The show started up with the more evening-chic centered pieces:
It kicked off with a pink cocktail dress worn by Angelique Descroizilles. All of the cocktail dresses that followed had interesting details such as glitter leopard print on the 2nd dress (left to right) and gold detail (4th dress). The jewellery suggested from the start that there was a Greek antiquity theme but that was present in two of the later pieces.
The third dress in my opinion was not entirely suited for evening-the loose shape, with the lace detail on the bust, that could be paired with sandals and a tote bag (cream would be the best here I think if you want to stay neutral) makes it a perfect day outfit.
Now concerning the arm bracelet that starts at the upper arm and ends at the wrist-caution. It is a statement piece in itself, meaning that if you want to wear it, keep the rest of your jewellery very subtle.
This combishort is chic and easily worked into your wardrobe for day time with a pair of flats and a tote (a rather large bag to compensate the shorts-playing with proportion is important). This metallic dress (2nd from left to right) is very transparent, so unless you count on showing your underwear, invest in a really pretty slinky slip dress. The 3rd black dress with tulle (it looks like tulle anyway) is both athletic (the cut) and sexy. The fourth dress, with the bronze leopard print makes it feel almost like bronze armour, a feeling accentuated by the jewellery and the leggings.
Blazers are the item to be coveted this season, and you can take you pick from classic black (3rd picture) and jade green. I love the outfit in the 3rd picture-blazer, satin/silk top, and sequinned shorts, which expose the right amount of skin (maximising on the legs) and is such a fun party outfit.
The two dresses that had Greek influences were the loosely draped black dress (1st picture) and the back of the black dress with transparent embroidered detail on the bust to the stomach (4th picture), where the only thing connecting the neck to the lower back was a piece of twisted fabric. The prettiest dress which felt like grown up but-slightly-more-demure-Lolita was the pink and coral one in the 2nd and 3rd pictures. The cut on the waist and the back is interesting and offers a different variation to the bra top which was the clothing of choice on the Summer 2012 runways.
The next theme that was predominant throughout the collection was nautical (I could see a Port Louis girl shopping in one of the outfits + wedges). The breton print was in pink hearts, all swirled up in black and white dresses, and in a very cute red number with large bow on the bust (below). Polka dots+striped may seem a little too much-clashing prints may be a little difficult to do-but the trick is to make sure that one of the prints is less dominant (smaller) than the other.
The accessories were really fun though-big bracelets and necklaces equal parts candy and tribal. The jewellery was sponsored by Ravior.
More red breton print.
Then came the floral trend-flowers embroidered, stitched and cut out of fabric, in a more demure salmon-pink-orange palette. The cutest item was the orange broderie anglaise shorts.
More of the floral trend. The skirts shown (2nd picture) were completely in line with the 'lady' trend present throughout the year, and had an early 60s feel to them.
Large flower prints on the dress above (1sr, 3rd and 4th picture), and tiny ones on the jumpsuit. The edgier shoe kills the whole pretty vibe going on though (2nd picture), and the head to toe print makes it feel slightly like wallpaper.
The final flower print white dress worn by Anne-Lise (4th photo) marked the end of the collection.
As a general conclusion, I would say that all of the pieces showcased incorporated elements of Mauritius-flowers, Port Louis life, youth and freshness. There was nothing in this collection that a Mauritian woman would not have worn-it's practical, no fuss, simple to wear and accessorise, and works well with our climate.
Then there was a display of hairdressing talent as Henry Wakefield and Sasha (who had styled the model's hair) cut and transformed white wigs of all varieties in front of the audience.
The shots below are after the show.
Above (1st picture): Anne-Lise Ramooloo and Valerie Lee. 2nd and 3rd pictures: Jasmina Ruben and the amazing golden crocodile that she wore. You can see the incredible work done on Jasmina's eyes by Valerie Lee and Jo-Ann Regnard, two of the best make-up artists here.
From left to right: Models posing in their Fashion House clothes, Emily Phillips in the glitter leopard print dress, and the Ministry of Sound DJ Joelle Atkins.
More models in Fashion House clothes. Notice the elaborate poufs, Gwen Chan's razor sharp cheekbones and Courteney Jade Horn's megawatt smile.
Have an amazing week and weekend lovely people.
xoxo
Alex
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