with a tag-line of military meets disco, there were sharp, masculine looks in a dominant but simple colour palette of creams and khaki, camel beige and black. These were all then contrasted with sporadic bursts of seventies fever in pieces like the metallic gold knot coat and shimmering bronze jumpsuit. The tailoring was structured but understated which made it very distinctive – shoulders were intricately pointed but there were also fluid lame dresses and a chiffon maxi skirt to soften the masculine look. A hint of eastern influences could also be recognised with the dragon and tiger imagery, animal prints and opulent embroidery. Focussing on elegance and versatility, the collection was sleek and subtle in its daytime pieces, but unleashed a seductive and extremely fun presence for its evening attire.

Images courtesy of Barbara Bui

Milan Fashion Week AW12: Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli has always had a love affair with fantasy and the animalistic world. His work is famous for animal prints and sexualised cuts and his Autumn/Winter collection followed this tradition in a modern way. The selection is rife with creature motifs; each piece has several different patterns combined to create texture and mystery. Leather is prominent and often printed with black python, tiger, jaguar and crocodile patterns, though there is also a hint of baroque inspiration which bonds the nature theme with art. The collection is imaginative, creative and sensuous while still being utterly wearable. The silhouettes range to extremes: very short or maxi, structured shoulders with narrow waistlines. The architectural ruffles in the dresses and ‘balloon’ hems on the skirts give a three-dimensional effect. Thick fur, cashmere, mohair, sequins and feathers contrast the silk organza and mousseline base of the gowns seductively. Cooking up a feast for the eyes, Cavalli’s use of nature revives every outfit and allows the wearer to transform into the energetic creature within.

Image credit: Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana

Milan Fashion Week AW12: Versus

Only the most intense of colour schemes would do for Versus when it launched its Autumn/Winter 2012 collection in Milan this week. Choosing an urban, punk vibe, each piece screamed attitude with an effortlessly cool mix of textures and erratically loud prints. Each ensemble rocked its experimental capabilities with tie-dye fabrics, lace detailing and bright embellishments, and mini-dresses were teamed with oversized coats to add to the mismatched feel. Bright colours of fuchsia, lime green and petrol blue were ignited when accessorised with reflective metallics and sequins. Shapely shoulders and an array of different necklines kept each look fresh and exciting, and the addition of thigh-high leather boots and fur jackets ensured the collection oozed of sex appeal and glamour. Overall Versus did well to create a tough, contemporary winter collection that is a must for any girl wanting to showcase her confidence.

Image credit: Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana