I had kind of wondered what had happened to Heatons. They fell off the press radar for a while there and stopped having shows at the start of the new season for over a year. And then I got an invite to the AW16 showcase from a brand new PR company and with a very different vibe. I guess the company saw the way that Dunnes had rebranded, grown and evolved into something more relevant and on the pulse of things and decided to do the same because everything about the new season is more luxe than ever before.
Heatons have been doing beautiful, affordable homeware for years now and while the clothing collections had cute highlights, the overall vibe was a little dowdy and not so fashion forward. With AW16, they've clearly sought to change that and they've done a damn good job. The overall aesthetic remains a little understated in a way that embraces the older, existing clientele but sprinkles the collection with on-trend statement pieces, pretty party dresses and edgier garments to create something a little more diverse and interesting.
A boho theme runs vaguely throughout much of the collection through pretty details like embroidery, tassels and fringing but the rich palette of burnt oranges, taupes, beiges and browns makes things wearable, Autumn appropriate and a little less costumey than some iterations that we've been seeing on the highstreet. Similarly, 60s tailoring and outerwear and 70s silhouettes and fabric choices are prevalent, as key trends next season, but are adapted in a wearable, non-alienating way that makes the garments easy to integrate into existing wardrobes. Another strand running through the collection is more youthful and streetwear inspired - with pieces like a very solid bomber in two shades and a sporty striped sweaterdress - and, again, while these are very on-trend, they are also perfectly suited to be adopted into the wardrobes of many different individuals.
Heatons have done a really good job with this season in creating something very on the button but also very luxe-feeling and user-friendly that will please new audiences while still embracing loyal customers. It is a savvy, clever, elegant collection and I already have my eye on personal highlights such as the bomber, cape, grey belted coat and the pyjama sets, which are so cute that I would totally adopt them as daytime blouses.
Showing posts with label seventies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seventies. Show all posts
Thursday, 18 August 2016
Monday, 29 February 2016
Zandra Rhodes AW16
We've been getting a lot of seventies and sixties trends on the runway for a few seasons now and the seventies party girl was particularly present at LFW AW16 but she was rarely so vivacious and as pure a channelling of this spirit as at Zandra Rhodes. Considering that this was the decade in which Dame Rhodes was at her most influential and she was alive during it, - unlike many other designers that drew inspiration from disco, Studio 54 and androgynous rockstars who had yet to be born - Rhodes seems like the best possible person to serve it up to us.
The party vibes at her presentation were palpable in both the crowd and clothes. In the crush of bodies, few weren't holding a cocktail or glass of something sparkling and groups stood around discussing the collection - some were even shimmying to the soundtrack of Bowie, Blondie and other greats of the era. The models above lounged or did some shimmying of their own, with one particular model seeming as if lost in a trance-like euphoria. Needless to say, the scene was very much set. All of this was complemented by Dame Rhodes' presence and amiability which saw her do the rounds of the room, chatting and taking all the selfies asked of her.
The clothes themselves were sheer and floaty but bold and bright, like the prevailing atmosphere itself. Kraftangan Malaysia, a brand specialising in fine Malaysian fabrics, partnered with Rhodes once more and saw the designer make use of songket, a fabric usually worn for ceremonial dress in sarongs and headdresses. Brocades, metallics, bell bottoms, head scarves, ruffles, chiffon sleeves, pussy-bow blouses, flowing silhouettes, off-the-shoulder tops, tiered dresses, oversized sunglasses, centre-parted hair and a palette of golds, emeralds and pinks, purples and indigos for both the garments and make-up meant that the seventies influence was very strong but the vision of it that Rhodes presented was so coherent that it could not be confused for pastiche. This collection could only have been produced today with the time and space to look back and pick out the very best that the decade had to offer.
If you're in the market for a party dress come AW16, this collection was simply made for dancing and a good time.
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The party vibes at her presentation were palpable in both the crowd and clothes. In the crush of bodies, few weren't holding a cocktail or glass of something sparkling and groups stood around discussing the collection - some were even shimmying to the soundtrack of Bowie, Blondie and other greats of the era. The models above lounged or did some shimmying of their own, with one particular model seeming as if lost in a trance-like euphoria. Needless to say, the scene was very much set. All of this was complemented by Dame Rhodes' presence and amiability which saw her do the rounds of the room, chatting and taking all the selfies asked of her.
The clothes themselves were sheer and floaty but bold and bright, like the prevailing atmosphere itself. Kraftangan Malaysia, a brand specialising in fine Malaysian fabrics, partnered with Rhodes once more and saw the designer make use of songket, a fabric usually worn for ceremonial dress in sarongs and headdresses. Brocades, metallics, bell bottoms, head scarves, ruffles, chiffon sleeves, pussy-bow blouses, flowing silhouettes, off-the-shoulder tops, tiered dresses, oversized sunglasses, centre-parted hair and a palette of golds, emeralds and pinks, purples and indigos for both the garments and make-up meant that the seventies influence was very strong but the vision of it that Rhodes presented was so coherent that it could not be confused for pastiche. This collection could only have been produced today with the time and space to look back and pick out the very best that the decade had to offer.
If you're in the market for a party dress come AW16, this collection was simply made for dancing and a good time.
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Thursday, 21 May 2015
Lost In Summer
I have a bit of a thing for Western vibes though I loathe Westerns themselves - perhaps due to a childhood of being forced to watch them with my dad.
I guess it's a Hemingway-esque honesty thing. The materials are basic - cottons, denims, hides - and pure in a way. Ornamentation tends to be minimal and, even if it's not actually true, you get a sense that cowboy inspired clothes are made for doing things. And I do love me some menswear inspired pieces.
It's probably also the shoots that go with them. All stark, romantic landscapes. Barren bar one perfectly styled figure.
All of which being the reason why Penneys' latest lookbook had me immediately hooked. I do love a concept that relies purely on the context and setting. Also, the clothes just look amazing - especially for the price points. You gotta give them props, this shoot looks all kinds of perfect.
Bonus: this context is a great way to breathe fresh life into the whole boho, seventies thing that's everywhere at the moment. It was getting rather twee and overdone for a moment there but this is just rugged enough to refresh the palate. Delightful.
(All rights belong to Penneys/Primark. Reproduced here with permission)
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I guess it's a Hemingway-esque honesty thing. The materials are basic - cottons, denims, hides - and pure in a way. Ornamentation tends to be minimal and, even if it's not actually true, you get a sense that cowboy inspired clothes are made for doing things. And I do love me some menswear inspired pieces.
It's probably also the shoots that go with them. All stark, romantic landscapes. Barren bar one perfectly styled figure.
All of which being the reason why Penneys' latest lookbook had me immediately hooked. I do love a concept that relies purely on the context and setting. Also, the clothes just look amazing - especially for the price points. You gotta give them props, this shoot looks all kinds of perfect.
Bonus: this context is a great way to breathe fresh life into the whole boho, seventies thing that's everywhere at the moment. It was getting rather twee and overdone for a moment there but this is just rugged enough to refresh the palate. Delightful.
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Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Boohoo SS15
The drizzle is persisting, disappearing for moments, hours at a time before determinedly returning once more. But there's a spot of sunshine present, hope that warmer weather isn't too far away. That sunshine comes in the form of the Boohoo SS15 preview. With prints and colour all over the place, metallic tattoos being administered by the lovely Jenny, an ice cream cart upon entry, fruity cocktails at the ready...my mood is instantly transformed. And, in spite of my layers, and regret at having forgotten my scarf, I'm suddenly very enthusiastic about shorts and crop tops and beach attire.
For women, Boohoo is offering some seriously cool workout clothing. So stylish, in fact, that is treads the line between sports luxe and actually functional clothes. For the stuff that might actually make it to the gym, there are some great printed leggings, shorts, tees and sports bras not unlike the type of pieces that sports brands are charging insane amounts for. Hit them up if you're looking to up your style stakes while exercising but don't want to spend every penny you have.
I also spotted a lot of amazing boho/seventies style items perfect for getting on that trend that's going to be so big for the up-coming season. Basically, it's festival basics sorted with fringing, crochet and light knitted pieces all over the places. And for the more serious seventies vibe, all the florals, peasant blouses, wide-legged pants and paisley that you could possibly ask for!
Another corner was occupied by tropical colours and floral printed swimsuits, cover-ups and breezy pieces just made for luxurious getaways and swanning around with giant sunglasses and a cocktail in hand. I was particularly enamoured with a flowy off-white and black two-piece suit that screamed luxury and ease.
One rack was dedicated entirely to Nadia Aboulhosn's line for Boohoo which offers an almost entirely monochrome range of some rad pieces for women sizes 16-24. Think lots of very contemporary, sleek pieces that very much celebrate the bodies they adorn.
And what about the boys? Well, expect some awesome accessories (I want all of the backpacks), muted tones such as rich maroons, navy and white, a sporty nineties vibe, seriously retro denim, playful details and the odd appearance of a pop of pastel shades.
Bring on the summer!
Thanks to Boohoo for having me again, despite the fact that I always stand around eating EVERYTHING.
Keep an eye out for a Boohoo look here sooon...
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