It was inspired by sci-fi classic, Soylent Green, but there was nothing dystopian about Penny Sage’s AW17 collection.
Show vibe: A highly considered combination of utilitarian pieces with feminine appeal: think drawstring waist jumpsuits, elegant suiting in shades of taupe, bark and beige, and army trenches paired with liquid-looking silk slips.
Fabrics, features and standout pieces: With uncomplicated silhouettes and a muted colour palette, the beauty of this collection was in its simplicity and accessibility. That no standout pieces come to mind speaks to its utter cohesion. Having said that, prints by constant collaborator, Marta Buda, will no doubt be quickly picked over by the Penny Sage fanbase.
Accessory game: We predict Penny Sage designer Kate Megaw will be fielding calls left right and centre from customers coveting her clutches and mini bucket bags in patent taupe and petroleum blue. Perspex bangles and pearl earrings with filigree settings were another beautiful complement to the collection said stylist and front row mainstay, Kylie Cooke, who just so happened to be sewing pearl buttons onto her own shirt cuffs as we debriefed in the Laurent Perrier lounge, post-show.
Soundtrack highlights: If you want to underscore your reputation as a clothing brand for the coolest of cool girls, pick a runway soundtrack that not even Shazam can recognise.
Styling tips to take away: Want to get more legs out of the almost played-out double denim trend? Silk and linen separates in subtly mismatched shades of blue are the way to go. Same effortless effect from a distance, but elevated.
Winter wardrobe essentials: If you never met a slip dress you didn’t like, you’ll want to be across Penny Sage’s beige linen option next winter. Add a volcano print woollen jumper for an outfit that is hotter than the fire emoji.
Things we learnt from Penny Sage: In the immortal words of Kylie Cooke approximately one hour ago, “all killer, no filler” is a thing. Penny Sage contained the fewest looks of all the shows we’ve been to so far, but it was by far the tightest edit. Designers would do well to follow Kate Megaw’s lead. Do it once (or like, a dozen times), and do it right.
