SFW: Carin Wester Spring/Summer 2011

One of the highlights of Stockholm Fashion Week, Carin Wester's Spring/Summer 2011 delivered strong, assured silhouettes that were still firmly feminine. Carin's collection explored the versatile colour of camel, as well as a mix of deep navy, light mint and some floral prints. However, print was kept to a minimum, used to perk up the occasional tailored trouser or jacket, but not the pinnacle of the collection.


Instead, the focus was clearly on lines - the sort that draw you up and down the body, or force your eye to marvel. Although simplistic enough to be called minimalism, it was a new take, and not just a rehash. Lots of flowing, floor-length dresses and skirts gave a very obvious 'long and lean' effect, while trousers were oversized and held up with the help of a strategically placed belt. Lace inserts and cut-outs showed off some flesh on swimsuits and dresses, while one of the best looks of the show came by way of a beaded creation: a slouchy white crocheted swimsuit adorned with delicate, necklace-like beads drapped gently down each side.

As a whole, this was an extraordinarily refined collection. From the get-go, it was clear that Carin had a very clear vision of who the Carin Wester woman is - and that was apparent to the onlooker too - a sort of sophisticated, glamorous woman, bold and assured, sipping a cocktail as she takes in St Tropez while vacationing, only to be swept off her feet by a man who is attracted to her powerful sophistication - and er, her seductively lacy, semi-sheer dress too.