Downtown Glamour ... Saint Laurent SS2014 Collection

Just a glimpse, any seasoned fashion critique could tell that there is a strong sensational vibe emanating from Hedi Slimane’s spring/summer 2014 collection for the storied fashion maison Saint Laurent. 

The lustrous, high shine surfaces, edgy prints and rock star nuances say it all.

With Los Angeles — the major cradle of world’s popular and celebrity culture — being the base of Hedi Slimane, it is not surprising to know that glamour is the order of the day on Saint Laurent’s runway.

The show opens with British model Edie Campbell strutting on the runway with glittering black dress with pointed sleeves and deep V-neckline. 

Black sheer collared blouses with panelling detail on the lapel are paired with leather skirts and layered with military jacket, smoking jacket or trench coat. There’s also the famous Le Smoking look in Slimane’s own interpretation towards the finale of the womenswear show.

Cowl-necked black top paired with leather pants and jackets inject an ounce of the alluring 90s while a studded leather biker jacket paired with matching skinny pants and sheer blouse with ruffled lapel conjures to mind one of Patti Smith’s well-remembered looks. 

Another rock star-worthy look that will steal attention is a sequin-drenched one-shoulder top in blazing fire pattern worn with dual toned snakeskin short skirt and studded belt.

Dresses are flirty and hark back to the cool 80s and 90s – the kind that on-screen style icon Carrie Bradshaw is likely to be seen in on both Carrie Diaries and Sex and the City.

Some sport ruffled skirts, some are doused in prints and some come in strong silhouettes. I also sensed the chic presence of David Bowie’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust on a couple of high-shine dresses, due to the display of sharp detailing such as pointed shoulders and hem.

A number of couture-worthy pieces are also paraded on the runway such as a halter neck black and white optical print dress with puffed shoulder and asymmetrical hem; belted long one-shoulder dress drenched in sequins with draped right sleeve; and black draped one-shoulder dress with heavily layered shoulder which reminds us of the eccentric Lady Gaga in her video “Paparazzi”.   

Similar look and feel is present in the menswear collection as well. Present - in spirit, not physically - is Mick Jagger's iconic style nuances with slight improvisation, plus lots of coolness. 

While black dominates the working palette, a smattering of powerful hues such as yellow, red, blue as well as eclectic melange of prints is also added as part of the collection’s ultra-glamorous landscape. 

The trousers are crafted either slim fit or skinny while the tops are smart and easy.  High shine embellishment also adds a good dose of Hollywood pizzazz to the Saint Laurent’s spring/summer menswear look.

Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2014 ready-to-wear (men and women) and accessories are available now at all Saint Laurent boutiques and selected multi-brand retailers worldwide.

*Photos courtesy of Saint Laurent 


Saint Laurent - Lot 2.32, Level 2, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 55100 Malaysia