Review Of Fleur East By Lipsy London
The Truth
'Flaxen curls making a bid for freedom,
Scented aromas deliciously wafting,
Feline eyes half closed in moonlight,
Light and Shadow work in the darkness,
Sculpted cheekbones cut ice,
Powerful biceps bulging,
Shaded contours reveal the truth,
The world as we know it is gone'
Launched last month, Fleur East's capsule festive collection is her second collaboration with the 'party glam' brand and features an effortless merger between Lipsy's youthful vitality and Fleur's effortless cool. Taking inspiration from pre-fall 15 & AW15/16 catwalks, Fleur’s festive capsule collection has an underlying 70s inspired vibe full of exclusive statement styles for those wanting to make a bold yet effortlessly glam statement this Christmas. Straying away from the traditional 'festive' aesthetic Fleur's collection heavily features black in directional silhouettes with not one hint of sequin in sight. A bold move, the collection speaks out to women who want to stand out from the crowd and live their life on the wild side. Like all capsule collections the high street chain has worked with Fleur to incorporate timeless pieces that will transcend seasons to come including belted coats and transitional cigarette trousers that will take you from office to party with a few select accessories.
Fleur's aesthetic is simple- harsh lines meet soft lace to create a multi-dimensional attitude to fashion; fashion is as you make it and not how it is made. Fleur's ethos is to promote a lifestyle that is glamorous but also open to interpretation to suit the aesthetic of the buyer. Realistic clothing lines that appeal to the masses is almost unheard of in modern fashion culture, with avante garde looks dominating a/w 15 catwalks but Fleur has managed to hit the target right on the head.
To describe Fleur's collection in one word is virtually impossible; instead the phrases 'glamorous' 'directional' and 'intelligent spring to mind. Glamour is at the core of the capsule collection with ruched bustier asymetrical dresses in vivid shades of siren red while attention to key fashion eras pervade the majority of the collection. From the 70's inspired fringe leather skirt to the 80's one shoulder disco bodycon it is Lipsy's best collection yet. Fleur's attention to detail and knowledge of the current fashion market has seen beige turtlenecks coincide with ruched co-ords two trends that dominated media A/W 15 and has been made popular by Kim Kardashian. Athletic cigarette pants are given a 'Fleur East' makeover by pairing it with a PU leather sleeveless jacket and white chain body to create a look that was made for dancing in.
Fans of fringing-ever popular among fashionistas this season- can rejoice with Fleur's leather tasselled skirt and matching fringed bags in two key shades: black and burgundy. Fleur's signature colour is undoubtably black but a splash of burgundy paired against a base colour of black or white can make all the difference. Whats more fringing is set to stay another season with societies rampant obsession with 70's culture and interpreting it as their own 70's meets post-modern look.
My Top Picks
The Cigarette Pants
Cigarette pants are a timeless classic and Fleur's tailored version ticks all the boxes. For maximum impact juxtapose the trousers with a bold bright jumper i.e. cobalt blue or tangerine ( which is set to be big news S/S 16) , layered necklaces and a sleeveless waistcoat to create a smart but party ready look.
The Turtleneck
Fleur's genius in choosing a neutral base means that off-beat layering in acidic hues will pull this look together. Add a mustard sleeveless waistcoat, burgundy skirt and tan knee highs for a fashion forward look approved by Miss Fleur East herself.
The Directional Body
Complete with bodychain, the directional white body is best worn with a 60's mini for a retro meets modern day aesthetic. Pair matching earrings and a red pea coat with boxy structured shoulders for a look that echoes Cheryl Fernades Versini 'Fight For this Love' days.
The Leather Fringe Skirt
Combining A/W 14's obsession with leather with A/W 15's adoration for fringe the leather fringe skirt is youthful, directional and best served hot. Pair with 60's platforms, a 90's crop and a 70's duster waiscoat to create a look that borrows from iconic fashion eras.
Fleur's appreciation and knowledge of current trends has seen pieces fly off the shelves and with a top 3 single under her belt Fleur proves that you don't have to be a winner to be successful. Success is not measured through awards but how you conquer and prove your critics wrong and Fleur has done just that.
Much Love Springbots xox