HOMEGIRL SS14

Here's a little story. 

One day I was sat bored in work, so I did what any self respecting twenty-first-century girl would do and I trawled through twitter. Upon my perusal I fell upon Vogue's review of the Henry Holland S/S 2014 collection. Needless to say I was no longer bored.

Henry Holland is a bit of an anomaly to me. Don't get me wrong I'd recognise Holland in a line up. I vaguely remember the slogan tees but as for any other fashion moments, well lets just say I've always figured him as the Eliza Doolittle of the fashion world - famous for being, well, famous. His collections always seemed to get more buzz for the front row rather than the actual garments coming down the runway. What with him being able to boast some of the fashion elite as his closest BFFs (Pixie, Alexa, Cara, Daisy, Kelly, Grimmy... to name just a few.)

However, his new collection floored me. His focus on shape and structure, his use of print and colour, his feminine yet tomboyish design, the lace, the gingham, the florals, THAT copper metallic bomber  jacket. This was a collection of excess, taking inspiration from Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film 'Romeo and Juliet', Latin-American Catholic iconography, and the gritty landscapes of Mexico, culminating in a distinctly feminine aesthetic that resonated cool from every stitch. 

Holland's sense of humour is ever present, yet the 'homegirl' walking down the runway had an undeniably ladylike quality about her. The shape, the length, the nipped-in waists, the provocative lace inserts, the boxy silhouettes cut high upon the thigh, the red pout-enhancing lipstick, the slicked back hair and the delicate quality street coloured strappy sandals; the sexiness of the clothing was undeniable. However, what elevated his collection for me was the juxtaposition of this sexiness with the gold hooped earrings, the low peaked caps, the phone holsters and the holographic sunglasses that deeply rooted his looks in the realm of 'hood' life.

If money was no object then this collection would be mine, but alas a dedication post will have to suffice. However, I do see gingham in my fashion future (although hopefully more Holland than Dorothy), I also see my fixation of the midi growing (perfect for those days when shaving seems too much of a chore or when the white glare of your legs is just that little bit too blinding) and finally I see my quest for the perfect lace dress becoming ever more urgent. 

 (All photos thestyleexaminer)

Holland, if you're reading this; respect homeboy.