Bell Sleeve Gathered Dress / Handkerchief Hem Dress w Side Ruching / Pinstripe Blazer & Tailored Wrap Front Trouser
For Autumn/Winter 2015, SHEN designer Mary-Ellen Prendergast presents a clear, confident collection indicative of a label that has found its strengths and is confident in celebrating them. For Shen these strengths undoubtedly lie in Mary-Ellen's impeccable tailoring and fluency in the form, fit and fabrication of garments.
Fitted Leather Dress / Merino Sweatshirt w Lace Insert & Leather Ponte Short
This season the designer has looked to the colder months as an opportunity to truly dress-up in luxe fabrics, statement-making cuts and soft, textural layers. Lace-accented merino knits and sheer viscose sheaths bring a sensuousness to soft dressing, while luxurious jacquard in a muted olive camouflage print gives a directional edge to daywear staples such as the classic pencil skirt, ankle-grazing cigarette pant and nipped-waist shift dress.
Metallic 3/4 Sleeve Length Top & Metallic Pant / Cascade Sleeve Dress
Strong silhouettes have also become something of a Shen signature and this season Mary-Ellen introduces a new key shape in the form of a flattering dropped shoulder cocoon top, cut in both cozy quilted cotton and embossed leather. A nod to traditional menswear is evident in simple slouch pants and clean silk pinstripe suiting, while the classic trench coat is given a bold update in cloudy blue pure wool.
Kimono Dress & Jacquard Coat / 10. Two Tone Tuck Dress
The collection's evening-wear story offers a sly wink to the decadence of the early 1970s, with gold foil paisley lending a louche feel to hip-skimming skirts and a silky, delicately strapped cami. The popular kimono inspired dress also continues as a staple of the Shen range.
Highlights of burnished gold, khaki, forest green and dusky blue break up base hues of cream, black and grey; a subdued, earthy palette that allows texture and shape to share star billing. Chunky knitwear in silver and concrete rounds out an assured, distinctly grown-up collection that offers class and comfort in equal measure.
PHOTOGRAPHY: © Micheal NG / STYLING: Ana Macdonald / HAIR: Durham Hair / MAKE-UP: M.A.C