Proenza Schouler SS17

I've long had a certain affinity towards Proenza Schouler. There is something about the way in which they deconstruct the classic silhouettes we have long abide by and modified them to cater to the modern, ever daring and savvy consumer and fashion aficionado. So it's no surprise that their latest showing in New York is most definitely my cup of tea.

There is something different with this collection compared to previous seasons. Whereas the PS boys often played it safe with neutral colour palettes and long, lean silhouettes, their latest showing seemed somewhat impulsive. Gone is the element of complacency. Still, there are many undeniable trademarks PS have become renowned for. Block colours, the occasional oversized piece and of course, a little grandiose detail. I think one of the things I can appreciate most from this collection is the continuation of trends. It may not be an intentional direction, but this continuation is far more accommodating to your everyday fashion enthusiast such as myself. Rather than a case of throwing pieces straight into the bin once the season has passed, collections such as this one emphasise retaining certain items and championing them into the new season. Okay, so maybe this isn't a practical approach for every fashion eccentric  (I too have been one of those types that refuses to wear the same outfit twice), but it is encouraging to see the shift in runway trends and an endorsement in buying pieces with a longevity mindset. 

With PS, we are seeing AW16 trends such as knitwear and stripes being revamped for the upcoming season. Swapping rusty oranges and rich rouge shades for bold primary colours reminiscent of a Joan Miro painting and adding a little flair in the form of ostrich feathers. It isn't all unfamiliar though.  There is also a maintained appreciation for traditional pieces through double breasted blazers (let's be honest, you can never have enough) paired with playful asymmetrical hemlines just to remind us if we had forgotten, PS can do streetwise femininity too. 

Maybe the intense colours paired with less constructed, more clingy pieces aren't for everyone but you have to admire that in a Fashion Week that champions preppy, quintessentially American styles, Proenza Schouler aren't afraid to do something rather gutsy in New York. 

Modern classics

Is there any better combination than a crisp baby blue shirt with a pair of white jeans? 

monday

If there was ever a shirt to describe monday

never say never

who said blue eyeshadow could never be a thing? 

cover girl

Gigi is the ultimate it girl on the January cover of British Vogue proving once again, an incessant, eternal love for the rough and tough epitome of cool in fashion, the biker jacket. With a chunky breton knit and a navy braided newsboy cap, Gigi is reminiscent of Francoise Hardy circa the late 60's. It is one of fashion's most enduring outerwear pieces and its rebellious, nonconforming connotations have established it as a trophy piece. The biker jacket is synonomous with the bad boy look, the likes of James Dean and Marlon Brando establishing it as the kind of piece that defies stylistic elements of fashion whilst many subcultures have adopted the trend. What I love so much about the biker jacket is that it is a totally functional piece. Whether it is worn with a pair of black ripped skinnies, the knees fraying with dozens of tiny threads, channelling your inner Kate Moss or paired with worn grey joggers and casual jerseys for those days, meaning sundays, when one simply cannot be bothered, you can always rely on the faithful biker jacket to ensure you are looking your coolest, most rebellious, most stylish self. It is the kind of piece that entails longevity, durability but most importantly a certain prestige amongst other garments.  It is feisty, in your face and assertive. It may have been the man that introduced us to the biker, but it is the woman that has truly cemented it as an essential part of the female wardrobe.