SS13 trends: Are you a minimalist or a maximalist?

Spring Summer '13 was divided right across the board in terms of cut and texture.

The minimalism movement of the last few years has very much been fronted by big names such as Jil Sander, APC and Celine.

This summer, Jil Sander's cocoon coat of Autumn Winter '12/13 instantly became a cult classic - the minimal approach makes it a bold statement, and painfully chic. This theme continued into the Jil Sanders SS collection - the burgundy, white and black pieces in a classic cut and simple texture a prime example of timeless style.

Above: Jil Sander AW12/13 cocoon coat

Above: Jil Sander SS13 runway collection - burgundy, white and black cotton

Celine in particular has always been known for minimalism - not just texture but also with colour palettes. This is offset by cut - usually big, bold and modern, but still very sleek. The Celine SS collection was no different, with smooth silk and supple leather, it was very much leading the way for the minimalist texture trend. The beautiful grab bags are undoubtedly going to be the next 'it' bag.

Above: Celine SS13 runway collection - silk and leather

Above: Celine SS13 simplistic leather grab bags

In the opposing team (for maximalist shapes and textures) was Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy.

Alexander McQueen took texture to the extreme. McQueen has always been a fan of shock tactics, and this collection displayed that.  Big texture was so prominent, it almost felt the whole collection was based around it. Huge 3D florals and ruffles engulfed the models, and harsh beekeeper-esque visors toughened up the cascades of chiffon.

Above: McQueen SS13 runway collection - 3D florals and beekeeper masks

Chanel's take on texture was more wearable - dainty beading, pearls, glitter and chiffon petals took the trend into super-girly territory. Delicate yet bold, Chanel's looks varied from tough and gothic, to sweet and pastels, making the collection a beautiful, eclectic mix of genres. However, the maximalist texture remained throughout, keeping a sense of fluidity with each new piece.

Above: Chanel SS13 runway collection - mesh, pearl polka dots, floral embellishment, glitter & chiffon petals

Article by Mary Platts

JAYNE PIERSON INSPIRED NAIL ART!

Hello everybody!


As we promised here is our JP inspired nail art. Jayne's Spring/Summer '13 collection was both modern and tribal, with blues, beiges and whites, so we've tried to incorporate that as much as possible!

The 'feature' nail (The black and white striped one) was based on the nail art used on the models showcasing the collection.

(Above JP's nail art)

 We used blue and gold to do the middle of the leopard print on the other nails, as we felt those colours complimented Jayne's clothes, which you can see here.

Above is the selection of nail varnishes we used (along with an Ellie Ellie Vintage Letter Tile Ring!)

The leopard print effect was done using a curby grip, pulled open so the rounded end can be used as a dotting tool. 

After applying the base colour, do random multi sized dots (with your blue, gold, or colour of choice) over the nail leaving plenty of space in between. 

You then use the other rounded end of your  hair grip to do black 'c' or full circle shapes around the dots. Don't worry if the 'c's or circles don't look perfect - a leopards spots are far from it!

After letting it dry, apply a top coat.. and voila! Leopard nails!

The stripes were achieved by using good old fashioned masking tape.

First, wait until your base coat is dry. Then cut thin strips from the masking tape, making sure they are long enough to go over the entire nail and onto your skin (you will need these excess 'tabs' to pull the tape when finished).

Place the masking tape strips onto the nail in the pattern you desire. Paint over the masking tape (we have used black, but any colour will work!), making sure the gaps between each strip are fully covered.

Once this layer of varnish is dry, pull the strips away slowly. Use a curby grip to fill any gaps, or remove any smudges (you can do this by dipping the rounded head of the curby grip in nail varnish remover and wiping over the smudge).

Paint over with a clear topcoat, and you're done!

Hope you liked are first nail art post - there will be more to come!