Lust List: Mary Katrantzou ‘Lanta’ Dress

I think I’ve led you all onto believe that I’m some sort of anti-color cynic when, in fact, I’m a sun-worshipper who adores hues; I just so happen to house a wardrobe that’s predominantly black and have a schedule that, unfortunately, doesn’t permit time for the beach. (Actually—free time? What is that? Do let me know, I’m curious.) Things are a-changin’ though, and whether or not that’s due an soon-to-be quarter-life crisis is unbeknownst to me. Plus, colors just look great with a tan! I’m milking that this bronze-y goodness for all it’s worth until I go back to normal me, so until that day comes, I’ll be clad in bright whites and colors of all sorts.

For a few years now I’ve been following Mary Katrantzou‘s collections. I love the island-hot-meets-futuristic-edge vibe exuded by her clothing; there’s no doubt that she creates with the image of a perpetual Greek babe in mind. The prints are always exquisite and the color palettes divine, all of which are meant to flatter the perfectly sun-kissed limbs of said exotic woman.

I can safely say that I’d be happily clad in Katrantzou dresses day in, day out if my budget allowed such a thing.

Of the Resort 2014 collection, the “Lanta Embellished dress” is my favorite. I love the literal take on jewel tones, the juxtaposition between precious gemstones and lush flowers—the material vs. the natural, the worldly vs. the unrefined — the cool-toned color palette. There’s so much thought spent on the print itself: every line is meant to accentuate the curve—those horizontal trellises across the bust and white band around the smallest part of the waist—or elongate the lines of the body with the vertical stacking of jewels on the skirt portion of the dress. It’s a dress that’s meant to stand on it’s own: to throw a blazer or cardigan over it is to ruin the lines and kill the overall vibe of the Katrantzou dress. Instead, all it calls for are a browned complexion, white almond-shaped nails, and a pair of slinky, nude sandals.

That’s all. 

.   .   .

xx

(image via)