The festive season is upon us! Here are a few key looks to get you inspired.
There are always three main types of events in December during Christmas and New Year: Black Tie, Beach/Garden Party and Cocktail Party. Of course, the looks below are never going to conform to the typical looks you’ll see somewhere like the Miss V column in Vogue – Mauritius is too hot, humid and vibrant for that. Our united local culture demands festivity, urges on splurges of exotic colours and cuts.
For this very glamorous time of the year a little shoot was organised and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the photos of the exceptionally gifted Khatleen Minerve who shot model of the moment Millie Cheong, who in turn was styled by tastemaker Kunal Gopaleea.
The Versatile Piece
Mint Maxi Dress from Saskia Pougnet
This dress was tricky. Is it for a black tie event? Is it for a cocktail? Is it more appropriate for a beach/garden party? To be perfectly honest, depending on your accessories it could be all three. Wedges and raffia clutches (Belle&Toile stock some exceptionally beautiful ones) turn it into an excellent beach/garden party-soirée look (you know the sort: where too relaxed, short dresses are inappropriate and you can’t wear anything as extravagant as a ball gown, or anything in a heavy material). This is the sort of dress that takes you from your sundowner cocktail to 8p.m smoked marlin canapés. If you decide to wear ivory heels and a metallic clutch, however, this is perfect for a festive Mauritian version of a black tie event.
The Black-Tie Dresses
This is Mauritius: sober colours are practically taboo for anything festive (we have all heard ‘ayo, tu mets du noir pour la Noel la, tire sa tout de suite’). POSSAL by Sweetie RAMLAGUN offers a sunset coloured, printed asymmetric full length dress that perfectly embraces the tropical festive spirit, and Lionnet & Fauzou have masterfully created an intricate, vivid green gown that is both fun and all grown up.
Lionnet & Fauzou
Lionnet & Fauzou
Keep everything else simple when wearing a statement dress, and that includes make-up. A soft, smoky eye and lipstick in shades of pink are enough to complete the look.
POSSAL by Sweetie RAMLAGUN
The Cocktail Dress
You cannot go wrong by pairing a short dress made out of sturdy fabric with heels and statement jewellery. By sturdy I mean that has shape, feel, and structure: avoid the thin, cheap looking manmade fabrics if you can. This white asymmetric dress from Lionnet & Fauzou is a perfect choice.
The Beach/Garden Party Look
It has to be short, it has to be chic, but more importantly it must allow you to walk and jump around in a way you absolutely cannot do in a formal event.
Saskia P offers a gorgeous green and blue printed dress with stud detail. It’s a versatile piece, that can be dressed up in wedges or down in sandals.
Some Other Options
Golden Jumpsuit from In’Am by llup
Now this is the ultimate piece when you’re invited to an extremely glamorous event somewhere relaxed but you know you have to dress up: parties at hotels, for instance, or those exclusive parties your friends host in their own homes.
Again, accessories are key: go full on glam with heels (keep it simple: matte black will do just fine) or wear cute flat sling back sandals for dressy-casual feel. This In'Am by llup jumpsuit really speaks for itself, so keep jewellery to an absolute minimum.
In’Am by llup
Model: Anne-lise Ramooloo
Photographer: Kunal Jankee
Black Tie and Cocktail Pieces at POSSAL by Sweetie RAMLAGUN
At POSSAL by Sweetie RAMLAGUN you will also find (if stocks still last) a divine chocolate brown maxi-dress with lace panels that has a brilliantly elegant slit that will let you move about with ease (not to mention sensuality), and a black midi dress strikes the perfect balance of fun yet formal.
Photographer: Karen Pang
Photographer: Karen Pang
The Ultimate Beach/Pool Party Piece
In’Am by llup has a selection of decadently toned tunics in its stores around the island: they are the perfect cover up on top of a swimsuit, immediately dressing you up. With all the pool and beach/sea parties planned for the coming days, a tunic is indispensable.
In’Am by llup
Model: Elisa Hugnin
Photographer: Karen Pang for PEOPLE: IN FASHION
Xoxo
Alexandra
email: stylemauritius@live.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StyleMauritius
twitter: @Alex_W_Isaacs
