Alannah Hill AW2014 Collection
Okay… I admit that being a personal stylist certainly has it perks.
Firstly the opportunity to change the lives of so many people around me is incredible and secondly, invitations to fabulous events that I can bring directly to you.
So this week, I was invited to attend the private launch of Alannah Hill’s Autumn Winter 2014 collection.
I took along two of my lovely Melbourne stylists – Nikki and Senka – for the viewing and to meet Alannah Hill’s designers.
Now for those of you who may think Alannah Hill is too girlish for your liking, you may be surprised by the latest AW14 collection that still exudes femineity but offers a new trend direction: strong, modern and with a touch of leather.
The ladies and I were incredibly impressed with the evening, which covered all cultural tastes: fashion, food and music.
An acoustic performance by the gorgeous Nikki (also a manager of Alannah Hill’s Chadstone Store) who sang beautifully beside a guitar while roving canapés in the form of delightful cupcakes, sushi complemented with champagne set the mood for the runway.
I was most impressed that Alannah Hill looked to every day people to showcase their the collection. Along with our own Runway to Every Day, I enjoy a fashion show that features women not technically classified as models as you get to see the clothing on an array of body shapes where petite sizes and tall heights are not a prerequisite.
Although, I must admit that by the end of this runway many of the ladies were posing very professionally.
Nikki, Senka and I werealso impressed by how versatile the pieces were as we began day-dreaming up the broad spectrum of looks we could create for a range of body shapes and ages.
I was fortunate to spend the evening beside Darren Freeman – Barlow, the group creative and buying director of Alannah Hill who provided running commentary about each item.
The collection demonstrated a beautiful colour palette of vibrant reds, burgundy and navy. Additionally, this seasons gelato colours were evident in the form of soft creams, champagne tones and pinks that were accented with splashes of green and black.
In terms of fabric, consider it luxurious, with silk, organza, sheer mesh and leather (my favourite). Lace was also predominately featured but not necessarily in a floating, romantic way, there were some modern and structured pieces that would appeal to those looking for something a little more on-trend.
There was also a beautiful play on patterns with vivid florals, modern prints, flower motifs and abstract designs.
Alannah Hill kept their signature style focused on dresses and skirts exploring a variety of lengths, short, knee, midi and tea length and I love this seasons scalloped hemline for something different.
With Alannah Hill famously exiting the company last year, the new direction in clothing design is evident and I believe will be well received by a much wider market. Additionally, I must mention that I was also pleased with the pricing.
So tell me, are you surprised by the new looks or are you already an Alannah Hill girl?
If not, if there was ever a season to try it, it’s now. Let me know how you go!
Love Cindy xx
I already love Alannah Hill although I only have a few select pieces. I really like the new direction, it is still has a touch of ‘out there’ girlie about it but also a bit more classic.
I wasn’t impressed with some of the Alannah 2014 collection clothes. In one instance the skirt, top and cardegan on the second image did not suit the person wearing it. I think the problem with some small boutiques is there are few dresses to choose from.
Also if I may point out we are an ageing population, clothing from China cater for short skinny people, contrary to the western society where woman and men are taller and meaty, and I am not talking about people with weight problem, I am stating that the fashion industry should wake up to themselves and cater for the real women and men who sizes are on the average scale. After most buyers fall in that catergory, as the older woman are working longer, are in need to dress stylish, modern, sophisticated. Then I feel the fashion industry will make more money. |Also designers of clothing please stop having 6ft anorexic models on the cat walk, it looks awful. these young girl are not tall boys, The industry should take responsibility for their health and well being. |Spain is a country that have refused to have anorexic models on the cat walk.
Mary- Luz, the young girls in these outfits are just young staff who paraded a few outfits on the night, so not models. Alannah Hill is an Australian company aimed at the younger, but still catering quite well to all ages and up to size 16. This is not a brand that everyone loves I know, it is selective taste. I love that it is feminine, can be mixed and matched and pieces can be pared back with something like a pair of denim jeans and yet look fantastic and different My photos are poorly taken on my mobile as I say at the end of the blog and these girls all looked so nice on the night, so I didn’t really do them justice, as they are not models, their pose for me was also non professional so in some cases not flattering……my fault here also. I agree that there is a huge gap in the market for showcasing clothes on real bodies and not 6ft sticks………..:)
I hope you are able to join us in a few weeks at our Real World Runways held at Chadstone. Here I showcase all ages from 20s through to middle 50s, size 6 to 18. Information and ticket details will be out soon! Obviously I cant get everything perfect, so every height etc, but this does showcase brands worn on just regular every day people! Loved your input and opinion Mary-Luz 🙂 x
Thanks Karin, I agree, I was pleasantly surprised! Shame I blurred most of the other photos!!!! I’ve had a wrap on the knuckles by my staff for leaving my camera in the car!! 🙂
I do like some of the more classic pieces from Allanah Hill, I look forward to trying on a few pieces when in Melbourne next. I like the 2014 look and hope they continue this look. Thank Cindy for introducing me to Allanah Hill.
Thanks Leah, I think its great to support an Australian brand and a very pretty one at that!! X
I liked the floral dress and the leather skirt. Not sure they will suit my shape, but I would at least give them a go.
Mary Lou…..great response!!!
I like the new toned down girlie look! Because I felt too old to go 100% girlie I’ve been a fan of their cardigans, bags & hair accessories mostly … pleased with their new direction.