With a series of collections by English photographer, Nick Waplington entitled The living room – documenting the daily lives of two working-class families living on council estates, i.e., purpose-built, government-subsidized housing. Amy Powney drew on those photos for the AW16 collection of Mother of Pearl, the reference was a productive one- not because it introduced anything particularly new to the MOP idiom, rather because it sat so nearly within the brand vocabulary that Powney was able to refine her message and selectively elaborate.   A clear example of the simpatico between the Waplington shots and the MOP aesthetic is the tracksuit, a garment worn by several Living room subjects and one that has long been a mainstay of the label’s collections. The standout tracksuit-inspired piece in the show was the tricot-trimmed check bomber embellished with ruffles and geometric smocking. Both the smocking and ruffles reappeared on other looks, ranging from the terrific knits newly added to the MOP lineup this season to short leather skirts and lovely floral off-the-shoulder dresses in velvet and silk. There was not a trace of “chaviness” in this collection, no poverty porn. Powney’s homage to the working class was serene and polished, and in that way it validated council estate aesthetics. She recontextualized them so they could be seen as beautiful – a meaningful statement.   Commencing the AW16 collection, the Alicia top, a long-sleeved crew neck top with bell sleeves and ties at the elbows. These perfect feminie blouse featured in poppy bouquet print is this print of the season! Its about a s reliable as day following night. Dissecting the current verdant and varied offering of springs floral, the style memo of AW16 is all about the printed blouse and combing two entirely different petal patterns as a head-to-toe ensemble.   Following the floral statement of the season is the palmer high neck top with short ribbed cuff sleeved and neck tie. As each season comes and goes, it is evident that floral is always a highly coveted look and makes a bold statement. This perfectly crafted blouse is a current favourite of Julia Engel, Nicolette Mason, Shea Marie and Elin Kling.   Moving forward for a more feminie and airy look, there is the Sofia Dress, a short-sleeved pleated gypsy dress with pleated ruffles and sheer crew neckline featured in a eye-catching Eden rose print. Now on sale at Parlour X, this is the dress you are going to see everywhere. If it is diaphanous that you are after, then this is the perfect dress, selling quickly this is the dress you’ll love, want and need – a complete style must-have, which has collected a devoted following of It girls, including, Gabi Gregg, Danielle Berstein, Jessica Stein and Susanna Lau.   Lastly, however certainly not least is the Gail sweater, a perfectly crafted turtleneck long-sleeved knitted sweater with detailed ruffles across the cheat in either light grey and cream or charcoal and khaki. A surprising lightweight sweater making it great for those summer nights that end up being a bit cooler than you expected, and you’re all of a sudden in need of a cosy, feminie and statement sweater. Also ideal for those who like to travel – this knit can be perfect for most climates and certainly for those cabin conditions! Already having been captured by street style photographs from Paris, Milan and London be prepared for that next breezy evening and shop the lightweight sweater now on sale at Parlour X!