Clash of the prints
This is not the time to keep things on the straight and narrow. It’s time to step up, be bold and even a little audacious. The move towards clashing prints has gained serious momentum, and the brave will be rewarded—probably on street style blogs the world over.
The Fall 2011 collections suggested this was one trend to watch (thank you Dries, Prada). Spring 2012 saw the likes of Kenzo, Anna Sui, Thakoon, Vivienne Tam and Dolce & Gabbana (top left) really take things up a notch. A number of designers went one step further, actually mixing prints within the same piece, à la Mary Katrantzou (top right) and Peter Pilotto. This makes life much easier for the uninitiated, as you can choose one dress with multiple prints. Cunning. But if you want to mix up the sartorial melting pot yourself, where to begin? Well, one way to approach this trend is to keep things within the same tonal colour palette. So, mix together different prints in the same muted tones, or on the same bright colour wheel. Another way to approach this is to clash similar styles of prints, such as by keeping things graphic—black-and-white spots and stripes are a marriage that will last the distance even off the catwalk. Or try mixing two florals together, but make sure that they are all large-format or small-format florals. But the truly brave will want to emulate the Prada Resort collection (left), which says chuck it all together and be damned in the most stylish way imaginable. But then, Miuccia always makes it look easy.
Catwalk images courtesy elle.com
From click to catwalk
Ever wanted to check out what an outfit will look like before you buy online? Well, for three days this week you’ll be able to see it on the catwalk first, just as you imagined. Westfield.com.au launches its StyleStream application this week, and while normally this will be a more static affair, putting together flatlay images to get an idea of how things will look, to kick things off there will be a live catwalk event—the first of its kind in the world. Head to the website and click on the StyleStream application to start styling and submit your look for catwalk consideration. And tonight (Monday 14th) you can also log on at 6pm for the live launch link-up with stylist Rachel Zoe in LA, who is the face of the event. And if you’re very lucky, there’s even a trip in the offing to be styled by her team in LA. The StyleStream live event runs from tonight until Wednesday 16 November. Get clicking…
Deck the halls…
Yes, it’s that time of year again. Christmas is only weeks away (and don’t the department stores want to remind us at every opportunity?). So, each week from now until the big day, we’ll be bringing a particularly tasty gift suggestion to your attention. And what better way to get into a festive mood than with these butterfly headbands from Miu Miu? Frankly, I can’t imagine anyone not falling for their fluttery charms. From $490; 02 9223 1688.
