Monique Lhuillier’s name may be synonymous with sparkly dresses and fairy tale wedding gowns, but there wasn’t a princess skirt or corset in sight on her Fall ’15 runway. Surprised? Well, considering the presence of spider web beading, fishnet fabric, and glossy black leather in her spring collection, this departure from the norm actually appears to have been a while in the making.
Lhuillier credits the ’20s as inspiration for these pieces, and although garments like emerald-beaded dresses and geometrically designed antique gold gowns speak to the glamour of the Jazz Age, this fall’s favorite decade peeks its way through as well. Shearling coats and billowing silk chiffon coordinate with the current ’70s trend perfectly, as do the mossy greens and mustard yellows that mix in with the primary palette of emerald, cobalt, and violet jewel tones. The hues come alive on Guipure lace sheath dresses, camo-floral jacquard, satin draped to accent the body, and star-embellished tulle. A gunmetal-embroidered slip, seemingly right out of Kate Moss’ closet, gives hope to those of us crossing our fingers for a full-on slip dress comeback.
Another wait that is already over, though? The debut of Monique’s accessories collection, an assortment of metal heels and the lucite minaudières that have been experiencing such a big revival in the last few years. Adding clutches along with slinky silhouettes in rich shades to Monique’s repertoire will ensure her reigning place on the red carpet, but expect to see some of these designs making their way into the more casual side of your wardrobe come autumn too, in the form of everything from warm, colorful coats (a must in this glacial weather) to cocktail minis styled with tailored blazers!
