77 MADAME HAWKE FALL 2011: ME HUMAN

I have raved about Ruby's winter collection which debuted at this year's Fashion Week, and now I will drink a glass of red and obsess over Madame Hawke's new collection, titled Me Human. Since becoming designer in 2008, Emily Miller-Sharma has branded Madame Hawke as a quirky and good-time gal, with an air of sophistication and class. Fall 2011 saw Emily's muse soften into a woman who is "just so beautifully human. With the need to feel safe coupled with the desire to be spontaneous".

This collection is my favourite so far- it is forever interesting and appealing, for the following reasons..

The main attraction for me with both Ruby and Madame Hawke is the incredible variety and use of textures that coheres every collection. Sheer and heavy silk, leather and suede, velvet, woolen knits, mesh, a fine selection of wools for the coats of course, and what about the Lush dress (image 3) !! This along with the Butterfly top (image 5) are high in my favourites list, which is inevitably very long.

Beautiful contrasts make Me Human so appealing and daring. Structured forms are worn with fluid under layers and starched collars attach to sheer silk. Tailored pants come in heavy weight knit for easy wearability and silk for luxury. Touches of ladylike balance the masculine - nipped waistlines, wool cashmere coats, beautifully shaped hemlines and a super tight calf length elastic skirt.

There is a more refined colour palette this season compared to last winter, the brighter bleeds of colour have matured to luscious burgundys, camel nudes and pale pinks resulting in a warmth and richness that could only make the wearer feel warm fuzzies inside. These are contrasted by crisp white and blacks which punctuate the collection.

If you can't fight the cold, embrace it. Ruby and Madame Hawke are of course reputable for their amazing winter coats, and this season just gets better. There is much to be excited about, the range of coats is in-depth and well thought out, and between Madame Hawke and Ruby combined, it is an extensive selection that needs to be part of every girl and their mother's wardrobe.

Here are some of my favourites from Me Human:

Madame Hawke Fall 2011, photos kindly from Eleisha

No one enjoys a rainy day (especially in this humidity) but looking through Madame Hawke's new collection for autumn and winter 2011 makes me wish dearly for the colder weather again.  Of course this range will be a massive sell out locally with the brand's dedicated followers, but I also see a huge and ever-growing international appeal in it. Shoes and bags are also a new addition, completing the look of the Madame Hawke girl.

Me Human is mature yet sexy, classy yet cheeky fun, incredibly modern yet so classic and timeless, with stunning silhouettes and shapes yet such a fine attention to detail, all in a (few) days work. I cannot wait!



madame hawke fall 2011 Me Human
designer Emily Miller-Sharma
model Gina @ Red11
photographer Guy Coombes