Note before you start reading: Click on a photo to see it in bigger dimensions-intricate pieces demand detailed viewing!
All photos by Kunal Jankee (Clique Photography)
Models: Ophelie de Chalain, Gwen Chan, Forbes Mavros
A Mauritian winter, or an European summer.
Soft, light pieces which provide perfect warmth.
A silhouette reminiscent of the truly glamorous movie stars of a bygone era. The glamour and sensuality of Brigitte Bardot, the offbeat, mod style of the eternally cool Jean Shrimpton.
Luxurious cotton-cashmere, cashmere-bamboo, merino wool, second skin mesh.
A perfect moment, frozen in time.
Architecture meets nature in a stunning fusion that makes In'Am by Ilup's new collection the best one yet.
As soon as you get over the perfection of the following images, click on each and observe. The pieces, ethereal and airy are grounded by the use of print-such as the stripes on the cardigan (right side, on Gwen) or by an accessory such as the greige belt worn by Ophelie. The impact is always strong, always fresh.
Take a minute to admire the perfect structure of this look: It's architectural but not domineering nor stiff, layered on and cinched together in which can only be the most desirable way of layering a cardigan and white shirt this winter. It emanates a very traditional Japanese kimono-esque feel. Clean, pure.
Notice the djellaba collars, the drawstring on the first dress which perfectly ties the look up together, and the perfect colour blocking: turquoise/mint green and coral, taupe/khaki and yellow ochre.
The mood of each piece is perpetually fresh. Colour blocking is given a new lease of life in coral and lavender paired with edgy flashes of black. The outfit on the right is soft yet the details on the top bring it back to graphic edginess.
Constructing a perfect, memorable outfit isn't difficult to do if you live in a warmer climate and can't layer up that much. A perfect summer/trans-seasonal winter outfit as exemplified in the first image to the left would be a two toned top that moves (rather than sticks to) the body, straight leg, figure hugging jeans, a straw fedora, wooden stacked bracelets and voila! I also love the interesting detail on the second top (right) giving the impression that it was a Victorian collar that was cut off at the top of the neck to let the model breathe.
Cable knit sweaters, checked shirts with a difference. Pure good taste, pieces that can be worn by anyone (don't think that the men's collection is off limits for women!) at any age. The clothes speak for themselves not only on their surface but also because of their detailing inside (i.e on the reverse side of the piece).
A simple combination that just works, provided that the clothes are perfectly cut as is the case here. Notice the graphic print on the shirt-gone are the days where you would wear big logos. Subtle and on target is key.
The perfect tone of grey, a beautiful cut (the neck is just superb, halting at the most flattering place), the dress is incredible because it moulds the body without revealing anything-look at the double knit on the bust-a statement on its own. Perfect for minimal dressing.
I have seen many versions of the striped sweater here but this has got to be the best. Look at how the stripes blend in towards the tip of the neck, how it is composed and detailed so as to avoid any
frumpy-ness.
I cannot say how much I love the top. It has an almost Japanese cowl neck, its liquid structure contrasted with sharp cuts diagonally skimming the torso and calmly finishing on the upper thigh. The perfect drape.
The same mood as the top above: liquid fabric poured over skin, paired with sharp cropped linen trousers.
Another magnetic shot of the adored top.
A reversible cape: Skyblue on one side, sunset on the other-perfection. In'Am always produces the items of the year, and this collection is no exception. Capes, so in Vogue for 2012/2013, are a must have, but a strict, stark, purely architectural version (the white Tom Ford cape worn by Gwyneth Paltrow to the Oscars) wouldn't fit Mauritius in any way. This not only suits Mauritius but almost embodies the island's most memorable aspects-our delightful blue sky, our breathtaking sunsets.
Here are the two mini brochures (click to enlarge!) where you can see most of the products featured above as well as some new ones
The animal print present in the last collection makes its reappearance, along with cable knit sweaters (fourth picture left to right), liberty micro print tunics, draped tops and perfect cardigans which you can just throw on once it gets fresh.
You can find the latest collection in stores now at:
And by now, I'm guessing that you want to rush off and buy these pieces immediately but then you think In'Am is too expensive and then bow your head in resignation.
WRONG!
Most of the pieces are of exactly the same price as you would find in other shops. It's a preconceived notion that if you are faced with a shop window that looks like it belonged in Paris, its too expensive. I'm talking pieces that cost Rs1500-and for those that are still stingy (when this is the price you pay for much poorer quality fabric in some of the most popular shops here) remember that you will keep these pieces forever, because they are of such amazing quality. I still have five/six year old Maille Street pieces (In'Am was Maille Street before) which are still in perfect condition.
These are the pieces that you should buy and wear now.
xoxo
Alex
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