Proenza Schouler S/S 11

The boys at Proenza Schouler covered all the stops in their stunning s/s 2011 collection which debuted with the usual air of casual cool now synonymous with the brand.

As the first looks stormed down the runway, you could be forgiven for believing that this collection was about a sophisticated lady as models wore button up collared shirts, knee lengths skirts and low scooped necked jackets. In blush, soft purple and dove tones, the pieces were adorned with intricate bead detailing, kept cool with long slung thin belts and t’s casually tucked in a skirt or trouser. Man style jackets, both oversized and more fitted variations, were all delightful and appeared in a bold, hyper coloured orange or a more subdued black option.

Soon, the peeping fluorescent bra appeared beneath the polished twin sets, only to be in full view as the garments become diphaneous. Ruffles in acid yellow chiffon with black and white skirts and singlets were an edgy, modern variation of the lingerie trend.

Without sacrificing the refinement and elegance of the pieces, the colour palette ensured that the range was youthful and fresh. Suplhar red, deep purple, neon yellow and hazard orange appeared in textured layers, and towards the end of the show, loose fitting dresses. The flat sandals now replaced the heels but the urban, glamorous essence of the range remained. The boys also created some interesting hardware which appeared in several of the looks. Neckpieces with coloured jewels on metal plating were an artistic and welcome addition to a selection of the garments.

The simple black sheer finale dress modelled by Australian expat Julia Nobis seemed the perfect exit from Proenza for S/S in keeping the IT girls lusting for more from this clever design duo.

Have a look at some stunning behind the scene shoots of the show, courtesty of style.com

Max Azria S/S 2011

The Max Azria show was yet another example of how designers are maximising on minimalism. The collection was dominated by simple, shift style dresses in pale sorbet pinks, greens and ice blue.

Long, flowing dresses were often accompanied by either a simple pea jacket or a sheer sweater cutting the piece into two. Whilst Azria explored two tone, such as a beige and grey combination dress, the collection was dominated by monochrome. Soft blues, mint, blush and champagnes were prominent, but the continual presence of off-white was a clear indication that this summer is all about being under-embellished.

Cut outs in both the swimwear, and later in the show the jewelled embellishments at the halter of floor length dresses, added some much needed detailing in the otherwise simple pieces. Mr Azria’s and his wife Lubov’s aesthetic was very Calvin Klein-esque and adopted a similar brief that we saw from the Preen show the day before. And while some of the final looks of the spaghetti strap long, satin black dresses and the wide leg blush trousers are definite wardrobe staples, the collection left my uninspired and wanting more from the shows to come.

Images Courtesty of style.com