Smoulder: Bernard Chandran AW12

Bernard Chandran's AW12 collection was one that smoudered with a sense of danger. The hair was pristinely styled for a modern vintage effect and the lips and nails offered flashes of vampy red.
In the garments lay the allure of the old contrasted with the intrigue of the new. Delicate feminine notes sat against a tough harshness. Elegant lace and waterfalls of gently cascading fabric were juxtaposed against hard plastics, sensual sheers, exposed chunky zips and jaunty strong lines.
The new Chandran collection was all about emphasising the shoulders and neck including smart little cut outs filled with plastic. It saw heavily embellished statement necklaces and stand out detachable collars in striking, powerful forms.
The base colour was moody black allowing an emphasis on texture and strength in shape but deep blues and warm neutrals were welcome notes and one collar was a dazzling sparkling red in true Dorothy style. However, the finishing saucy takes on trench coats were a world away from Dorothy's naive gingham frock.
Though doing cosy basics well for me this collection definitely was all about high glamour for a strong modern woman.