Who said black was boring?!

(Image from style.com)

While Mila Kunis, young Hailee Steinfeld and Florence Welch dazzled at the Academy Awards, I literally gasped when I happened upon this image of Matthew McConaughey and his partner Camilla Alves. He looks exceptionally dapper in Dolce & Gabanna but wow, that Kaufman Franco gown is an art work....

(Images from style.com)

 

Boring or classic? Flattering or draining? Drab or demure? I have long pondered the debate over black and my stance on the colour. The first Trinity College fashion show in a number of years took place on the 24th of February,  I participated as one of four stylists and all backstage crew were required to wear black. Recently inspired by the bright colours of Jill Sander and Marc Jacobs I was disappointed, I had been looking forward to dressing up in something bright and rather outlandish. Anyway, the night was a huge success and as usual I was wrong. Having spent the past weeks picking, collecting, looking after and assigning the model's clothing, I was mesmerized by the simple black ensembles frantically dashing past me backstage. The texture, the structure, the silhouettes so diverse, gave way to a kaleidoscope of black shades, it was anything but monotone. Inspired by these outfits and Ms. Alve's Oscars masterpiece, I enlisted the help of my photographer friend, Dargan Crowley Long. I explained my concept and ideas to him and on Sunday we organized an impromptu shoot with the help of Dargan's makeup artist/model friend, Madonna and Clodagh Mullins fellow TCD student and model for the day. The theme was 'Say a lot with just a little'. I picked simple but statement black pieces and embellished outfits with charming necklaces, waist-belts and power heels. Many thanks to Dargan , Madonna and Clodagh for all their help, enjoy!

Dress: Alice by Temperely
Necklace: Bow Boutique, Powerscourt Town House

Body: American Apparel
Skirt: Motel
Necklace: Bow Boutique, Powerscourt Town House
Belt: America Apparel
Shoes: Burberry

Top: Gryphon

Jumpsuit: Asos
Belt: Vintage
Necklace: Vintage
Shoes: Miu Miu

Jacket: Isabel Marant

Shirt: Rag and Bone

Trousers: Zadig and Voltaire

Necklace: Loulerie

Belt: Bow Boutique

Shoes: KG by Kurt Geiger

I'll leave you with these black Pogo trousers from Theysken's Theory. I love the wide leg, the pleats, the black satin sheen and the low rise wait line, these beauties make a statement. Until next time... x

 (Image from Style.com)