WITHÂ his SS17 collection, Jasper Conran, presenting an offering of nothing but dresses, screamed, elegantly of course, summer holiday. This was something Tilda Swinton could have added to her Sicily getaway gorgeous wardrobe consisting exclusively of Dior in A Bigger Splash.
Hair in a low relaxed chignon and a fresh face touched by nothing but blusher, models walked leisurely in barely-there flat tanned leather sandals and well-tailored crisp dresses of dyed denim, cotton and silk taffeta in forest, brown and navy bearing white stitching. They were paired with matching cross-body or handbags and gold or plastic dangly earrings. The hems didn’t reach above the knee and skirts came full and round for most part. Very sophisticated.
There was an emphasis on the waist, whether it was elasticated or belted with a strap with a round buckle, a side pocket or a strip matching the dress.
Then more colours and patterns started appearing. Red, white and mustard cotton spiced things up and so did pleats, checkers and graphic stripes that weren’t always straight but rather resembled an op-art piece. The show finished on a breezier and more romantic note as floor-length transparent silk organza dresses made their way down the runway, alternated by dresses with floral embroidery and applique in summery sorbet hues.
by Sara Hesikova
Images courtesy of Jasper Conran