A ROUNDUP OF ALL MY FAVE PRE FALL 23 LOOKS!

Ah, the brands have showcased the pre fall collections, quenching our thirsts for a stunning new collection just before we get the Fall – okay, the Autumn Winter collections (I live in England!) on the runways. Whilst there were many many creations that caught my eye, (especially the looks in the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Fall 23 collection), I thought that these creations should have a space on my website (and one day in my wardrobe). Here I have carefully picked out my favourite looks per collection!

DAVID KOMA

Can I start off by just saying, the photoshoot and setting for this collection is absolutely off the charts! Whilst it’s incredible on its own, it simply enhances each look so well. Cold and serious blacks, accessorised with the icy metallics and silver detailing. It screams cool, like quite literally! The Arctic and Siberian vibe is impossible to deny, especially with the wolves the models are posed with, a clear nod to Koma’s main inspiration of the collection – DeeDee Ann Jonrowe, a record holding dog musher. The main elements that stood out to me were the oversized fluffy boots, heavy chunky silver cuffs/ collars, and the girlish mini dresses made to look effortlessly cool and mysterious (especially with the thick coats added over the silhouettes!). The meticulous placements of the silver details and the unmissable play of textures in this collection enabled it to be so alluring and eye catching. Although it followed a very neutral dark and minimal colour palette – with the exception of a lime neon green number, absolutely stunning if I may, the entire arrangement and thought put behind each piece is substantial on another level, and guaranteed to turn heads.

BLUMARINE

Blumarine, aka a notable brand part of the y2k resurrection era has also served up beautiful new creations for this collection. From flowy knits paired with oversized rugged cargos, to slinky maxi dresses and revamped denim incorporated with soft satins and dramatic frayed ruffles. It’s a clear casual vibe here, but one that is elevated and made funky with imaginative pairings and concepts. I would have never thought to match denims with soft satins. I’m (clearly) obsessed with this, especially as it mirrors the thought process I had behind my grunge glam series – the crossover of harsh abrasive tones and shades, with preppy girlish elements. The models look ultra voguish and serious with their denims, cargos, shades and effortless no makeup/ hair beauty. Also the belts, buckles and eyelet embellishments in the bags and shoes add to this unbothered rock and roll vibe going on. As for the preppy girlish elements, their colour schemes and incorporations of roses and dramatic flares/ ruffles literally scream it. The brand has always kept in such recurrent motifs, adorning all their creations with the Blumarine stamp.

BALMAIN

I absolutely love just how much Olivier Rousteing is immersed with the legacy of Pierre Balmain, and the archives of the fashion house. Each of his creations in this collection scream luxury, history and culture as he informs his designs with the fashion of the late 60s and 70s. In case you were wondering, no I am not only interested in this collection because of the beautiful bows and decadent silver gem jewels – okay, it is a large part of the reason as to why I love it so much, but mainly because of the glamorous vibes it exudes. Glamourous, elegant and sophisticated, with classy careful tailoring. My absolute favourite creation in the whole post is the sequinned mini dress with the stunning gold bow wrapped around the shoulders. Styling it with thick statement jewellery, velvet gloves, and a bouncy blowout makes the whole look so glamourous and fancy, and rather fitting of classic timeless fashion. My second favourite piece is the golden and bronzed silk top made and matched with long layered necklaces. Very 70s and groovy, but not quite funky! As it’s Balmain it looks top notch and sophisticated, unlike it being experimental and kitchsy. The Balmain woman is highly polished and refined and this collection captures it perfectly. It partly gives the vibes of an international woman travelling, living out of expensive hotels, always busy with something. I also love just how bold the looks are with the iconic print, voluptuous shoulder pads and rich colours. Perhaps it’d be a little dramatic to say I will happily dump out my wardrobe in exchange for this collection (disclaimer, I am not in anyway promoting overconsumption or irresponsible shopping), but after looking at these creations, I’m sure you understand!

ALESSANDRA RICH

Finally we have Alessandra Rich to snatch up the last spot on this article! Quite different to the rest of the ones spoken about with her on location shoot, this collection invokes a strange sense of nostalgia. Yes, the bows DO have something to do with this (to be more clear about the bow situation, I have a running discourse on my website about my love for bows in outfits because when I began designing as a little girl I would always draw in bows!), but it is mainly because of the prints she’s used. It takes me back to one the first ever online orders I made – a cheap skater dress (skater dresses and their chokehold in the 2010s) that I’d wear constantly (with those plastic chokers). Rich has used a typical repeated print, but somehow made it look cool with large oversized worn out jackets and fishnets. My 14 year old self could only dream of styling her little BooHoo dress this way. The prints, slightly damaged fishnets, studded jean skirts and the simple jewellery give a sweet and nostalgic vibe. Whilst I fell in love with the brand after seeing how her SS21 collection was ridden with glamour and glitz, with traditional silhouettes and a large luxury feeling to it, this collection functions as a big contrast, but a refreshing and exciting one. I love the pieces of added in lace, the ruffles and soft satins and the velvet textures as they all uphold the brand’s core motif of feminine creations and elegance. A fun and comfortable collection in my eyes, reminding us to be free, more versatile and unleash our inner childlike wonder/ excitement with fashion.

Thank you for reading! See you in my next article!