safw: sies!isabelle
(images via sdr photo)
johannesburg-based designer isabelle lotter's label sies!isabelle presented the kind of s/s 2012 collection i absolutely love to see at south african fashion week. it evoked the kind of pretty, breezy, and ethnic-y touches that at once remind one of the country, and yet relate to women everywhere, seeming appropriate for summer destinations the globe over, carrying a bit of africa with it (and if that sounds cheesy, i don't care, because it's really what i felt here).
according to the blog clothes make the man, ms. lotter was inspired by the idea of "a beach escape," something that easily could have felt a little tired, but was somehow reinvigorated in this incarnation, perhaps due to the magnificent beaches south africa boasts (that are really some of the most beautiful in the world), her flipping maxi and midi-length dresses at once casual or ready to be pretty-fied for an evening out on the town.
meanwhile, in their analysis, lady brille magazine wrote that "she has a tranquil color palette of seaside sands and sky, with fresh turquoise, deep sea blue and sandy nudes worked into easy-to-wear silhouettes. The range also includes Isabelle’s signature cocoon shapes and plays with the contrast between the amorphous and structured using cotton sateen and chiffons as well as soft knits.”
and the blog the elegant tourist's thoughtful review added that "(t)he small collection consisted of mostly dresses with one or two skirts and a jumpsuit. Again the silhouette was kept to the simplest form with the emphasis being on the fabrics flowing against the body, accentuating all the right places. To the crowds delight, Isabelle used a certain design of fabric that was different, this was sentences printed all over certain pieces. Most looks were finished with voluminous neckpieces, simple gladiator shoes and up-do hairstyles." it was one of the most charming takes on an oft-revisited theme i've seen in some time, and sies!isabelle will certainly be on my radar in the coming safw seasons.
(watch the collection video here)
updated: with new images