[On the Runway] Saint Laurent Resort 2014

A stand out amongst the release of innumerable Resort 2014 collections had to be Saint Laurent. Amidst the frantic departure of one CEO and the arrival of another, one thing for sure stays the same, the rock 'n' roll inspired looks will continue to remain a staple inspiration for the brand. The whole collection was shot in black and white, among different  backgrounds, which varied from light to dark. Therefore, creating a nice contrast with the different ensembles. The Russian model, Sasha Pivovarova, was recruited by Hedi Slimane for this particular collection due to her bold looks and highly acclaimed career in the fashion industry. This season presents an exhibition of leather, sheer and sequin materials, balanced out with slim-cut jackets and pants. Here, in my opinion, are some of the stand outs of the collection. 

The white backdrop produced an impactful disparity with the black outfits. There is a reappearance of the Le Smoking suit, a classic suit for women, originally made famous by Yves Saint Laurent back in 1966. The first photo is of a white slim-cut, fitted blazer and black cigarette pants in wool. This time though, the usually formal shirt has been replaced by a sheer chiffon blouse. It gives the strong, masculine pairing a touch of femininity. There is  a lot of attention to metalwork in the accessories. This includes, belts, satchels, clutches and statement jewellery. A manly-take on feminine pieces. Even the stiletto heels in the last picture have a metallic shimmer, reflecting the metalized trend of the Resort Collection. 

The heavily sequinned jacket and structured leather biker jacket add to the whole aimed luxe factor. The setting of a grey sky added definition to the pictures and gave it a more adventurous facade. Pivovarova's powerful facial expressions match the edgy garments. The sophisticated mini dresses above feature asymmetric necklines, where the simplistic designs were turned into captivating pieces of art with added metal pieces. 

Resort 2014 truly juxtaposes the soft Greecian-inspired dresses with hard materials, such as leather. Therefore, creating more defined, visible pleats. Hedi Slimane, the official creative director at Saint Laurent, was said to have gotten inspiration for the softer, drapier dresses in his collection from ballerinas. The first ruched bustier gown with a mullet hemline managed to be both romantic, yet edgy at once. There is a close attention to detail in this collection, like the chain-link metal strap on the one-shoulder mini dress. The leather folds skilfully transition the eye to the highlight, which is the contrasted band giving support to the dress. Similarly, the next dress has a metal piece fastening two parts of the gown. Causing the deliberate placement of soft and hard reappearing once more. The daring feather-like jacket is a glamorous edition to the assemblage. It casts the light back nicely, giving it a metallic gleam. 

(courtesy of Style.com/)

This is the photograph, I feel, could represent the collection and sum it up as a whole. Slimane's muse for this innovative Resort 2014 line was that their customer would be 'a bad girl with a big bank account.' The beguiling and magnificent skyline of New York City in the background surely establishes the sense of luxury, while Saint Laurent's signature Le Smoking suit is featured in the photo. All the lights shine on Sasha Pivovarova, making her the focal point amongst the opulence of the view and well-tailored black leather suit. A courageous collection to take on the year of 2014.