MEN'S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

MEN’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Let slick, monochrome accents dominate everyday essentials for the modern man. The humble comb doubles as a bottle opener, sheer ingenuity. Add a dose of swagger with Burberry’s signature check cufflinks.  For the fitness devotee, the covetable Fitbit. Personal grooming never goes out of style so include a simple, skincare regime. Luxury lovers will adore the extravagance and timelessness of the classic Tag Heur watch.

Left to right-

ROW 1

TOM FORD Conditioning Beard Oil $67

TAG HEUR Chronograph Watch $5970

CALVIN KLEIN Boxer Briefs $52

PATRICK’S Leather Was Bag $720

ROW 2

BURBERRY Cufflinks $140

ORLEBAR BROWN Mirrored Aviators $405

DIESEL Belt $105

FITBIT Activity & Heart Rate Tracker $290

PHILIPS Sonicare Toothbrush $170

DETROIT Beard Comb with Bottle Opener $23

ROW 3

ZWILLING Manicure Set $240

GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Perfume $94

KIEHL’S Gift Set $49

BRAUN Wet & Dry Multi Groomer$99

By Courtney Jones.

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS CHRISTMAS GUIDE

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Pamper and indulge that significant woman in your life with these luxurious hair and skincare products. Sensory delights reign supreme with a selection of delectable scents on offer from Diptyque candles and for the sleek, sensual, modern, minimalist Calvin Klein underwear in the staple shade of grey marle. Polished perfection!

Left to right;

Row 1- 

DIPTYQUE Holiday set of 5 candles $105

CALVIN KLEIN Cotton Bralette $50

Row 2-

BUMBLE & BUMBLE Surf Foam Wash Shampoo $31

BOBBI BROWN Tweezers $40

ST TROPEZ Gradual Tan Tinted Lotion $40

ESSIE Nail polish in Cab-Ana $15

BRAUN Wet & Dry Epilator $165

CALVIN KLEIN Cotton Briefs $30

Row 3-

GHD Straightening Iron $195

KERASTASE Therapiste Shampoo, Masque and Serum $110

GHD Air Hair Dryer $160

SIMPLE HUMAN Sensor Mirror $165

SONIC CHIC Deluxe Electric Toothbrush $50

ST TROPEZ Express Bronzing Mousse

By Courtney Jones.

CHRISTOPHER KANE SPRING 2017

CHRISTOPHER KANE SPRING 2017

British designer Christopher Kane held his Spring 2017 collection at the Tate Gallery. The collection was aptly titled 'Make Do And Amend' which resulted in an artisanal display for the beatnik bohemian. Flamboyant, hap hazardous mash ups were on offer for the neo siren with a penchant for characterful ensembles.

The opening look consisted of a transparent, gossamer, midi length dress in a muted shade of lavender. Abstract embroidery was plastered throughout the dress and comprised of undulating lemon, tomato and onyx squiggles. Layers of frothy tulle added ethereal qualities. A collarless, fox fur coat was teamed to the kitsch dress. The coat starred in shades of vanilla, buff, charcoal and flecked honey. Cumbersome, bejewelled crocs were paired to the wasp silhouette concluding in a juxtaposition of lighter than air versus masculinity.

An amethyst, deep decolletage, peplum cami featured mustard rouleau straps and intricate embellishment. A multi stone drop choker featured in shades of citrine, emerald, aquamarine and morganite. A 3/4, ivory pleated patchwork shirt was highlighted by polaroid images of garments from previous Kane collections, nostalgia reigning supreme. A hybrid showercap/ turban graced the head and was worn nonchalantly on the side exuding old world glam.

Modern contemporary dominated on a form fitting, long sleeve, round neck dress in muted mauve. Black panelling, fire engine red and white swirls frequented the upper torso. Bold, oversized, daisy floral motifs punctuated the skirt and the scalloped hem. Statement making crystallized rocks dangled precariously from gold hoops.

Quirky, eccentric and unashamedly seductive was the order of the day on a black, transparent sheath festooned with cobalt, sparkling embroidery. Sheer denier stockings were layered to the uninhibited number which left very little to the imagination. A pearlescent, ice blue, leopard trench coat was layered to the provocative dress. Gold crocs and a small neat satchel in ebony were the accessories of choice.

A series of pleated, metallic, lustrous, lame dress took to the runway in a colour palette including burnished bronze, midnight blue and pewter. Think flesh baring panels, striking silhouettes reminiscent of the 70s decade brimming with fluidity. Undone, greasy fashion tresses equalled no muss, no fuss.

Other runway favourites included a navy, boatneck, panelled lace mini dress complete with voluminous floral detail accenting the sleeve, shoulders and bust. A turmeric body con, thigh grazing lace mini dress was for the lithe and screamed for the elixir of youth. Peek-a-boo whispers of tulle and suspended gold rings added a tough girl stance to the ultra feminine number.

By Courtney Jones.

MICHAEL KORS SPRING 2017 COLLECTION

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION 2017

Iconic designer Michael Kors presented an effervescent Spring 2017 collection replete with American classicism. Easy elegance was very much in attendance with flirtatious floral dresses oozing with finesse. Distinguished lines were also on offer with sleek, sleeveless, belted twill trenches in midnight blue.

Puerto Rican model Joan Smalls opened the show in a navy blue, streamlined trench dress. A defining silhouette ensued with the waist attenuated by a simplistic fudge leather belt. A contrasting, stark white collar added a nautical edge. A provocative thigh split brought allure to the equation. Accessories comprised of mocha, leather, peep toe platforms complete with dainty ankle strap. A utilitarian, two tone, envelope satchel was slung across the chest and finalised with gold hardware.

Flower power reigned supreme on a cornflower blue, navy and pristine white argyle vest modelled by Frederikke Sofie. The floral, emblazoned vest was coupled to a paisley, pinstripe combination, masculine shirt. Elongated sleeves were punctuated by delicate floral cuffs. A 70s inspired skinny neck tie featured in the same delicate daisy print. An above the knee, a-line, flounce skirt was highlighted by asymmetrical bold flora panels. Minimalistic, white accessories took centre stage and included white frame aviators, a bourgeois stark contrast, platform peep toe high heeled sandals and a sleek mini satchel finalised with a canvas, slate grey, shoulder strap.

Kors favourite Cameron Russell modelled a 40s derived, floral, halter, ruffle bandeau in shades of oyster grey, chocolate,caramel and midnight. Belted, high waisted bikini bottoms starred tiered, hip ruffles adding a voluminous touch. 

 Upper crust elegance prevailed on a Lauren Hutton inspired safari suit in heavenly white. Over extended sleeves with side split cuffs, a belted nipped in waist and a collarless neckline screamed of polished panache. Languid palazzo pants offered freedom of movement to the silhouette. A navy, crisp shirt with an oversized collar was teamed underneath the jacket with matching skinny scarf adorning the neck. A waxy leather, envelope clutch accessorised the sumptuously good pantsuit. 

Dutchie Marjan Jonkman took to the runway in a bloom filled trench dress. The appealing number featured peak shoulders, attenuated waist, streamlined sleeves and a bare v-neckline. A capacious skirt proceeded to flow, grazing kneecaps.

Splashes of turquoise, lime, watermelon and fuchsia ignited the runway with feminine arabesques consisting of bralets, tea dresses, poetic blouses and floor sweeping column maxi dresses.

An exuberant presentation replete with quintessential wardrobe staple taking you from boardroom to bar.

By Courtney Jones.

COACH 1941 SPRING 2017

COACH 1941 SPRING 2017

Designer Stuart Vevers of Coach 1941 produced a rebellious Spring 2017 collection with all things rock n roll taking centre stage. Androgynous, boxy, biker, leather jackets were paired to lighter than air slip dresses, a defining silhouette for the feminine motor head at heart.

Model Odette Pavlova took to the runway in a dusty pink, patchwork, shearling coat. Jolts of silver and buttermilk shearling oozing with textural delight. A black, waxy leather, halterneck, belted bralet was worn underneath the coat and layered to a silk, floral, transparent blouse. A sheer, rose pink, floral design starred on an elegant slip skirt complete with gathered waist and an ebony, scalloped hem. Pearlescent, magenta, creeper moccasins were infested with grommets galore adding a tough girl stance to the ensemble. Strawberry cat-eye sunglasses were cut high on the cheekbone and embellished with dainty Swarovski crystals for the added bling factor.

Ellen Rosa modelled a masculine, fire engine red, oversized, leather, biker jacket in cropped proportions. Black and white lace panelling, leather floral motifs and heavy duty studs adorned the renegade jacket. Red rosettes ignited a gossamer petticoat skirt which fell elegantly below the knee. Emerald leaf, boy leg briefs were teamed underneath the skirt for modesty. Jewellery comprised of multi layer wrap bracelets festooned with pearls, studs, a bandana and an oversized silver padlock charm, toughening the delicate skirt.

Marjan Jonkman brimmed with "don't care attitude" in a leather, fringed, drop waist dress. Star infested strips cascading freely with every stride Jonkman made. Salmon, floral inserts highlighted the bodice, skirt and sleeves with boudoir elements very much in attendance.

Release your inner rock goddess in a grunge inspired shrunken biker jacket punctuated in paisley floral panels. Shades include lemon, onyx, mint and buttercup. Team to a ruffled round neck lace blouse accented by dainty bows on the placket. Layer to the hard working, sweetheart neckline, cropped leather waistcoat. An alluring, noir slip skirt in peek-a-boo silk finalised the naughty but nice ensemble.

Other key garments included a hybrid parka/ moto jacket, ingenuity at its best, Elvis emblazoned tees, Americana references proving popular yet again with Vevers. Varsity bomber jackets in tomato, embroidered with blooms throughout. Indigo denim pieces including a tomboy, relaxed denim jacket and an oversized, utilitarian vest bedecked with patches and studs aplenty will certainly get the tick of approval amongst Insta fashionistas.

Perfect pieces for the city slick trailblazer.

BY Courtney Jones.

ROBERTO CAVALLI SPRING 2017

ROBERTO CAVALLI SPRING 2017

Norwegian born designer, Peter Dundas delved deep into psychedelic bohemia for his latest S/S 2017 collection. Exotic, artisanal excursions to the 1970s decade proved popular once again for the retro, gypsy, aficionado. American Indian cultural references were fused to Scandinavian style elements, think Navajo blanket wraps teamed to wooden, soled clogs.

A riot of colour starred on a patchwork, billowing, tiered, floor grazing maxi dress. A scoop neck complete with empire waist featured on the ethereal design. Scintillating gold pailettes ignited the bust area. Patchwork floral combinations were highlighted in a kaleidoscope of colour including glistening gold, cherry, marshmallow, fuchsia, lemongrass, cobalt and magenta. Embellished sequin panelling adding an iridescent sheen. A matching bishop sleeve bolero was twinned to the opulent maxi. A statement, bejewelled, sapphire choker festooned the neck.

Languid, embroidered, burnt mandarin, silk, velvet flares brimmed of energised cool. Intricate handiwork was evident on a silver, floral embellishment which cascaded down the outer thigh. A hip hugging, sterling silver Navajo belt was slung low on the hips. A body baring, deep decolletage, lace up blouse complete with frayed chiffon trimmings was showcased in a  radiant electric blue, floral patchwork. Over extended, flared sleeves screamed of nonchalance. A reptilian, ebony, fringed leather waistcoat was layered to the navel gazing blouse. An ornate tiered choker with matching dream catcher earrings was the bijoux of choice ideal for a well versed globetrotter discovering ethnic finds at worldwide bazaars.

A velvet, cropped, cornflower blue, matador inspired jacket starred peak shoulders and a narrow silhouette. Black, decadent embroidery oozed with enchantment. A vintage, rock tee in the shade of grape was worn tucked into a tiered, patchwork, hippie, column skirt, gossamer airiness fused with flamenco connotations dominating the arabesque. A rock goddess, skinny scarf accented the neck resulting in a hap-hazardous combo for the free spirited, characterful woman. 

A plunging, eveningwear dress featured rouleau straps with cross decolletage detail. Lively, caged panelling in the shade of eggplant caressed model Faretta's curves effortlessly. Delicate craftsmanship imbued a defining quality. Undulating beadwork flourished on sheer panels in a colour palette consisting of peony pink, forest green, lemon curd, eggplant, cobalt and lavender.

Bold cabana stripes frequented the runway and were evident on a sleek, 7/8 side split trousers, lace up peasant blouse, lace up flares, waist coat and form fitting blazers.

A dandified, nomadic display with tenderness very much in attendance. Ostentation and impeccable glamour on the agenda.

By Courtney Jones.

ALTUZARRA SPRING RTW 2017

ALTUZARRA SPRING RTW SPRING 2017

Designer Joseph Altuzarra unveiled his Spring 2017 collection with aplomb. Altuzarra channelled a cheerful, upbeat, coquettish, convivial vibe with saccharine prints bursting with femininity,very much in attendance. A Dolce la Vita theme reigned supreme, highlighting the female form.

American model Ondria Hardin took to the runway in a form fitting, cornflower blue, knee length pencil skirt plastered with peach and amethyst enlarged poppies. The high waisted, belted skirt was twinned to a deep decolletage, sleeveless, wraparound blouse featuring the same floral poppy print this time flourishing in shades of vanilla, watermelon and fuchsia.Accessories comprised of sky blue, leather, high heeled sandals complete with wraparound ankle tie detail, statement, modern, undulating earrings in the shade of oyster and a fairy floss pink and python mini saddle bag finalised with a black leather tassel and cherry key charm. 

Romance ruled on a ruffled, floral bralet in colourful hues of ballet pink, rockmelon and strawberry. A neat, ladylike, blue gingham pencil skirt featured darts and a raspberry, embroidered, scalloped hem. A grommet, duck egg blue, leather belt attenuated the waist. A mini tomato red leather pouchette added easy elegance to the ensemble.

An exotic, reptilian, precision cut blazer in powder puff blue was given a dose of bohemia with sequined lemons embellished throughout. The sharp tailored blazer was married to a dainty, delicate, pastel blue, cherry print bralet. The print continued to star on a bias cut, knee length skirt complete with asymmetrical ruffles. Glitter mauve, ankle strap, high heeled sandals added some spun sugar to the sweet number.

Dutch model Romy Schonberger modelled a ribbed, off the shoulder, sky blue, stretch knit top exposing bare shoulders. A wraparound pencil skirt with flirty thigh split screamed femme fatale. A natural python leather belt nipped in the waist. A metallic silver, snakeskin, mini, saddle bag shone iridescently. Avant garde, sculptural, chandelier style earrings worked harmoniously with the slicked back hairstyle which framed the face effortlessly.

Other key garments included a candy stripe, ribbed, body con, off the shoulder dress caressing the female arabesque and tiered, decadent, floor grazing maxi dresses in python and broderie anglaise. Military accents made an appearance, igniting safari jackets, a sleek shirt dress and a cargo skirt piped in snakeskin trimmings.

An exuberant, charming display bursting with feminine allure.

By Courtney Jones.