Still Got Underwater Love

6a00e5508e95a988330167673690bc970b-800wi.jpg

>> I know I'm supposed to be diving into the current tide of resort collections but I'm still vaguely submerged in spring summer, which hasn't really reared its head properly yet in London weather-wise.  Before we wipe out all the under the sea vibes that spring summer 12 brought us, I'm giving it one last longing glance and looking at Manuela Dack's S/S 12 collection as well as all her inspiration image that she collates on her blog Silver Cleaver.  A single grey stingray belt with plastic beading from the collection is currently on my desk, taunting me with its reminders of a collection, which was inspired by Manuela's childhood home, Grand Cayman in the Carribean.  Only someone who physically grew up in this remote and idyllic place could have come up with a collection that is so subtly nuanced.  The palest of green and grey chiffons in layered skirts brush softly against strands of delicate plastic beading.  Embroidery of lobsters and octupus, inspired by drawings by a 19th century zoologist are barely detectable and give you whispers of the sea rather than shoving it down your throat with heavy-handed motifs.  The use of stingray leather is particularly effective in the dresses, which hang with a Y-shaped strap at the back.  It's all softly cooing to me on days like this, having returned from an average of 25 degree heat in Asia, and come home to raining cats and dogs and gusty winds in London.  Therefore, allow me the indulgence of looking longingly at Manuela Dack's Carribean vision, which just so happens to manifest itself as a concise and subtly powerful collection.  Here's hoping that we soon get days, when swishes of plastic beading and back-exposing Y-shaped straps are called for.

Sea8

Manuela1

IMG_0190

Manuelad1

Sea1

Manuela3

Sea2

Manuelad4

Sea3

Manuela4

IMG_0195

Sea4

Sea5

Manuelad2

Manuela2

IMG_0192

Sea7

Manuela5

Manuelad6

IMG_0183

Sea9

Manuelad3

IMG_0197

Manuela6

Sea10

Sea11

IMG_0531

IMG_0532

IMG_0540

Manuelad5

28 comments

  7. It is sad to have to move onto the next season before we get to celebrate the previous one personally. I am also just finally entering weather appropriate for S/S attire and am not ready for resort. These images and garments are wonderful.
    http://www.mostlyclothes.com/

  14. I really love the irregular strands of beading on the first dress. It gives a really interesting organic feel.

  15. I have missed your blog SOOO much. It’s my first day back blogging!! YIPPEE!!
    Was in hospital with a rare form of food poisoning for 4 days. Thanks for always being such a great inspiration to me!! By the way, I love everything in this post.
    Suzi x
    http://fortheloveofaudrey.com

  17. Love most of it, but the bead work on the first dress makes it look like she is having an accident!

  26. this is brilliant! The subtle details that all tie each piece into the collection theme. I love the embroidery occy and the hama bead details amongst the stingray leathers, that is innovative for sure!

Comments are closed.