On Tuesday 3rd May 2016, Karl Lagerfeld presented the Chanel 2016/17 cruise collection in Havana, Cuba, a first for the brand. The location was a symbolic one with the runway show taking place on the Paseo del Prado, which was redesigned in 1928 by a French architect.

The underlying theme of the collection is an interpretation of the guayabera, the traditional Cuban shirt with pockets, shoulder tabs and flat pleats, nicknamed the “Cuban Tux” by Karl Lagerfeld himself. Day looks incorporated the guayabera with delicate blouses, rolled up chino trousers and flared skirts. Playful looks also took centre stage with rhinestoned cycling shorts, embroidered pieces and tops featuring multi coloured palm trees. Scooped neck lines and feminine silhouettes such as pencil skirts, ethereal dresses and candy shades echoed through the runway.

The palette is inspired by the vibrant baroque facades of the old town which perfectly complemented its surroundings. Bright colours featuring sequins, fringes and feathers and puffed sleeves were a main feature, adding to the drama of the ‘street party’ feel of the runway. Accessories consisted of woven flip flops, caged sandals, ankle socks and multi-coloured local snail patterns. The party continued at the Plaza de la Catedral in Havan Old Town, with over 600 guests including CHANEL ambassadresses Vanessa Paradis, Gisele Bundchen and Alice Dellal.

By Amy Louise

Clockwise from Left

Lisa Marie Fernandez: The wrap around style is featuring heavily in swimwear at the moment and gives great added support. This bikini is also crafted from flexible, faded denim.

Mara Hoffman: Mara Hoffman continues to impress with her bold and eclectic styles. This wet suit is great for providing more coverage with a colourful, bold twist.

Lisa Marie Fernandez: This retro style gives great support with boning at the sides and a zip detail at the front, creating the perfect silhouette.

Duskii: Designed with figure-flattering stripes and panels to accentuate those curves. The neoprene material perfectly molds to your body and is perfect for active beach days or for channeling that sporty luxe look.

Flagpole Swim: This bikini is perfect for the active at heart. With an open back and material that fits as a second skin, it is ideal for yoga or diving or perfecting the sporty beach trend.

By Amy Louise

Who said pom poms were just for cheerleaders? This fun and youthful trend has suddenly had a grown up makeover and has featured heavily on the runway and the red carpet. Accessorize with a fluffy key chain or with some pom pom inspired earrings. Add a flirty touch by teaming your outfit with some pop pom embellished shoes or why not try two trends in one with a pom pom covered varsity jacket.

Oscar de la Renta: An elegant take on this season’s key embellishment. These tin-plated brass earrings accompanied with black silk pompoms will be the perfect accessory to any evening dress.

Phillip Lim: Cream embellished varsity jacket featuring multicoloured pompom embellishments takes a fun spin on the varsity jacket trend.

Mabu by Maria BK: Exclusive at Net-A-Porter, Mabu by Maria BK’s sand leather pair is embellished with navy, ecru, camel and white pompoms and playfully finished with beads, elephant and leaf charms. The perfect pair for this Summer to finish off the Bohemian feel.

Dolce & Gabbana: Black textured-leather tote is appliquéd with colorful pompoms, flowers, crystal and disks. It also comes complete with an internal mirror for quick touch-ups.

Aquazzura: We just love Aquazzura’s playful and flirty designs. These sandals are decorated with a colorful array of pompoms across the toes and are perfect for casual day wear or an evening out.

By Amy Louise

Alice + Olivia are on hand to solve all your last-minute festival wardrobe woes​ with a special show in partnership with Neiman Marcus on April 13th, just two days before Coachella’s opening weekend. The brand will be embracing the see now, buy now fashion movement that we have been seeing recently, with twelve pieces from the runway available for purchase online immediately after the show concludes. The Grateful Dead-inspired capsule collection will be a range of new pieces alongside select items from the SS16 show.

The speculation that has surrounded Hedi Slimane’s successor at Saint Laurent has finally been confirmed. Following widespread rumours after Anthony Vaccarello left his position at Versus Versace, we can now report that the Belgian designer will join the Kering owned house with immediate effect. Vaccarello will present his first collection in October for Spring 2017. Meanwhile, his eponymous line will be put on hold, so he can focus on his Saint Laurent responsibilities.

‘I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the history of this extraordinary house,’ Vaccarello said in a statement, calling founder Yves Saint Laurent ‘a legendary figure for his creativity, style and audacity.’

The brand’s President and CEO Francesca Bellettini discusses how Vaccarello is a ‘perfect fit’ for the house, noting he ‘impeccably balances elements of provocative femininity and sharp masculinity in his silhouettes. He is the natural choice to express the essence of Yves Saint Laurent,’ she said, lightly referencing the femme-meets-rock-and-roll legacy his predecessor Hedi Slimane leaves behind. We are looking forward to seeing Vaccarello’s trademark asymmetric lines, and how he stamps his identity on the Parisian design house.

It’s all about the elegant and sophisticated style muse. Think tweed and boucle, co-ords and pencil skirts.

Chanel is the go to designer with their iconic tailoring and luxe materials. Stick to a muted palette of blush pinks, dove grey, cream and lilac.

Chanel / Oscar de la Renta  / Chanel

By Amy Williams