Preen A/W '10: modern romantic.

Do you get that knot of excitement inside, when you see a designers collection, which you just know is going to be a big hit, because every, single piece just works? For last season it was Burberry, Christopher Kane and Alexander McQueen to name a few off the top of my head, who I felt were going to largely shape the highstreet for the next six months, just from that one collection. So far, I've felt the same about Preen. It was the first collection I've seen of NYFW that gave me a sliver of excitement and finally animated me, as I sat trawling through style.com (not to say I don't enjoy doing this, but you know, it takes a while looking through these designers!). 

First up: florals with a contemporary feel. 

The sneaky peeks of décolletage spied through cut-out panels of heavy black and sheer fabrics, made floral print look contemporary and sexy, whilst still exuding the labels cool factor.

Masculine tailoring that doesn't make you look too....well, mannish?

What I really loved about this collection was the masculine tailoring, which looked effortlessly cool and still somewhat chic, without being at all androgynous. As Meenal Mistry said in her review of the collection, this type of tailoring has moved on from the slouchy, younger looks of 'boyfriend' size. This is about "husband" pieces; heavy, well structured and so big they can wrap you up nearly twice round; the look is strong and undeniably sexy. It looked particularly nice in a neutral palette. The key here, is whatever you wear underneath your coat,  make it ultra feminine. Whether that's with a protrusion of sheer fabric or with the underwear as outerwear trend; with sexy, cut-out panels or if you just keep the legs out, it's the fusion of feminine and masculine style which makes this look so appealing. 

Bits of the collection reminded me of Christopher Kane's S/S '10 (yes, I really did love his collection and you will hear about it alot). However, Preen's wasn't about being subversively, sexy; it was bold and confident, and it made a very strong statement.

What do you think of Preen for A/W '10? Who's designed your favourite collection at NYFW so far?

Photos: Style.com

Christopher Kane

It's getting late, and I'm currently having a night to recover from the festivities you encounter on the return to University....

Even so, I just wanted to post a mini blog for Christopher Kane's collection, that I'm sure I'll update tomorrow to the fuller proportions it rightly deserves. I don't know what I was expecting from his collection; I knew it had to be pretty spectacular....not that I feel Kane does 'spectacular' in the usual sense of the word. But the eyes of the fashion world were definitly switched on for his show...and it didn't disappoint. In fact, I was more than pleasantly surprised.

Gingham became a mesmerizing sight for the eyes, as virtually every model was wearing some.

And wow...what a silouhette was created...the secret to eye-deceiving slimness I think may have been discovered. I know a model is tiny compared to normal human proportions....but the cut, colour and arrangement of panelling on some of the outfits made for some serious slim tricks on the eyes...that hopefully will be transferable to the every day woman.

The centre panelling, diagonal lines drawing straight in at the waist and the slightly warped pattern of gingham all  make for the illusion of a slimmer frame.

It's funny how much difference two side slits of a skirt can make.

A great play with structure and cut.

Sweet pastel shades.

With slits up to the regions that thigh high boots are just about touching for this season, Kane spiced up a collection that could have become devastatingly dowdy with gingham in a baby-soft palette of blue and pink, and mild brown and navy hues. This collection has been one of the few that has really caught my eye for its playing and experimenting with cut and structure. The collection made for a perfect fusion of every day, springtime loveliness with a high fashion, sexy edge. I can't wait for Spring...

P.S If I had to be picky...the only thing that did disappoint for me, were the shoes. From the front, they looked like an awful shoe my 60-year-old step mum wears...the heel made them marginally better.

Let me know what you thought of the collection. My mind has clearly been warped in to Fashion Week mode.....I will look elsewhere for bloggings!

6 days....

With just 6 days to go to London Fashion week, I have to say I'm more than a little excited. With the eyes seemingly set to be focussed on the 4 main British names; Giles Deacon, Erdem, Christopher Kane and Richard Nicoll, I've put together a few of the names I'm looking forward to seeing. I have to say....the 'short n shoulders', 'lady-luxe' and 'Balmania' catch phrases for Autumn/Winter, are already getting a little wearsome. Here are the designers I think will offer some well needed refreshment :)

 

Burberry Prorsum Resort 2010

 

 

Erdem Resort 2010

 

Roksanda Ilincic 2010

 

 

Marchesa 2010