Mandatory Jil Sander Post

First of all I'll let the photos do the talking.

As I'm sure the fashion concious readers would be aware, yesterday's collection was the last for Raf Simons, creative director of the label since spring 2005.
The designer emotionally farewelled his audience for the last time and was presented with a well earned standing ovation (Anyone watching the livestream would have noticed Wintour was the first to jump up applauding in approval) and after exiting the runway he was summoned to return for one last tear filled curtain call.

The designer stayed true to has 'king of minimalism' title with a collection filled with sugar sweet pastels, cherry reds and details of neon seen lining soles of the shoes or a clutch.
The colours were mimicked the contemporary floral arrangements shielded behind Lucite boxes created by friend Mark Colle.

The shapes were structurally exaggerated and screamed 1950's Haute Couture.
Everything was seen to with absolute perfection, from the models casting, to their hair and refreshing make-up, the music, the set and of course the design.
Also, I can see those shoes on the soles of every fashion editor and sartorial star next season, they may have been my favourite part!
Now I could go and post every photo taken from show and trust me I'm tempted but I'll just give you a taste  because I'm sure this won't be the last you'll see of them.

My only criticism would be that it looked more like spring that it did winter,
but really I'm not complaining because I am so sick of seeing somber velvet filled shows this season.

Where ever Raf goes, I will follow.
And a designer with such talent will not go to waste. I know there will be much more to come from the Belgium born designer.

(gif from officielhomme tumblr)

Raf Simons for Jil Sander, Decoded: ByKate

My Next Purchase

Les Compains F/W 2012

Will Be this beanie.
Suitable for the cooler weather this autumn and winter
(But something I can't even contemplate wearing just now, if you live in Adelaide you'll know what I mean)

Collages by me, Photo source: StyleBistro

I mean, way to take an otherwise 'fisherman-esque' accessory and turn it into something chic by adding some sheer netting like wrap around the hat!
I always love the combination of style opposites in a look whether it be grunge and glam or something strong mixed with soft so this idea is right up my alley, and would be easy to D-I-Y too!

All you need to do is check out Tommy Ton's street style pics here on style.com to see how it's being done
You can get yourself a similar style HERE

Seen at Les Copains Fall Winter 2012-13, Milan Fashion Week

Decoded: By Kate

Not Going to Lie...

I've been so uninspired by the majority of shows so far!
I'm hoping Milan and Paris will wow me with something new and exciting.

I'll keep this relatively short
but here are some trends I'm confident will be migrating to your closet from Fall/Winter 2012 so far:

• Bulky matte leather - Whether it be pant, coat or dress form
• Sheeny and Shiny Metallics - Anything with a iridescent tone and in pretty much any colour
• Fur - It's a given, but it has been everywhere, especially in the form of accessories and on shoulders/sleeves
• Velvet - unfortunately (I'm REALLY not a fan) but it's seen on the daily
• Embellishments - of any kind, clusters, symmetrical, patterned you name it!
• Florals - Not only are they for spring! My favourites were seen on shoes and bags like at Christopher Kane or Erdem. Floral pants will become a must-have item!
• Rich moody colours - wine/burgundy, deep purples, moss green and royal blues
• Brocade - Love this! and Jacquard too
• Menswear - As always for winter, but wearing a suit jacket or slacks has never looked so good!
• Printed - photo and highly realistic prints, think Mary Katrantzou or Peter Pilotto
• Military - thank God for this but I think it'll make a come back! Always loved this look
• All white - snow queen ice princess anyone? I think yes, all white for winter!
• Boots - ankle, knee length, leather, printed! 
• And I'll say it again but LEATHER AND FUR, seriously I'll be surprised if there are any animals left after this season! (please go faux if possible)

And lastly I'd like a little congratulations to DION LEE,

I featured this talented young designer earlier on this blog and he had his first show in LONDON FASHION WEEK a few days ago! Well done, it was a success, he even had Kanye West design the shoes for the collection and if that isn't instant A-list approval I don't know what is!

The collection was inspired by the idea of breathing and "Specifically...inspiration from lungs, and the way air moves through things, along with how the body responds to air." Beautifully breathable fabrics with vein-like structure and the lightest organza that sheerly shielded the skin. Everything had transparent and reflective qualities and created a beautifully filmy yet tailored presentation.

Collage by me image sources style.com and The Australian

Check out HERE for a behind the scenes look narrated by Lee himself on his Autumn/Winter 2012/13 collection and starring the beautiful Ruby Jean Wilson

Decoded: By Kate

Perfectly Proenza

Another quickie!
No words for this collection other than I would happily step outside wearing every. single. piece
They truly have mastered ready to wear.
Every editor, blogger, street style star and socialite will have a frenzy over this.
And I would too if I had the money. I could live off a closet stocked only of design duo Jack and Lazaro's clothes and I would be a very happy(and stylish) lady.
The cuts, the fits, the colours and the cool girl appeal are all there!

Jack and Lazaro with model Marte Mei Van Haaster in their fall 2012 collection preview + details of fabrics from the runway show (collage by my images from vogue and stylebistro)

Some blue looks. Again, no words. 

Collages by me, images from stylebistro

Proenza Schouler Decoded: ByKate

Rodarte heads Outback

Again with a zippy little post, there have been a few shows that I've fallen for and would love to post about but upon viewing and reading up on Rodarte's Fall 2012 collection I put together this little connection.

The Mulleavy sisters behind the ethereal and romantic brand drew inspiration from the birth of Australia. Victorian influences were clear along with outback hues and dusty cheekbones. It was our countries rugged and barren terrain that was depicted.
But it was one idea that was most clearly Australian and that was the use of Aboriginal dot painting inspired materials.

(Collage by me, photos from stylebistro. Background artwork "Wunkartu" by Helicopter Joe Tjungurrayi)

They did okay considering the pair haven't actually visited Australia before, no?

Decoded: By Kate

Iridescence Mini-Review

I love anything with iridescence, especially in these tones. I loved it last season at Sportmax especially and I love it here. Prabal had a nice continuation from his SS’12 line here but what I’m most excited for now is what he does next. This was almost safe in the way that it was kind of expected. He has a strong fan following now with retailers, editors and the likes so I think his next step is important in deciding the longevity of his career.

People will still love him regardless because that’s the way fans work,

but personally next season I want to see something new.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the collection/s and his innovation and design I’m just hoping for his sake that he lasts in this sink or swim industry. And my gut tells me he will.

Anyway, that's my input on one of my favourite elements at Prabal's show, Decoded: ByKate

(Again, sorry for the brief posts but I'm stresssed with work and can't formulate a post to the standard I prefer (frustratingly I'm a perfectionist) so it's this or nothing)