IN STORES NOW, the range of great
summer clothing ranges from the edgy NYNE
to the flowing and loose collection by Blak Basics to the resort
wear by Mena.
The Echo Effect collection by NYNE
is full of stark contrasts and thought-provoking combinations. The
women’s Percussion pant is paired with the Solo singlet for a dramatic
black-and-white look, reminiscent of the classic asymmetrical lines
favoured by Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy-Onassis. The male
summer collection offers a pairing of the Mute singlet, Delay cardi
and Reflex short, the androgynous undertones present in this combination
bringing into question who exactly decides what is feminine and
what is masculine in the world of fashion. Light and ethereal fabrics
foil the dark, heavy fabrics that take the centre-stage in the collection.
Aptly named The Echo Effect, the choice to pair opposites
together throughout the collection seems to reflect the struggle
of the modern consumer to find the balance between individuality
and conformity.
Arachne,
the summer collection of Maaike, is a fierce rendition of the bright
and breezy fabrics often associated with the warmer weather. Comprised
mainly of black and nude, the collection takes this season’s neutral-favouring
trends to a new level. The Print singlet dress reworks the notion
of the maxi dress, implying that the summer trends need not only
be lighthearted and cheerful, but can also be edgy and structured.
Layering is also made easy by the pieces, suggesting that this summer
will be one of practicality. The Jumpsuit can be layered with tops
such as the Cube top, allowing for a more symmetrical or more layered
look respectively. Fierce looks are not the only rage this season,
however.
Impermanence, the summer line by Kowtow, follows
the same pattern of using only the neutral colour palette as most
of their pieces come in black, charcoal, sage, sand, blush, and
white. The character of the pieces is decidedly more placid. Jagged
cuts and cropped tops such as the Cloudless singlet are cut in a
manner that allows the fabric to flow more placidly while pieces
such as the Boundless Cardigan are sensually androgynous. Furthermore,
the pieces are flexible and can be paired in a variety of manners
and true to the mode that this summer seems to be operating in,
can be dressed either up or down, depending on the preference of
the wearer.
Easy, breezy and sensually chic is the vibe conveyed
by Neverblack’s The Charmer collection. Again with largely
neutral tones, the collection has been inspired by the paintings
of English neoclassical artist, John Waterhouse. The collection
is like a Waterhouse work with its flowing, lengthy dresses worn
by poetic femmes fatales brought to life, though Neverblack
is more adventurous with shorter skirts. Even the menswear takes
a shorter theme with jackets, shorts and pants, while structured
jackets for women take their colour palette of muted blues and faded
pinks straight from Waterhouse himself.
While the colour selection favours the brighter, We
Will Rock You, the newest release by Riddle Me This also follows
in the same loose and flowing direction. The Mesh maxi can be paired
with the Mesh sleeve T or with the Scalloped shirt in Dotty, the
playful patterns and cuts lending an effortlessly youthful vibe
to the summer collection. Dresses seem to occupy the majority of
the collection, making it an overall feminine and gentle collection
that conveys the cheerful attitude that comes with the sunshine
of summer.
1 | 2

 
Neverblack
|
 |
 
NYNE
  
Maaike
1 | 2
Sabine Ernest is a writer for Lucire.
|