NYFW – Raoul A/W 2014 collection

Raoul’s latest collection was presented in a very casual installation style event at the Stanley H Kaplan Penthouse on 6^th February as part of the 2014 New York Fashion Week. To summarise enormously, their latest collection was 99 per cent hit, with an inevitable one per cent miss, but what’s high fashion without the odd brave stab in the dark?

For the most part, the collection was elegant, wearable and understated. Colours were crisp and purposeful, as were the outlines and accessories. There was a great deal of jewel colouring and monochrome, with the odd hint of bold florals and traditional prints. The collection was varied yet seamless, with each look tied together perfectly with matching pieces and carefully chosen accessories. Our personal favourites include a powder blue coat/jacket set, a white blouse/trouser combo (made perfect by a statement gold collar chain), and a matte silver cap-sleeved gown, although nearly all of the matching sets were a bit of a treat.

Though very wearable for the confident and fashion-forward, the clothing collection gave off a much edgier vibe than the bags and footwear. All of the pieces had wonderful hints of high street about them, a versatility that was refreshing to see. For the most part, the bags and shoes were produced in neutrals and metallics. However, amongst the bags there was the odd splash of orange or leopard print, which gave this aspect of the collection a bit of boldness. The quality of the leather pieces was, of course, sumptuous, though this air of high quality was not transferred to the footwear. The heels, for the most part were beautiful and very classy, but the flats had a wholly different feel to them. They exhibited thick, quirky soles and bold quilted textures, giving the whole collection a down-to-earth something extra.

The combined effect of clothing, footwear and bags is ideal for the fast-moving, no-nonsense “city fashion woman”. It’s chic and serious, appealing to the slick business girl within all of us.

Elizabeth Finney
Photos: Adnan Moe 

For more information on the brand and other collections visit the Raoul website.