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French Connection Spring Summer 09 womenswear

French Connection SS09

Win the latest French Connection Stud Tote Bag! Click here to enter the prize draw. Ends 28th of February 09.

SPRING TROUSERS £70

As ever with French Connection expect the unexpected, earth tones sit alongside bold tribal colours, clean vintage prints lay happily with oversized modern graphics with texture adding clever detail. It’s a well thought out love affair between tradition and modernist design.

Spring has a rustic start with relaxed silhouettes given natural embellishment in muted safari tones. Chino trousers are worn loose and low with turned up hems, paired with panelled jersey or a cream belted blazer. This season longer length skirts make a return; southern belles wear theirs just below the knee with an embroidered smock. Sleeveless shift and shirt dresses are given a swing with an a-line cut in neutral khaki tones or playful paisley print, embellishment is delicate in peacock green and blue.

Gingham check features across the season giving a western nod, scooped cowl neck, sleeveless tops and cropped tie waist shirts sit well with high waist, 70’s kick flare denim. Lightweight gingham cotton parkas have utility detailing with pockets and drawstring waists. Outerwear in neutrals are updated with exaggerated collars and cuffs. Knitwear follows a relaxed form with oversized boyfriend cardigans, off the shoulder dresses and batwing tops.

Dresses flow from fitted to ladylike – key styles include the fitted scallop edge, ribbon stripe dress and 50’s sweet-heart neck dress with matching cropped bolero, giving a definite nod to classic glamour. Marilyn Monroe esq prom dresses with full skirts add a more flirty appeal, with cut out back and boned corset detail, in a beautiful vintage china print.

As the weather heats up so does the collection. Modern graphics sit alongside colourful tribal stripes and beaded, flowing silk tunics. Traditional dog tooth prints in pastel colours are blown up and adorn jersey skirts and swing dresses. Jeans are given an acid wash and worn casually with a grey sweatshirt parka or military coat. 50’s influenced work wear has a colonial update with deep green, high neck, calf length belted dresses.

SIN BRACELET £12

Colour injections in lime green, orange and pink stripes feature across off the shoulder dresses, smock tops and loose knitted vest dresses. Eclectic chiffon handkerchief dresses are printed with outlines of a city scene, adding humour to a formal style.

French Connection SS09

The accessories range compliments the collection perfectly with luxurious statement pieces. The colonial theme carries through with wide woven belts that define the waist, or thin and leather with knot detailing. Metal work gives an edge to a cream large canvas bag. Leather bags feature all over tassels in chocolate brown or classic in tan with a mustard trim. Monochrome is key and makes a return in woven raffia across shoulder bags and clutches.

Oversized clutches make a statement – choose from the muted khaki weave with large wooden fastening or orange and black patent.

Swimwear brings glamour to the beach with matching prints featuring across triangle and bandeau bikini’s, swimsuits and cover-ups. Choose from kaftans, strapless dresses or Grecian jersey styles. Bikini’s are updated with frill edges in polka dot and stripes or wet look black with a twist detail bandeau top. One pieces are given edge with plunging necklines and low scoop backs.