All Aboard the Orient Express - LOUIS VUITTON S/S 11' REVIEW

While in New York recently, I was walking through Soho when I was approached by a man attempting to sell me cheap knock-off Louis Vuitton bags. Honestly, it wasn’t even the imitation leather or slightly dysfunctional zip that turned me off… it was that over-exposed, over-repeated logo plastered across the fabric. I just thought -Tacky!

And it wasn’t until I saw this season’s LV catwalk show that my faith in and love for the brand was restored! Louis Vuitton has come a long way since the days of gaudy mass-produced, monogram bags and although it is still very much a key-piece associated with the label, there is so much more they have to offer - ever since America’s fashion darling Marc Jacobs took the helm in 1997, the brand has gone from strength to strength.

This season, the catwalk collection was an abundance of collaborative inspirations. Memoirs of a Geisha meets the Great Gatsby meets Bugsy Malone on the Orient Express heading to the Art Deco district of Miami Beach!

 

1930s’ style dresses were updated in shimmering metallic knitted fabrics, sheer lace and other fabrics like satin and lurex in deep berry tones and glamorous golds with low-slung sequined obi-belts and dangerously plunging necklines!

Mandarin collars were featured throughout, with soft pyjama-style 2-piece looks and authentic oriental buttons… slightly undone at the base to give a more alluring appeal.

 Applique played a huge part throughout, with tassel features adorning dresses, embellished tiger heads sewn onto knitwear, ribbons hanging from floral prints and sequins galore.

Animal print was apparent like it has never been seen before; entire shapes of animals were printed across dresses and suits in a very bold and vibrant manner! Something Cruella Deville would have been proud of!

Accessories were kept to a bare minimum with such elaborate dressing… strappy sandals and small evening bags. Hair was a side swept ‘30s’ bun, while make-up remained sultry with a shimmering smoky eye and dewy berry-tone lip.

It was a high-octane, vibrant show with a collection full of spice… I loved the trio of models shimmying down the catwalk flaunting their fans in an array of quality street colours… delicious!