I have been whistling a merry tune ever since Celine Chapman showcased her Winter 2010 collection, So Dream, at The Floating Pavillion last Friday and for good reason.
The room was packed with other loyal Celinites including my friend Leesh, all decked in our coveted Celine Rita pieces from her previous collection, The Sweetest Thing, chattering with anticipation over sneak peek images placed on the nibbles table and appreciating the style of others with obligatory wine glass in hand.
The show began and as models walked to the catchy Stereo Total song, "I Love You, Ono" (which has embedded itself in my brain ever since), I had a little whistle moment for each new outfit as it emerged and judging from the reactions of those around me, I wasn't the only one.
Dresses: Her adorable day dresses in ballerina-inspired or pinafore styles were given a quirky edge with the fabrications; like the perfect navy lace or the love hearts print (almost leopard like at first glance). There were many whimsical and beautiful pieces to choose from (17 in total) in such gorgeous fabrics that picking a favourite is almost impossible-I literally want them all. Detailing used such as ruffle trims, gold buttons or twisted rope really set them apart from what you would find in most stores. Good luck trying to pick just one this season and since when did you need an excuse to multi buy anyway? Birthdays, dinners, anniversaries, revenge, just because......
Jackets: If you're looking for an update on the boyfriend blazer, the Love Heart Blazer is it. In what is bound to be hailed as the signature print of the collection, this piece is a standout in a wool blend fabric and cut to perfection.
Those who love a bit of street stylings in their mix, will be drawn to the hoodie anoraks in either the check or the pastel blue. The latter being a must-have with gold buttons and contrasting lace on the lapels.
Seperates: Models were sent out wearing girly high waisted skirts in velvet, prints and lace teamed with a range of cutesy tops and anchored with a socks-n-heels combo. A look destined to be a 'go-to' outfit for many. But the finale outfit of the demi sheer orange Princess Skirt worn over the Dancer Leotard has to cement the return of the long length skirt into a high rotation look for me. Feminine and dreamy, yet in-your-face...in a beautiful way.
The tops were very on-trend yet individual and classic. How Celine manages to do this and do it well, I do not know. But consider it done! The sleeve length (just above the elbow) the fabrics, the detailing. You can see for yourselves in the images above and below.
The tops were very on-trend yet individual and classic. How Celine manages to do this and do it well, I do not know. But consider it done! The sleeve length (just above the elbow) the fabrics, the detailing. You can see for yourselves in the images above and below.
The Fritz Trouser, a high waisted cropped pant, came in either a rich blue velvet or cotton/wool blend pastel blue- the twist being the contrast orange floral cuff. Loved it. And if you were a fan of her paper bag waist shorts, they return this season updated and awesome.
I'm not a pro when it comes to reviewing a collection. You know this, I know this. I see, I like, I blog. Words are not my strong point, hence why I asked Celine to indulge us in her own words.
1. Tell us the inspiration behind your winter 10 collection, So Dream.
The inspiration comes from the ballet, ‘the nutcracker’, which is a story based on the young girl Clara’s amazing dream where she visits mystical lands, dances with snowflakes and sees toy soldiers fight Mice Kings!
2. What is the difference between your label and others?
Celine Rita lets girls dress like girls, yet it remains edgy and playful. It is effortlessly cute and doesn’t try too hard. With each season I am pushing myself more, constantly developing and becoming more experimental with designs, textures, details.
3. What has been the biggest challenge in creating your own label?
So many! I’m learning every day, one of the biggest challenges is there is not enough hours in the day!
4. Your favourite colour palette?
Literally impossible for me to choose!
5. Your favourite fabrics to work with?
Again hard to choose! Beautiful fabrics like Lace, velvet, silks, cottons
6. Who is the girl that buys your clothes?
The celine rita girl is the girl next door…. with a quirk
7. If you could dress anyone, who would it be and what would they be wearing?
I saw Australian singer Lisa Mitchell play at RnV over New Years and I fell in love. I would love to dress her I can imagine her singing on stage in any of my pieces from my new collection!
8. Your favourite item from the So Dream collection?
Another hard to choose! My love heart blazer is a fav, I haven’t done a lot of tailoring, and I plan to add more tailoring into future ranges. And I love the dancing flowers dress I wore on the night of the show- the feel of the fabric is so unexpected and I loved wearing a full lengthed sleeve dress….and the check anorak, and the snowflake skirt, the dream dress, school girl dress… haha see cant choose!
The inspiration comes from the ballet, ‘the nutcracker’, which is a story based on the young girl Clara’s amazing dream where she visits mystical lands, dances with snowflakes and sees toy soldiers fight Mice Kings!
2. What is the difference between your label and others?
Celine Rita lets girls dress like girls, yet it remains edgy and playful. It is effortlessly cute and doesn’t try too hard. With each season I am pushing myself more, constantly developing and becoming more experimental with designs, textures, details.
3. What has been the biggest challenge in creating your own label?
So many! I’m learning every day, one of the biggest challenges is there is not enough hours in the day!
4. Your favourite colour palette?
Literally impossible for me to choose!
5. Your favourite fabrics to work with?
Again hard to choose! Beautiful fabrics like Lace, velvet, silks, cottons
6. Who is the girl that buys your clothes?
The celine rita girl is the girl next door…. with a quirk
7. If you could dress anyone, who would it be and what would they be wearing?
I saw Australian singer Lisa Mitchell play at RnV over New Years and I fell in love. I would love to dress her I can imagine her singing on stage in any of my pieces from my new collection!
8. Your favourite item from the So Dream collection?
Another hard to choose! My love heart blazer is a fav, I haven’t done a lot of tailoring, and I plan to add more tailoring into future ranges. And I love the dancing flowers dress I wore on the night of the show- the feel of the fabric is so unexpected and I loved wearing a full lengthed sleeve dress….and the check anorak, and the snowflake skirt, the dream dress, school girl dress… haha see cant choose!
9. Your favourite designer/label?
Obviously celine rita
10. Where can we get our hands on the Celine Rita range?
Website http://www.celinerita.com/
11. What is your theme song?
Changes constantly.. I love coming up with the tracklist with each new season. My favourite from the last show was Stereo Totals ‘I love you ono’
The best part is the Winter 2010 collection So Dream is available online now, so go check it out and don't blame me if you find your pockets are a little lighter or credit card bill is a little heavier when you've finished. We'll be in the same boat, whistling the same tune, wearing some dreamy clothes.
credit: all images used with permission from Celine Chapman.
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