NYFW: Preen Spring/Summer 2011

 Taking their inspiration from Egyptian culture (and a research trip to the country to delve deeper into this idea), Preen designers Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi suited their models up in tailored, sleek pieces. It wasn’t completely a case of “it’s already been done” however, although the washed out colours were nothing particularly new, it was the subtle Arabic touch created with a touch of embellishment and pattern which made the Preen collection stand alone so far at New York Fashion Week.

Short, sleeveless dresses were given a minimalist vibe with block pastel shades, but were structured uniquely - a stitch here and there nipped these dresses in, and made them modern. The tailoring of this collection was one of the focal points, and was clearly intricately plotted. Waistcoats, shrunken blazers and precisely creased trousers made this otherwise feminine and sophisticated collection flirt with masculine shapes.

Preen is evolving before our eyes, and with each passing season, their idea becomes more refined. This season, with an emphasis on cut and colour rather than grand splendour, this seemed visibly true, as this idea of refinement was to the fore. Although minimalism is a trend that the fashion world has been swept up with for the last few seasons - it’s one that the Preen duo have perfected and executed with gentle focus.