MASHA MA | FALL / WINTER 2011

Despite this only being Masha Ma’s second collection, there is little of the amateur about her or her designs. ‘Decon’, her Fall / Winter 11 collection, explores an architectural way of designing and this is immediately visible from the exquisite cuts which characterise the collection.

Ma stayed true to her light colour palette of last season, utilising pastel shades of powder pink, grey and duck-egg blue amid black, white and red. But the focus of the collection was on detail. Heavy fabrics such as cashmere and calfskin were mixed with satin, silk crepe and organza to create a layered effect. Each of the fabrics gave an ethereal effect, from snow-white cosy coats to a mint green cropped jacket with layered lapels.

Femininity lay at the core of the collection, with capelets drawing attention to shoulders and peplum details to waists. Pencil skirts were gathered at the waist and draping drew attention to the silhouette. High-neck sheer tops with gathering at the neck expressed a reserved elegance and outfits were accessorised with jewel-encrusted collars courtesy of Swarovski Elements. Coats were the key pieces in the collection, whether in pale shades or in the form of capes, such as a black draped cape with patent leather pocket detailing.
Ma’s collection is a celebration of the female form and a return to a more demure and elegant look. Simple yet striking, these are classic pieces that have the potential to become wardrobe staples not only for the end of this year but also beyond it.

- Kay Weston