After bagging myself an invite to Karen Millenโs Spring/Summer 2012 preview in Central/Central, I popped along with a hop, skip and jump eagerly anticipating the delights in store. KM immediately got off to a good start handing out champagne on arrival; so what is a girl to do?! With glass in hand, I immediately set about my task and had a good peruse around the KM store, which I might add is a lovely smart space in the Central/Central buildingโฆ go if you havenโt already been!
So, without any further ado, here are my top picks:
EVENINGWEAR
KMโs signature style has always been pretty bodycon and figure-hugging. The dresses normally embrace your curves, hug the hips and occasionally show off the old dรฉcolletage (well, hopefully itโs not so old these days!). The evening frocks in this collection pretty much stayed true to this tried and tested formula.
Signature stretch satin peplum dress $2900; LBD $3300
Cotton lace pencil dress $3700 (also available in deep pink), signature stretch satin pencil dress $3300, smudge print dress (around $3000)
DAY & CASUALWEAR
The colour was good; bold and bright. KMโs colours are on message for S/S2012 with zesty oranges, zinging yellows, hot pinks and bold bright blues. There was also great use of bold coloured prints, another key theme for this season.
Graphic stripe dress $2700, blue broderie & cotton dress $3100
Floral blouse and orange pencil skirt (around $1900 each), pink dress (around $3000)
WEDDING & OCCASIONWEAR
In need of an outfit for a summer wedding or special day occasion? Then these might flirty cuts and pretty prints might fit the bill.
Tropical lily print dress $3100, orange pintuck dress $2900
Floral blouse and pink pencil skirt (around $1900 each), blue top (not yet available in store) and blue trousers, $1900
PRINT JUMPSUITS
Print trousers are hot for S/S 2101 but for me, the jury is still out on this head to toe full-on print look. But if youโre bold and brave, what are you waiting for?! It does remind me of that 1970โs Studio 54 lounge vibe. Maybe Iโm just not hip enough?
MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Sassy tip: if you have time, and donโt need your frock immediatement, then itโs always worth checking ASOS! They carry an extensive range of Karen Millen and itโs ALWAYS cheaper than buying KM here in Hong Kong. Often, you can save yourself in the region of 1000 bucks on dresses, so if you want more bang for your buck, pay ASOSย a visit! International shipping is free, but try your garment on first here in-store as you have to pay return postage if it doesnโt fit. Shipping is pretty fast, sometimes as little as 5 days.
So thereโs my verdict! Hot colours, hot printsโฆ and hopefully a nice hot summer to wear them in too!
Karen Millen, CENTRAL/CENTRAL, 1/F Central Building, Central, Hong Kong, 2147 5838. See other Karen Millen locations in Hong Kong here.
Check out all of Katieโs Instant Goddess columns here.