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CHOCOLAT WINTER 2011 COLLECTION
“Within the Castle Gates"
As a child, my imagination often took me to fairy tale castles filled with magical stories, amidst heavenly surroundings.Recently, I discovered that my father’s family originated from the Loire Valley in France.
In the mid 1600’s, due to the persecution of the Huguenots, they fled their beautiful valley, dotted with these fairy tale castles, migrating across the Atlantic, to The New World.... settling in New Amsterdam... a.k.a. the City of New York.
This season, my mother’s family heritage, from the green valleys of Wales.... became the inspiration for the CHOCOLAT winter ’11 collection.The romantic yet tragic story of Camelot, often alluded to in the Welsh Triads and ancient mythology, inspired my choice of fabrics,as I conjured up scenes within the legendary castle of Camelot, where King Arthur and his queen, Guinevere, reigned.
“Roses of Camelot”, is an exclusive pure silk chiffon, printed with jewel coloured rambling roses, evocative of a secret medieval garden. This group will be the first delivered, and ideal for late summer weddings or that ‘special’ invitation. Support pieces in co-ordinating jewel colours extend the versatility of the group, to carry it into the cooler months of early autumn. Choose from Empire...a fabulous 100% viscose, or our perennial favourite Chiffon, both in colours lifted straight from the silk print. Complete this romantic yet dramatic look with the unique “Stones of Camelot” necklace.
The “Bats in the Belfry” fabric is a stunning shower-proof jacquard coating, with the inside seams bound in either Shocking Pink or Orange. This group is ideal for city wear, cafe wear or ever popular “work from home” wear. Team with the superb new slim leg stretch sateen pant. Great pieces in Super Nova, in strong colours of sapphire blue and cyclamen pink, plus black, link back to all your favourite winter basics. The screen print in this group has been taken from an original chain mail design from medieval times.
Excalibur was the name given to King Arthur’s sword, and the exclusive print in this group is Falling Water, pure cotton voile. The key pieces in “Excalibur” are a versatile selection of styles in the Viscose rich Ponti, Squad. A fabulous coat trimmed with our fringed cotton is a must have for the city professional, but is also ideal for travelling with its “low crease” quality. Wear the Squad Turn-around jacket with the fabulous Falling Water tulip skirt, or create a sexy little suit and team with the Squad Pencil skirt.
The Squad slim Pant and the Squad Pocket Pant provide perfect partners to create your individual look.
Sir Lancelot was the champion of Camelot. A superb knight, and one of the greatest of the Round Table,
he was known as the “flower of knights”. He gallantly pursued, and won, the love of Guinevere. A beautiful silk / viscose burn-out velvet is our exclusive fabric in this group and works perfectly with the textural contrast
of the wool blend, Highland Check, to bring style, plus warmth, to the “Flower of Knights” story. Perfect for any winter occasion, from a country wedding to a night at the opera, put together your own special look
in warm and flattering colours of moss green, old rose pink and a touch of heather. Layer with under and over pieces in our wool blend tulle, Prophecy.
“Magic Spell” introduces a small collection of fabulous knitwear in washable merino to the Chocolat Collection. In a sophisticated palette of Charcoal Melange, Red Melange and Black, we bring you pieces to layer with crisp white shirts or simple charcoal striped viscose knit basics. Team with our fantastic stretch denim slim jeans or the sexy New York slim skirt for casual wear, with an edge.
“Guinevere” is a small selection of exquisite items showcasing beautiful fabrics in deepest ink, contrasting with the most vivid emerald. Romantic dresses in viscose georgette, trimmed with a stunning Italian wool jacquard, Soliloquy. An evening ‘Glamourak’ in Forensic, a unique, glazed, burn-out cotton voile looks simply divine over the slim leg stretch sateen pant. The Magic Moment tunic adds a sophisticated sparkle, combining the two key colours of ink and emerald with old gold. Complete these outfits with a choice of the Guinevere Coat or Guinevere Jacket..two superbly tailored items in a wool viscose blend coating.
Our beautiful silk chiffon print, ‘Ethereal’ takes centre–stage in the final scene of the “Within the Castle Gate” collection. Perfect pieces for wedding wear, a romantic dinner, or perhaps, opening night of Camelot at the theatre! ..... layer with the fabulous silk /cotton Mille (Thousand) Pleat tunics, available in tunic length or above ankle. The Mistress Dress and Tunic are made from the finest cobweb, Chantilly lace, and also layer perfectly with the Mille Pleat tunics. The Vintage Dress, Jacket and Pants are quirky yet classic, must –have updates for every wardrobe. Complete this look of romantic luxury with the luscious Glamour Coat, in crushed silk viscose velvet. Wrap yourself in the beautiful Poacher’s Wrap, or Queens Stole... to keep warm, beyond the roaring fire of your castle. oh! ...and don’t forget the glittering “Queen’s Jewels” necklace for the final touch of perfection!
