A Lab Milano S/S 2012

This garment is extremely placid in comparison to the
rest of the collection, yet counterbalances the impression
first glance very minimal tailoring. Paradoxally, when
one focuses upon the garment the cut out sections in the
top allow for a high collar to become pronounced and for
the arms to appear longer and demand for the eye to travel
down the garment. The sheer fluidity of the floor-length
skirt is a perfect finish with varying thin pleats increasing
in size, yet narrowing down the garment. The look overall
further connects with this theme of the Amazon, represen-
ting the river that flows un-noticed between the trepidation
forest either side.

I have to admit prints are a serious weakness of mine, hence when I discovered A Lab's most recent collection my heart melted. The collection is all about portraying the wild habitat of the Amazon. They emphasise the earthy nature and grit that we associate with the foliage combined with the deep acid colours and striking edges and tailoring which communicate the intensity of the tropical heat. The focus is not solely print based, the structural garments enhance the impact of the collection.. folded palm leaves create the edges of a symmetrical skirt.
                                                                  

The sharp tailoring defining the neck travels down the blazer, colliding with fiery flowers flaring from the cuffs and bottom of the garment. The shorts subtly merging with the prints, the palette is predominantly orange and this sets the tone off with the laced toe poking heels providing the dramatic finish.