STOCKHOLM FASHION WEEK SPRING 2011
Mary Scale
5- Wow, really took my breath away
4- I really loved it
3-I liked it, I just didn’t love it
2-Just clothes
1- No, just no
Camilla Norrback – The collection was quite feminine but with an edge as the dark contrasts created a woman who loves the female sensibility, yet isn’t afraid to look imperfect. The collection began with a very structured black trench, but was thrown over a cuffed patterned minidress and translucent hosiery, transforming a “borrowed from the boys” jacket into a woman’s daily wear. At first, the looks involving navy blues, or blacks involved more structure, but were still adorned with light touches such as bows, ruffles, or eyelet details. Red was the power color of the collection as it resurfaced on muted platforms, shoulder bags, and even under a black eyelet midriff tank, giving the collection its raw edge to balance the feminity. As the colors in the collection lightened, so did the fabrics, as a white flowing minidress and a basic button down shirt with multi-collars was introduced. Also more prints and textures began to show from kneelength knit sweaters to complete looks in eyelet. The collection took the otherwise sunny girly fabric, and made it for nighttime in the form of a black mini to evening dress and even a transparent top- showing eyelet can be wearable for a premiere or a party. Despite the use of bold color and clever transformation of fabric, some of the looser looks didn’t stand out as strong as the others. The navy blue jumper with the black multi-collars modernized the sweet schoolgirl look-creating that feminine edge promoted throughout the collection. Camilla Norrback presented a collection that updated the sweet girl to the 21st century, showing that easiness can definitely have an edge.

Mary Scale 3.0

COPENHAGEN FASHION WEEK 2010

Mary Scale
5- Wow, really took my breath away
4- I really loved it
3-I liked it, I just didn’t love it
2-Just clothes
1- No, just no

BRUNS BAZAAR- The collection began with a focus on minimalism- with several little black dresses accentuated with simple gathering. The dresses- which are usually associated with nighttime – were paired with a flat sandal-showing the easy transition from day to night. The collection took a right turn into daytime with short suits, splatter prints, and bright stripes. The “Summer Jacket” was perfect for the season because it was bright enough to incorporate into warm weather wear, while still structured enough to serve its purpose. Stripes was a reoccurring theme in the collection, but washed out and paired with a soft floral print – making the two unlikely prints work cohesively as one print didn’t outshine the other. The menswear of the collection was very basic, but not dull as the fabric shined giving it that summer sparkle. Although the collection was very tasteful prior the menswear, afterward the looks weren’t as likable. The different layering combinations of stripes with militaristic bubble tops over splatter print asymmetrical skirts weren’t cohesive with the rest of the collection and unflattering. As the collection focused on lighter hues, the looks began to improve with tan lace accenting a cream shift dress, and also a sharp silver minidress. The brief introduction of jade brightened the collection into summertime and showed how easily the color can go from business to beach. The women’s wear ended as it had begun- with gathering but instead focused on tops and more work attire. The final menswear gave the collection a serious tone with navy blue and black professional looks, but lightened up with tailored shorts. Overall, the collection incorporated several key business looks into the season, but after seeing the tailored shorts, it reminds us that there is no such thing as a “serious summer” after all.

Mary Scale 2.5

AUSTRALIA FASHION WEEK -BRISBANE

Mary Scale
5- Wow, really took my breath away
4- I really loved it
3-I liked it, I just didn’t love it
2-Just clothes
1- No, just no

PAUL HUNT- The collection played up classics by contrasting embroidery and current touches to make a simple dress stand out. In the beginning , the looks had a soft feminine feel, while the complementary embroidery and soft pink cap sleeves kept the dresses from looking too basic. Hunt modified basic dresses with modern accents such as bright flowers disguised as pockets. The vibrant print jacket over the cream shift dress shows how a basic dress can transform into a standout statement simply by throwing on a bold jacket. The overall collection focused on classic shapes, but the cohesion of the collection took a turn with the over-embellished, puff-sleeved Asian flower print dress. Hunt took the common cocktail wear and made it appropriate for evening as a jewel-toned evening mini-dress and sleeveless romper. The black satin dress highlighted with midnight blue flowers beautifully transitioned the collection from day to night. Nearing the finale, the faded flower ball gowns emphasized the feminity, although the structured jacket took away from the beauty of the whole look. The Paul Hunt collection ended on a high note as the finale ballgown was the perfect combination of bold colors and luxury- creating modern classics that will never go out of style.

Paul Hunt- 3.5