Bernard Chandran AW13 Collection

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