While in London this past January, I stopped by the headquarters of Wallis, a long-standing British women’s clothing retailer, to get a sneak peak into their brand new Spring/Summer 2012 collections. Wallis has been around for quite some time now…the first store opened way back in 1923! This is perhaps one of the reasons why there is such an elegant vintage lady-like feel to everything Wallis designs.
I’d like to introduce you to the new ICON DRESS COLLECTION New in at Wallis.
Whoever thought up the idea to create a number of AFFORDABLE dresses inspired by legendary screen sirens and iconic film moments over the decades is a brilliant person! And Wallis has done just that! Wallis’ ICONIC Dress Collection features 5 different dresses, each inspired by a legendary screen actress over the decades….so that means there’s a dress inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn…and my favorite…Grace Kelly! I think this collection is particularly fitting for us Kate Middleton fashion fans because in my humble opinion, each one of these beautiful and stylish women have been an inspiration behind Kate’s own fashion and style journey (think Grace Kelly & Kate’s Wedding Dress).
ICON Dress Collection by Wallis (Available April 2012)
Let’s take a look at each one of these timeless dresses individually….
Glamourous Floor Length Bottle Green Gown from the ICON Collection by Wallis
This GORGEOUS bottle green floor length gown is my favorite Kate Middleton pick from the entire Wallis SS12 collection! The scoop neck, the pleating and detail at the waist, and the gorgeous emerald green colour makes the dress a real classic. Kate would rock this dress at any gala!
ICON Dress Collection by Wallis
(2) Black Fitted Shift Dress Inspired by Audrey Hepburn
The Little Black Dress from the ICON Dress Collection by Wallis
This Little Black Dress from Wallis’ ICON Dress Collection is inspired by the legendary Audrey Hepburn and it is my personal favorite in the entire ICON dress collection. Wallis describes it as “the must have wardrobe essential for years to come” as it is “beautifully designed with simple clean lines” and has a statement cut-out detail on the neckline to reveal the collarbone.
Why might you ask is this simple and average looking little black dress my favorite from the entire collection? Well, if you take a look, it really isn’t all that average looking! The detail at the back of the dress makes it such a statement dress!
The Little Black Dress from the ICON Dress Collection by Wallis
Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's"
As you can see, the cut out detail at the back of the Wallis dress is classic Audrey Hepburn! For those of us who don’t know, Hepburn’s black Givenchy dress from the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was the fashion statement of the 1960s and too an extent, it still lives on as one of the most iconic dresses ever.
(3) Halter Colour Block Dress Inspired by Grace Kelly
Wrap Front Dress from the ICON Dress Collection by Wallis
The inspiration behind this Wrap Front Dress with Silk Bow Detailing is said to be Grace Kelly…one of my favorite style icons of all times. It’s the perfect dress if you are looking to add a “touch of old style Hollywood grandeur” to your wardrobe!
(4) Classic White Halter Neck Dress Inspired by Marilyn Monroe Dress
1950s Style Prom Dress with Halter Neck from ICON Dress Collection by Wallis
There is no mystery surrounding the inspiration for the fourth dress in Wallis’ ICON Dress Collection. This white 1950s Style Prom Dress with Halter Neck Detail and Feminine Pleating on the Skirt is all Marilyn!
Marilyn Monroe in the 1955 film "The Seven Year Itch"
Marilyn appeared in the 1955 film “The Seven Year Itch” wearing a white halter-neck cocktail dress with a plunging neckline and pleating along the skirt of the dress. It has since remained an icon of both film and style history.
(5) Chocolate Silk Cocktail Dress
Chocolate silk dress from the ICONIC Dress Collection by Wallis
I love this chocolate silk dress…especially the lace embroidery around the bust. According to Wallis, the style and design of the dress is one which flatters and accentuates the figure. Paired with a simple tailored jacket, it’s the perfect cocktail dress! I’m thinking a pair of gold pumps would add a classic edge to this outfit! Or you could just stick with the simple (same-old same-old) black heels!!!
The ICON Dress Collection by Wallis
So there you have it my friends. The Icon dresses at Wallis are now available. It’s one of the most exciting fashion collections to hit stores and online this season I think! The best part about the whole thing is that all the dresses featured here in the collection are reasonably priced at $130.00 USD.
Which dress is your fav?
Ashlin, xoxo
These are really fun. You know, the green dress kind of reminds me of one I believe I saw Pippa Middleton wearing (perhaps by Temperley.
LOVE the bottle green gown! Ashlin, now that it’s spring, I’ve been using my blush Pippa bag- it makes me happy every time I look at it! And I’m now obsessed about getting it in other colors!
This is amazing! I especially love the green dress! I have a formal dinner cruise coming up in May, and that green number just might be perfect for the occasion.