Karen Walker: Sunglasses 2011/2012

The biggest, brightest and possibly boldest of all Karen Walker's sunglasses ranges, 2011/2012 is the most recent collection. It incorporates the filigree motif and rabbit you can see as a part of the jewellery range as well as brightly coloured perspex, tortoiseshell in rounded off and whimsical designs. Expressing my adoration for this range is difficult- since it seems oh so familiar to the other sunglasses collections from Karen Walker. But there's a little quaint difference in the finer details, the rabbit ears and the silhouette of the cute little bunny (I'm rabbit lover, had 6 at one time, sucker for rabbits incorporated into designs), also there is a variation in the round 1960's shaped glasses. Although there's a few with amazing bright coloured frames I also like the large reflective large circular shades without frames and arrow pointed detail. 

I am a bit tentative about circular frames with that said, I think Karen Walker's range gives you a diverse range of colours and materials, as well as different variations on the lens shade, detail over the nose bridge and size of the lens. It can either look amazing, quirky with 1960s style and flair or you can become looking like a dorky bug eyed eccentric. There is a fine line between the cutting edge style of tomorrow and the out-there, the weird and the shunned.When styles have to be reinvented and represented time and time again I think that sometimes the biggest challenges for a designer is to have a trademark look about the pieces they create but also be able to bring something new and alive to a collection. Karen Walker balances these two things well within her sunglasses range, but I'm not sure we see the same trademark elemental thread throughout her clothing collections.  

These new cut-off at the top sunglasses seem to have a sense of fullness about them. Cut off in their prime. I'm not sure if my writing throughout the year has generally been adapted to please examiner assessors or I'm looking too far into it but there is sort of an unfinished and incomplete element to the sunglasses. I love the mixture of the hot and vibrant pink with the tortoiseshell profile view. The purple tinted colour... the trademark arrow darts. It's a reinvented look for the KW sunglasses and the interplay between new materials and colours seems to emphasise a heavier aspect of summer and style. This type of high end sunglasses aren't the type you would dare bring to a sweat-soaked Summer festival full of moshing and body contact but for the beach they would fit right in. Were it not for my ray bans (which I hardly use) I might be in the market  for a pair such as this.

This is the best blending in between, named the 'Soul Club' the new sort of modern framed sunglasses, with the circular round frames and Woody Allen shaped ray bans. I think that's one of the best names given to a product, because these sunglasses really do have a lot of heart and soul about them. That said, Ray bans are the most imitated brand and are versatile for a range of faces. I've always been of the opinion that they look good on whoever they are perched on and ray bans have been the trademark and sought after brand of the sunglasses world. Just the slight widening, the heavy sense of plastic and a almost wide thickened cat eye flick at the top of the frames screams 60s freedom and colour but is also new age and modern in a sense. There's a versatility about the frame shape that is entirely the designer's own and I think that's fantastic.

Rabbit silhouette detail! There's the quirk and cuteness of the rabbit over the right lens of the sunglasses frames but the strong and rectangular design of the shades themselves evokes a Kanye West and untouchable sense of fame. You could wear them out at night with confidence and get away with it although I myself admit that I think wearing sunglasses indoors or at night is tacky and you'd need to be full of yourself to do it.

In contrast and possibly inspired by the tortoiseshell colour variations of the sunglasses comes a wood grain effect to Karen Walker's sunglasses with brown tinted lenses and bright yellow edges. I really like wood grain effects on cameras and I'm thrilled to see it on sunglasses now especially by this prestigious New Zealand designer. Possibly in the first design and structure listed above for this wood grain colour but I am open minded and if I had the cash and circumstances to loll around a high end fashion store I would be more than happy to be talked into buying such amazing sunglasses. This new colour variation and the neat presentation of the campaign affirms to me that there are style new designs that will be made from Karen Walker and I will never really be disappointed with a campaign. They will use their wiles and guises to reinvent old favourites with the new colours of the season and impress me. That we can both be sure of.

The presentation of the models for this collection was really different and new compared to previous collections; rocking pale complexions, nude lips and white hair. Think Ice-Landic

Here are some of my two favourites in the eye wear range in terms of structure, Bunny is the name of the second pair of shades in hot pink with clear perspex and the cut out arrow darts along the side and the first circular framed frames is dubbed 'Keep The Faith Sunglasses'. I'm sure you've heard this story before but when I was on exchange earlier this year in America, I  had a pair of round framed sunglasses that were perfect by One Teaspoon and their cat knocked them over from the table and then the dog chewed them and then they tried to hide the evidence... I was heart broken and I think I'm still trying to fill the void of my first pair of sunglasses and replacing them. I love looking at all the bright colours and variations in designs of the Karen Walker range but if I were to buy a pair I would need to do my research since they usually cost over $200 so you have to be sure that the pair you get is not only right for you but versatile to become a part of your wardrobe and everyday life to get the best out of them. That said though, the black pair with the tiny little rabbit over one eye are the cutest thing in the world and I will probably never seen the rabbit motif incorporated into any other design of sunnies...

That is one lucky and good looking mop.

Von Trapp Sunglasses and the Patsy Sunglasses shown above, The Von Trapp's are brilliant and I think I adore them more as a piece of art rather than something I would personally own or wear. I am tentative about the whole oversize sunglasses trend, I always look like a weird bug but I am somehow attracted to the super reflective nature of those shades and the fact that they are the only sunglasses within this eyewear range that doesn't have an actually colourful frame makes it just something special and different. Of course, I always love things that are special and different. The Patsy sunglasses really show off the gorgeous deep pink of the perspex coloured plastic Karen Walker has as a part of her collection and I love it! I don't wear pink that often but I am magnetically attracted to that colour. It screams Summer and good times. Going to the beach... I'm so excited for all these things and no longer being weighed down with Holiday Homework. I'm a free agent for the first time in about a year (in terms of study).

Simply named 'Va Va' these are the sunglasses that sort of tie together the jewellery range as well as the sunglasses collection of 2012 for Karen Walker. That, and the cheeky rabbit ear detail over the frames as well as the filigree motif. If you do happen to like the pattern on the top half of the sunglasses so much, there is an incredible gold cuff in the same weaved and intricate pattern. I just like this last pair for the design, but I can't see myself strutting around Melbourne with them but I am inspired by the new design and flamboyance of the Karen Walker range. 

Every now and then I feel apprehensive about fashion as if it has all been done before and there will never be any new designs made but I keep getting happily trumped by the fact that there are people slaving day and night to break out into the fashion scene and become a globally recognised brand. Karen Walker, the New Zealand label that breaks the fronts of fashion, eyewear and jewellery threatens to compete with some of the very best within the business and I think that's fantastic.

Prabal Gurung

I only just recently discovered this designer a few days ago and I must admit, I do feel ashamed that I hadn't heard of him before. It makes me feel excited to know that there is always a new designer bringing something new to the world of fashion and fighting for attention. Creativity and design are endless it seems; and some of the pieces from his Spring 2012 collection are just gorgeous! 

I liked the presentation of the models on the runway; that deep magenta lipstick as well as different shades of berry and pink went well with lots of the colours incorporated in the season's collection. The hair presentation was neat and allowed their to be a greater focus on the clothing - sleek down and patted down with a part straight down the middle. 

This was the first time Prabal Gurung released sunglasses as part of a collection too and my mouth is watering. A clever new take on the 1960's cat's eyes frames with different lenses; tinted, reflected and half shade as well as a clear colour; lavender and black. I really want them; they just stand out so much and are beautiful! 

I think I like them more than the baroque sunglasses released as part of the Prada collection last season - and that is saying a lot. The abrupt end of the frame along the nose bridge is unique and in a way it sort of softens the face and frames it, perhaps it was a way to save costs on material but it's very different from a lot of sunglasses on the market and that's what you need against competitors in such a wide market.

There's just so much variation on design in this collection and different fabrics; above there's the cute sheer dress with digital print detail and the dark purple. I like the sleeves and the skirt of the dress; it's got a sort of fairy feel to it with a modern take and it's a little bit seductive as well with the detail over the crouch. The strong lines and vibrant colour make it stand out but the sheer material of the dress softens the looks and makes it feminine.

More strong lines, vibrant purple and now black are incorporated as well with the digital printed designs teamed up what looks like fur? I really wish I could get to a boutique that stocks Prabal Gurung- it's one thing to look at images of pieces from a collection but you can only determine and assume so much about the collection. The texture, detail and quality of stitching unfortunately are indeterminate from the photographs of the runaway.

"Gurung was born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. He went to St. Xavier's school, a reputed Catholic Jesuit school in Kathmandu, where he finished his high school education. Prabal began his design career in New Delhi, India. While studying at New Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology, he apprenticed at several local production and fashion houses and designed with Manish Arora. In Melbourne and London Gurung assisted stylists for fashion shows and international publications. In 1999 Gurung moved to New York City, where he interned for Donna Karan while attending Parsons School of Design. In his first year he was awarded the “Best Designer” title at the annual Parsons/FIT design competition. His own collection was launched in 2010."

The sheer mesh over the hips as well as the middle band around the waist accentuates the sensuality and curves of the female body- it looks so gorgeous. The darts around the legs are also flashy and show off those long legs. I bet this sort of dress would turn a lot of heads and make the men simply fall head over heels.

Those beautiful sunglasses are really shown off in the glare of a spotlight; it's almost like the bright life-giving sun.

More texture! What looks to be a cape with tassels of fabric reminds me a little of Opening Ceremony for Where the Wild things are. They had some ankle boots with those sorts of pastel colours and tassels as well. You would have to be pretty brave and brash to be able to wear this outfit on the street; probably a little too impractical for my liking.

Working the sunglasses and the devil may care attitude. The detail on the blouse and the matching jacket from this close up is absolutely superb. I love prints and patterns which are symmetrical and the ovals over the breasts hidden by the jacket are saucy but abstract as well. I like the sharp contrast of the aqua blue collar and the strip down the middle which breaks the pattern apart but somehow also intensifies the symmetry. The collars on the sleeve and the matching aqua pants are perfect, I love this outfit to death and I'd love to dress like this. It would make a perfect street style snap with a coffee in hand or a long coat trailing behind with the wind brushing hair across the face without covering it.

I must admit I'm not a fan of halter neck dressed or high boat collars but this dress is so perfect and the lipstick matches the dress perfectly. Such a great outfit and look fresh of the runway.

THIS! THIS METALLIC DRESS WITH PLEATS! I am obsessed with pleats at the moment; when Tavi Gevinson featured herself wearing the Prada lips skirt from the Summer/Spring 200 collection I fell in love. It seemed like such a classic, retro and chic and understated. I loved the styling for that season although I must admit at that time I would have only been seven years old! The soft curls on the models... very 1970's. Getting a little off topic here, this dress by Prabal Gurung

This skirt is almost as lovely, but not quite. The tinted fade and progression of the skirt from the deep purple at the hips till a soft hue of pink is beautiful but I'm not sure of what to think about the texture. It looks like it could be a faux leather of some sort in which case the structure would feel heavy and all sorts of horrible noises might spring forth from it. The pleated skirt looks a lot more graceful and feminine, glides off the body and feels light.

Close-up of the tulle flowers on the trail of the amazing dress. The colours are just so perfect; the dark blue, mind green and aqua are an amazing combination that I would have never thought could work so well until I saw this collection. I wanted to have the side profile of the model wearing the dress a lot bigger but the trail gets cut off due to formatting :(
It's so gorgeous though, I love the tulle flowers and the sheer trail. A fairy would wear this on her wedding day.

Better look at the paint-drip effect of the metallic print on the pleated skirt of my favourite dress. So amazing.

Those pants and the jacket, the combination of the two is just magnificent. I would love to wear this to a job interview, the entire outfit and see what the person would think of me. Maybe not the pants but the jacket is so gorgeous. The different hues from the lighting all show vivid and vibrant shades of blue. On the darkened lapel I can see a periwinkle and on the sleeves when it's creased on the elbow I can see a sea green. The imagination to have brought all of these pieces to life is simply incredible.

Matching jacket and pants broken up by the black sheer and sexy frilled blouse. I like it a lot.

Tulle effects at its biggest and best. I don't think I have ever seen a designer have such guts to take on this effect and make it looks attractive and not over the top. The interplay between the colours ( I love the colour from this collection if you can't already tell ) almost looks like a separate piece and a vest at the top of the bodice of the dress but with the continuation of the tulle effect at the bottom and hem of the skirt as well as the tulle ruffles the evidence that this is one piece is clear. The tulle sitting about the models knee is gorgeous. If I could draw I bet I could draw this photograph a million times over in water colour and never get sick of it.

The two tulle creations a variation on the other are different in their use of colour, this one having a more dreamy and sweet colour palette to it. I get instant images of bubblegum ice cream and blueberry vodka cruisers. The symmetry of the printed pattern along the waist of the skirt is lovely; I'm not a big fan of asymmetrical designs. The tulle across the bodice as well as the puffed skirt and the model's pout are perfect. Really love this photograph and the poise and grace of the model combined with the gorgeous dress by Prabal Gurung.

These little sweet detailed sleeves as well as the structure at the top of the dress are so fairy like. The dichotomy between the sheer tulle and the gliding material of the dress make it seem so pure and virginal but again that sexy killer dart over the leg. I can't exactly see whats on the side of the hips of the skirt but the look to be flowers. I'd love to see a full editorial of this dress in a romantic photo shoot. Flower garlands and this dress and a dreamy lo-fi camera vignette effect. I'm too much of a romantic these days; I blame the influence of John Keats and his poems.

Last but certainly not least; my favourite part of a dress but not my favourite dress from Prabal Gurung's Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The top part of the dress with the cut outs and the sleeves cutting between mesh and the digital print are much too heavy. I would have preferred to see the trail of this dress made the centre piece of attention. The paint drip dress with the metallic detail over the pleated skirt was simplistic but still sassy and modern. This is too much, I adore the trail and if I had my own little museum for fashion this would be the pride and joy but it's too much of a show piece and the harness belt as well as the sleeves cheapens it and draws away from it. It seems bad to end on such a sour note for this post but I adore most of the collection; just look at the number of runway shots included with commentary! It was a real joy to write about this collection and gleam it's artistic design but it seems a shame to detract from the beautiful design and execution of the trail of this dress with the busy bodice of the dress.