Photo: Jessica Angeles
INSPIRATION
Katie Gallagher’s Spring 2014 collection showcased an ability to transform even the most limited palette of black, ivory, and pale-pink into statement-worthy, coveted monochromatic looks. With a sprinkling of Goth and an abundance of florals, the collection titled “Bloom” was just as beautiful as its name suggests. The contrast between ethereal, free-flowing pieces and edgier, more structured silhouettes translated to an overall theme of dark romanticism.
FASHION
Photo: Lauren Cosenza
Photo: Lauren Cosenza
Silky chiffon dominated the collection that included bodysuits, full-length dresses and racerback leather bra-tops. Select pieces adorned with ruffled rosettes were among the standouts. Looks were completed with tassel necklaces and braided chokers. The collection as a whole conveyed minimalism in a sleek and sexy way, proving to be wearable for (and soon-to-be desired-by) the modern-day female.
MAKEUP
Photo: Lauren Cosenza
Makeup by Romero Jennings for MAC toyed with heavy bottom eyeliner, concentrating pigment at the inner corner and creating a look reminiscent of “Black Swan”. Bold red liner was then smudged under the black to accentuate fierce and mesmerizing eyes. Cheeks were dusted pink and lips were tinted light rose, adding some romance and softness to balance the intensity of the eye.
NAILS
Photo: Lauren Cosenza
Nails by Casey Herman for Kiss layered a geometric black and silver diamond design over a pale pink Nail Dress for an ultrachic and futuristic look.
HAIR
Photo: Lauren Cosenza
Hair by Cesar Ramirez for Davines unveiled fresh faces and reinforced the show’s theme through the construction of a slicked-back self-held ponytail. “The concept and inspiration for Katie was this bloom — and flowers and carnations. She always adds a cool, deep eeriness to it. And her thing was the beauty between being beautiful on the outside and that on the inside, which stems back to the song Blume that inspired this collection.” Ramirez added a little magic of his own. “What we’re doing that has a little twist to it is that the ponytail actually has no holder. The product will just hold the hair.”
Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Jahncke
Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Jahncke
A ponytail with no holder? Ramirez started with Davines Texturizer Spray to give the hair some “fabric” to manipulate. Then using Davines N 11 Universal Instant Grip Glue, he added high shine and strong hold to give the hair a wet look plus lock it in position. An elastic originally secured the pony but later was removed, allowing the Glue to hold the style on its own. Finally, Ramirez split the bang area into two, twisting both parts against the head while hair ends were weaved into the outer ponytail to create a crown. He adds that the crowns “remind me of carnations and the whole flower girl look” and were inspired by the concept of Bloom.
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Photo: Jessica Angeles
What struck me most amidst the stunning array of light and dark in Katie Gallagher’s SS14 collection was the model covered in tattoos at the very end of the lineup. While all the other girls appeared softer, this one looked 100% badass, despite the fact that she was wearing heavenly ivory. The clashing of perhaps a dark personality in a sheer one-piece made her my absolute favorite. She also wore a lightweight cream bomber jacket – unique in its masculine cut although feminine in fabric and color.
What do you think of “Bloom”?
xx
Jessica