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What’s the secret to a flawless event look? If you ask the red carpet set who favour designer Yeojin Bae’s pieces, it’s a sleek and sculpted aesthetic that hits the sweet spot between demure and decidedly sultry.
Ahead of the release of Bae’s Spring/Summer 2017 collection, replete with inspiration drawn from the south of France, and with spring (racing season) a mere whisper of a week away, GRAZIA spoke with the designer herself for all the insider tips and tricks to mastering event dressing.
Yeojin Bae with her husband Jean-Francois Ponthieux at the recent MYER Spring 2017 launch Credit: Getty Images
What’s the one thing you think always drives home the perfect red carpet or cocktail look? For me it’s always about how well the dress fits and the craftsmanship in executing that perfect fit. Often there is so much detail and fitting that goes on behind the scenes to achieve a flawless finish. The simplest silhouette can be transformed when constructed beautifully.
What’s your best tip for taking a great “event” dress from day to night? It’s definitely accessories and finishing touches. I can imagine some of my dresses worn during the day with flat sandals, a pair of sunglasses and simple pony tail, you can shift this into night with the addition of heels, a cool bag, loose pretty wavy hair and of course a red lip.
Do you have a favourite piece in the new collection? Is there a standout for you personally? I love the simplicity of Lillian dress in Cream [shown below], which is a colour I love for spring – it is versatile and suits any occasion. The design lines [of the Lillian dress] are so pared back that you need all the elements to marry well. The fabric needs to drape, the cross back straps are the only visible feature from the back, and the A line skirt cut a little longer in length but with a side split to show a little leg.
The Lillian dress is designer Yeojin Bae’s hero piece of the Provence SS17 collection Credit: Supplied
Can you discuss why you’ve been influenced by Provence for this collection? I have been travelling to France annually for around 20 years with my husband. Over the last few years we’ve been visiting Provence quite a bit and it is a region I just adore. I felt really inspired by the fresh colour palette of nature, and the fields of flowers, this really influenced my colour palette and also the use of really pretty, feminine lace for spring. St Tropez and the French Riviera is great for people watching, there are beautiful jet-setters, chic women who feel really effortless and put together, I wanted this vibe to come across in each piece in the collection.
HOW IS THAT REGION’S FASHION AESTHETIC DIFFERENT (OR SIMILAR) TO OURS HERE IN AUSTRALIA? As the climates are so similar it draws out this relaxed nature when it comes to dressing that is driven by the warm weather. If you’re headed to lunch, it’s about a strappy dress, flats and perhaps a straw hat. Similarly, there is a love of dressing up for parties and long dinners at night; it’s about a more tailored dress with a beautiful clutch. It does have that same feeling you get in Australia in summer when everyone is in a sunny, happy mood.
A structured skirt balancing the sumptuous boudoir lace is perfect for balmy Australian evenings Credit: Supplied
What do you expect to be the key looks for racing and polo season this year?
For racing: Because the season is so busy, I really like the idea of polished pared-back looks that focus on well executed elements without being overly fussy. I like a strong colour choice with a hat that is simple but sculptural. Or for a softer look, I love the idea of a feminine lace dress with a really chic headband.
For the polo: The dress code is a little more relaxed. As the polo is in the heat of summer I can’t go past a cream or navy dress, the look is really fresh. My tip would be: even though it’s not required, wear a hat to protect your skin. Opt for something a little cooler than what you’d wear to the races – a boater is the perfect addition.
The Yeojin Bae Spring/Summer 2017 collection Provence is available in-store and online from late August.
Cover image: Jennifer Hawkins in Yeojin Bae Provence collection dress via Instagram @yeojinbae
