Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

1 9 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I B old. Graphic. Vibrant. The Céline Spring/Summer 2014 collection sees the Céline woman striking a new stance – the controlled sophistication Phoebe Philo introduced when she took over at the helm in 2010 has exploded into a canvas of graffiti prints, bohemian silhouettes, and dramatic swatches of colour. Free, easy and fun – but exuding strength and a streetwise savvy – Céline for 2014 is a collection for real life. ‘Just power, power to women,’ as Phoebe herself described the feeling behind her newest looks. The look is eclectic, a collage of images that cohere into one vision. An ethnic, tribal flair pairs with a modern sense of street art; hand- painted brush strokes sweep across long- sleeved tops; striped asymmetrical skirts in fluid materials are paired with more structured button-up shirts, all in a riot of colour and print. Giving shape and depth to the collection is the experimental use of fabrics; beautiful woven jacquards and knits state clearly that the trademark Céline sophistication hasn’t gone away; it’s just been brightened up a bit for summer. Interesting, too, is the interplay of weights: an oversized chunky white sweater, graffiti-inspired writing down the arms, is paired with an ethereal, diaphanous skirt. Clearly inspired by 1980s music and culture, the looks are complemented by broad bangle bracelets in primary colours, metal chokers, slouchy bags, and athletic-inspired sandals from the Céline 2014 accessories line. The evening wear is similarly bold: one- shouldered tunics, accented with metal cut- outs, layered over multi-level skirts in contrasting, textured fabrics, strike a powerful modern note that is less tied to an 80s aesthetic, while structured jackets give way to draped finishing to top fluid skirts in graphic swatches of vibrant colour. Coats are undoubtedly a highlight of the Céline Spring/Summer 2014 offering. Showing the same inspiration and palette – some in graffiti prints, some tribal-inspired, others pure bursts of solid primary colour – they are wrapped and belted and topped with wide lapels and dramatic back-turned cuffs. A solid, more structured black slimline coat is detailed with metal-outlined circular cut- outs, embodying the powerful silhouette alluded to by Phoebe Philo. Fresh, vibrant and exuding confidence – the true expression of the Céline woman.