the phrase "prints charming" is pretty much cliche nowadays, but i'm struggling to think of something more apt to describe basso + brooke's collection at my beautiful city yesterday. a label long known for their incredible prints (thanks to bruno basso, who designs them in-house), they must feel the pressure when a new season rolls around, as they try to play to their strengths while keeping it fresh. icy, jewel tones featured heavily in range of tropical themed prints, with lilies and other overblown flowers mingling with galaxy-style motifs. the day dresses certainly packed a punch: demure enough with their calf-skimming length to be wearable, but bold enough with their incredible prints to really make a statement. bruno's prints and chris' pattern cutting go together like bread and butter. the designs flowed freely over diaphanous dresses, and hung perfectly on the draped numbers, creating a truly stunning silhouette. a whole rainbow of colours was explored, with an emphasis on purples and blues to add that slightly galactical feel to the otherwise tropical-fused collection. i think the real beauty lies in the genius of their pairing: by putting such exquisite pattern cutting alongside such statement prints, one creates a wonderful paradox of a simplistic piece, maximised by the fashion-forward prints. the woman will do all the talking in the dress, but the dress will have a voice of its own, too.
