Chandran’s muse for his AW13 collection was Dovima, a
supermodel of the 1950’s.
This was an
era when head to toe glamour was expected and achieved on a daily basis.
The ladylike style is in with cropped jackets and the longer
length skirt to the knee and below.
Necklines are high providing more coverage.
But maybe these garments were not as demure as they first
appeared. Some of those polo necklines
revealed a low and sexy keyhole open back.
Although still covered at the front, other pieces had the
added illusion of the dominatrix leather basque sculpting the bust.
Narrow skirts were given playful swishing fishtail hems.
Leather played a key role in the collection. Either as panelling
to the silks, or as complete leather outfits and dresses
And did you notice the Balaclava type hats? Chandran
introduced these to replace the retro 50s headscarf, updating them to a more
futuristic style. An ideal choice for a windy and cold day or if
you’re just having a bad hair day.
In between the bold colour blocks of orange, green and royal
blue, the collection took on a dreamier softer appearance with silk cloud
prints, some with a splash of sunset orange and others with a mist like shimmer.
For a touch of sparkle, intricate beading created branch like designs.
Whilst crystals surrounded the neckline and cuffs making
wearing jewellery moot.
Photography by Christopher Dadey www.christopherdadey.com
.jpg)
