jungle remix...

Inspired quite broadly by Africa, Kinder Aggugini's Spring 2011 collection delved much deeper into the continents wealth of character than most designers dare. Though there were elements of the oft quoted safari trend, the Italian designer showcased a juxtaposition of imperial elements and raw nature - a combination that made his collection not only coherent but painfully covetable. Neutral shades opened the show with tailored deep brown jackets layered over waistcoats (cue the British Empire). The items were mixed with neck rings, heavy leather bangles, and cardboard hats, created by Stephen Jones, which all worked to provide a contemporary swing. Gradually brighter colours were worked into the mix: first a royal blue collared dress with oversized pockets, followed by a jacket in the same shade paired over an animal printed shirt. While the graphics moved from abstractions on jungle nature to orange geometric squares, a consistent link was maintained between each look that came sauntering down the runway. For me, the dual relationship between the hunter and hunted culminated mid-show with a selection of black pieces featuring a small tinge of animal print in one select region. Perfectly modern and just the right dose of wild for, I'd think, most women. [nggallery id=5]