Inspired by London’s elegance, the forceful style of the Autumn Winter 2012 collection reflects Canali’s increasingly cosmopolitan spirit. It is a collection that pays tribute to the City, past and present, in which originality, humour and minute attention to detail are skilfully melded with the brand’s typical values of traditional tailoring, quality and fine fabrics.
But the new offering has no intention of being constrained by a rigidly didactic concept of English style and takes its cue from London’s eclecticism, reinterpreting the different styles of elegance expressed by the Dandy, Swinging London and New Romantic movements from a contemporary, ironic point of view.
Textures and fabrics have been redesigned: Prince of Wales, houndstooth and cover twill are more substantial and accentuated, pinstripes are wider and 1970s Op Art patterns and floral prints breathe life not only into the ties, but also the shirts and trousers.
Slim-fitting, shortish jackets with thinner lapels, featuring barely hinted shoulders or deconstructed designs like the Kei jacket, are the protagonists of a collection which gives plenty of space to separates, often worn with a waistcoat. Alongside the cigarette-leg trousers with turn-ups favoured by more formal suits, in plain or tone-on-tone micro-patterned fabrics, Canali also proposes a model with a small waist pleat and a looser fit. The single or double-breasted overcoats have velvet collars and back-belts and some are embellished by important marmot or cropped mink fur collars.
The typical blues and greys of the menswear tradition are combined and revisited: grey, commonly used as a background colour, is juxtaposed with camel, bright red and burgundy, while blue forgets the powdery shades of last winter and prefers deep, bright tones, often mixed with greens.
Charles & Keith Signature Label Summer 2012 collection places strong emphasis on intricate craftworks and mirror finishing with great alacrity. Go back to beginnings of cultural perspectives and travel through the time machine into the futuristic world of striking appearances in high shine minimalism, elevating glamour to a whole new level.
Take a journey through the Afriluxe Collection and get enthralled by the ethnic transformation. The meticulously crafted braids and weaves entail the collected works in fine quality of embossed leather and snakeskin. Raw materials of wood and straw on wedges and stilettos add organic touches in earthy shades of brown, camel and mustard, creating an al-natural statement and an aura of mysterious enchantment.
Step up into The Armour Collection of sleek and ultramodern gleaming silver metal plates and light gold sheen. Metallic elements in the cult of clean minimalism coupled with satin and suede on high-cut sky-high heels exudes a luxurious and elegant allure in avant-garde fashion.
Charles & Keith Summer 2012 welcome you to a fantasy island escapade where lush flora and fauna and the fashion tribe greets you in their exotic terrain.
Engage the chic resort attitude in Tropicaland Collection with hot tutti-frutti exuberant shades of thriving green, lemon yellow and zesty orange. Patterns and prints of tropical flora and jungle motifs on woven espadrille wedges and sandals highlight the trend with the company of white laser-cut totes and structured raw canvas sling bags.
Unite with the fashion race in Neo Ethnic Collection this summer where ethnic meets new age tribal trend. Go on the prowl for earthy essential colours of al neutral brown, contemporary grey and classic maroon with ethnic graphic prints and exotic snakeskin in multicolour. Stitching, weaving, braiding and beading embellishments prevail in this trend as intricate craftsmanship underscores their indigenous attributes.
Speak the tasteful language of Urbanite Collection as fashion sheds light on the manifestation of the concrete urban ethnology in high-shine metallic surfaces of gleaming silver and liquid gold with nude, black and wine; redefining the meaning of modern minimalism. Fractions of mirror plates and matte contrasts on new shapes of footwear and accessories give a sleek look and added sophistication.
Get ready for an exciting journey to Latin America and Eastern Europe this season. FLOW Spring Summer 2012 collection makes a smashing transition from the cooler season to a sunny holiday mood, taking inspiration from the socialite’s holidaying jet-setting lifestyle in the 70s in the alluring islands of Saint Tropez, Sao Paulo and Rio.
THE TECHNICOLOUR JET-SETTER
A call for a blissful escapade away from the hustle city life. Celebrate the spring season with an explosion of prints in boho–chic styles. With bright embroidered flourishes, silk cotton tunic blouses are designed to fit the season’s wardrobe perfectly. For a bolder style, look out for the heavy beaded embellishment graphic printed jersey blouse. Relax and enjoy the season in sharp colours of loose and unstructured printed tops. Conjuring a bohemian-romantic vibes, the oriental floral prints are cleverly reinterpreted on jersey knit dresses, bringing the vibrant colours of geranium pink, orangeade and poppy alive.
Recapturing the 70’s sentiment is the long jersey maxi dress invented with eclectic hippie mixes of graphic and abstract prints. The trendy diagonal stripe print dress creates an ultra flattering look that certainly embraces the curves. An array of prints in rich hues of aquamarine, coral red and emerald green heavily dominate the collection.
This summer, prepare to unleash your style into the wild as the animal prints make a comeback and rev up your ensemble. Classic zebra and leopard prints are amazingly set against toga dresses and caftans. The all time favorite exotic snake print further boasts the wild safari feel. Reflecting the summer lightness, the collection utilizes key color palettes of earthy tones and monochromatic in georgette chiffons and lightweight cotton fabrics. Various embellishments are thrown into the mix to bring out touches of sophistication.
Embracing the carefree spirit of summer, linen slouchy trousers and stretchy denims are injected in the collection. Look out for the jersey lycra jumpsuit that brings comfort and style. Loose tunic tops and sun dresses are not to be missed too in this whimsical season.
“If a woman can't make her mistakes charming, she is only a female”
Oscar Wilde
What if the secret of real charm lay in a certain imperfection that creates a new balance and makes the individual unique? Like nature, intrinsically defective. What is more beautiful than the delicate wings of a butterfly that lives but for a day?
It’s to the woman who knows how to make a virtue of her faults that my new fall/winter collection is dedicated. The woman who uses her looks as a weapon of seduction, not to provoke but to support bold statements. The woman who chooses accessories irrationally, dismissive of colors and proportions, attracted by the creative vibes.
At this juncture, the most enticing challenge for me is to let women be my guide, to get closer to their sensitivities and transformations, their iconoclastic attitude to fashion. To these women I say, ‘Here are the ingredients, my shoes; do what you will. Construct your style around them, use them to express your own world, to enhance your contradictions’.
Chromatic codes are set aside, as colors are uncontainable electric particles, so toes are unrestrained and decorative detailing is irreverent. The inspiration? It comes from Helmut Newton’s black & white portraits of women: proud, magnificent and timeless. And from the atmosphere of Paris in the ’80s, from the shop windows on Place des Victoires where Mugler imagined an alien invasion of wonderful creatures, exploring new territory and staking everything on positive freedom.
I infused these memories with a punk/rock´n´roll twist, creating low ankle boots with zipped turn down cuffs, after the style of the Perfecto biker jacket; rhinestones appear as studs and endow precious cowboy-style boots with amazing sparkle: 6000 tiny crystals meticulously applied by hand, one by one. Contrasts, sharp edges, a distinct “break” between heels and uppers and “wrong” shapes that do, however, capture the reflections of the faceted stones.
It’s a collection that numbers some 800 shoes. At opposite poles, a new classic & chic loafer and a sexy, sky-high shoe that looks like an extension of the foot. Somewhere in the middle lie my most iconic pieces, like the Beatle ankle boots proposed in three surprising colors, flaunting an ultra-feminine look. A real piece of design, the low black heel almost creates a trompe-l’oeil effect and recalls the craftsmanship of old saddleries. With this shoe, the hidden platform, short shape and inward sloping heel redesign the silhouette.
There are also the pink open booties. In this model, romantic embroidery embraces the leg like an oriental tattoo and is as light as a stocking.
But the real cult piece of the collection is a new court shoe: a weapon of seduction that was inspired by a desire to rework a timeless classic. And here, once again, are Newton’s women who, some 30 years later, are still beautiful, contemporary and perfect.
The age of “seasonal” creativity is over. There’s a timeless fusion between classic & modern. The power shimmers in reckless contrasts between silver-gold metallic effects. Golden light and silvery shadows melt together in subtle, sensual interplay. The platform here is also concealed and the heel with its “wrong” inward curve becomes my brilliant signature trait: the jewel and the mirror.
The collection also includes clutch bags like vintage memories from an old blanket box, with a certain irreverence and the Zanotti signature: steel against lace, the shoulder strap is a slinky chain. Soft purses in suede lend brilliance to winter colors.
It would be wrong to consider this merely a collection for the new femme fatale…
A fantasy liaison fusing the inimitable styles of Jimi Hendrix and Kate Moss enraptures Jimmy Choo for the Autumn Winter 2012 collection. Think‘70s rock ‘n roll glamour with a sexy, bohemian edge. Creative Directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway have imagined a world where the vibe is decadent yet rebellious,with a rich palette of black, inky purple, grey and red with flashes of bright hot pink and moody blue. Bohemian texture brings both drama and opulence with embroidered suede, deeply hued snakeskin, shearling and extravagant fox furs, while exotic patchwork brings an air of louche luxury.
Bohemian boots include COLORADO, a lace-up, knee-high boot in brown or purple suede intricately embroidered in an ornate folkloric floral. Sauvage chic TATOO, a 120mm knee-high pull-on boot in psychedelic python and DALIA, a
120mm platform boot in brown suede tiered with fox and suede fringe shot with bolts of colour. Peep-toe mesh sandal KAIRO frames the foot with baroque flourishes of scrolling magenta suede and elaphe snakeskin.
Handbags rock a similar attitude. Wild colour gives the JUSTINE handbag a flamboyant new guise, in slouchy psychedelic python. BEE, a statement cross body bag in brown suede, rocks tiers of fox and suede fringe.
Evening styles reference Biba and ‘70s glam rock with MAURY, a strappy sandal in red velvet and gold mirror leather cut in an art deco motif. Luxe sable clutch CAYLA is trimmed with precious pyramid stones for decadent nights. And in a nod to Erté opulence, TEMPEST sandal shines with silver sequins trimmed with arches of black suede.
CHOO 24:7, the ultimate shoe wardrobe, adds several new silhouettes to the offering including a full range of boots:LEAF,a 120mm pointed toe ankle boot in metallic python or chic black kid, GLOW 120mm knee-high fitted boot with hidden platform in grey grainy calf and over-the-knee TITAN, a 120mm boot in snow leopard print pony.
A west coast, rock ‘n roll attitude prevails in the Jimmy Choo Pre-Fall 2012 collection, with a wardrobe that allows natural beauties to groove by day at Coachella and rock a laid-back allure by night. Her daytime looks are toughened up with biker leather and slouchy bags. Crafted details like artisanal stitching, woven suede and patchwork accents add a bohemian edge, while her evenings introduce a relaxed glamour with pointy-toe pumps, glittery sandals and tailored evening clutches.
The classic Jimmy Choo biker boot, with gold buckle detail, is glammed up as GALEN, a 110 mm platform variation with treaded lug sole and a ciggy heel. The same attitude manifests in handbags with BIKER, a relaxed shoulder bag draped with chain detail along the closure, and BON BON, a cross-body saddle bag featuring the same draped biker chains. Cowboy boots, perfect for dancing in a field, are given a slim, sexy shape with BABEL.
Sporty chic evolves in JUSTINE, the luxurious day bag rendered for Pre-Fall in blush python and smouldering plum suede. Pared down clutch, JASMINE, is expressed in creamy calf leather with hand-sewn patchwork python. The high artisanal luxury is carried through with PINE, a 120mm wedge sandal in rust braided suede.
Evenings always sparkle for the Jimmy Choo girl, and this season she has sandals in variations of glam materials from bourbon-shaded leopard, black mesh and glittery metallic. Minaudières, mirror bar clutches and chain fringe purses complement her evening look. Casual evening clutch CHANDRA, supple suede with pale gold chains, is the perfect way to dress up for girls who don’t want to look dressed up.
While the SoCal spirit holds allure for the Jimmy Choo girl, her soul is faithfully British. With the eyes of the world squarely on London this season, Jimmy Choo offers a wardrobe of UNION JACK accessories poised to make their own British Invasion. Tote bags, loafers, and small leather goods in white denim are punked up with metallic studs and a whimsical rendering of the red, white and blue Union flag. Festival goers can also wave the banner by sporting the UNION JACK sunglasses, classic glossy frames in black, red, navy or white.
CHOO 24:7, the ultimate shoe and handbag wardrobe, adds several new silhouettes. Ladylike polish is introduced to the collection via streamlined single-sole stiletto, ANOUK, available in a range of materials and coarse glitter for evening. Cap-toe court shoe ALIAS brings together suede with mock croc in the season’s palette of camel, plum and black. Wedges continue with MERCURY, a streamlined suede bootie. And for handbags, REBEL, a cross body box clutch with top handle is meant for layering with bigger bags, or for those traveling light.
The Spring/Summer 2012 collection is irrevocably stunning in a class of its own. The fine sartorial splendour of effortless chic refinement and sheer sophistication is brilliantly manifested in this season’s ensemble.
THE SOPHISTICATED SOCIALITE
The women’s collection boasts the classic hint of femininity to its pieces. Heartfelt shades from the warm palette with hues of brown are balanced off with the neutral tones and the accents of blue are combined with the splendour of the various textures and exquisite material from genuine leathers and suede to fabric. Extravagant heels and towering wedges inspired by the teasing and luxurious lifestyle bestow the demanded attention whilst accentuating the muliebrity of the female form. Indulge in this season’s collection with undeniable hauterfly confidence.
THE DISTINGUISHED CAVALIER
The men’s collection is ardently refined in the make where impressions of easy sophistication can be seen with strength and affluence throughout the multitudinous creations. The overall palette has turned up the notch from the sombre and muted shades of the darks to welcoming the warmth of the neutral palette. Anticipate the prevalence of browns balanced off with the effortless shades of blues, bringing equilibrium to the maven’s ensemble. The classic lace-ups are complemented with fine detailing and opulent leathers and the ever popular loafer is further enhanced with minute accentuations of contrasted tones, buckled hardware and finely roped jute - an essential to the revered men of today.
THE ACCESSORIES COLLECTION
Both the collections are in a class of its own ingenious creations with individual style of extraordinary details and superior grains. Rich shades of the warm palette are full of character and intensity.
For Him – Superbly befitting for the noted gentleman, the ever popular messenger is luxuriously engulfed in rich and textural material whilst the classic doctor’s bag is revamped with minute and elegant detail. Ties in wide and narrow widths are executively executed in unparalleled designs together with the essential belt, melding both form and function for formal and casual wear.
For Her – Enthralling shades can be seen with the elegant designs of the classic handbag, clutch and doctor’s bag. Chic detail features complements the various designs, from the woven crafting to the embossed finishing, down to the metal hardware which is tastefully placed with unquestionable elegance.
Delve into the experience of fine sartorial splendour with the warm richness of Pedro Spring Summer 2012 Collection.
Shanghai Tang introduces Dragon Plateau.
The new Autumn/Winter 2012 collection takes us on a majestic journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes and the impressive cultural heritage of the Tibetan highlands.
We venture into a nomadic world of spirituality, subtlety, and nature, juxtaposing the natural world’s purest elements with its savage beauty. The seed of inspiration for the Shanghai Tang Autumn/Winter 2012 collection was planted by an ancient tale of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, an odyssey around the picturesque peaks of Yunnan province…
“Once upon a time, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and
Haba Snow Mountain were twins. They had lived on panning in Golden Sand River until one day an evil fiend
usurped the river. The brothers were very brave and had a fierce fight with the fiend, Haba died in
the fight and Jade Dragon drove off the fiend after wearing out 13 swords. For guarding the people
and preventing the return of the fiend, Jade Dragon held
the 13 swords in hand day and night. As time
passed, the brothers turned into two snow mountains,
and the 13 swords had become the 13 peaks… .”
- The traditional tale of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.
The collection evokes the fascinating mix of understated spiritual humility and elaborate, ornamental designs of Tibet, a culture shaped by Buddhism and the monastic way of life. Despite relentless modernisation, this vast region exudes a breathtaking sense of calmness, purity, originality, and opulence.
We invite you to embark on a magical voyage into one of China’s last untouched wonders….
Shanghai Tang Spring / Summer 2012 Collection
THE RITE OF THE PHOENIX
WOMEN’S COLLECTION
THE RITE OF THE PHOENIX celebrates the re-birth of modern China in the new Spring/Summer 2012 collection by Shanghai Tang. With the metaphor of the mythical bird, THE RITE OF THE PHOENIX tells the tale of a rich, inventive culture that has evolved from the austerity of the past to become a global leader. China’s cultural kaleidoscope, carried within the imagination of its population, rises from the ashes to re-emerge this season.
WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES COLLECTION
This season, the Shanghai Tang accessories collection is reborn in new materials and embellishments. Bags are crafted from a wide array of luxurious and exotic materials, including exotic deer skin, crocodile-print nubuck leather, eel skin, and new silk brocades. New shapes such as the pleated silk clutch and the Fortune Hobo are introduced. The magic of Mongolia continues to be an inspiration this season. An expanded line of hobos, clutches, wallets and accessories pays homage to the splendour of Mongolian motifs and the intricate details of saddle parts translated into decorative metal embellishments. The symbolic lotus flower appears on pretty metal bag closures, and infuses jewellery with feminine charm. The Jade Bird collection recalls the mythical phoenix in necklaces and earrings, as well as exquisite ring and bracelet designs. Sumptuous silk and cashmere scarves offer the perfect style statement with a touch of warmth, a splash of colour, and symbolic motifs ranging from the mythical phoenix to the captivating culture of Mongolia.
MEN’S COLLECTION
Shanghai Tang celebrates the rise of China with The Rite of the Phoenix for Spring/Summer 2012. The new collection evokes the legendary phoenix, a symbol of wealth and transformation known in myth for its magical power to rise from the ashes to prosperity.
