Marios Schwab Gives The Renaissance A Sexy Spin

Talk about range. Marios Schwab's spring '13 collection was all about Amazonian earth mothers and tribal elements, but his muse for fall '13 appears to be much more poised and polished, with a wardrobe to match.

That's not to say the fall season's feminine archetype is any less fierce. Dubbed "Calligrams," the collection had, in the words of chief makeup artist Val Garland, a "modern medieval" influence. Crimped hair worn in low ponytails and dewy, highlighted skin were inspired by Petrus Christus' Portrait of a Young Girl, which depicts a girl boasting the most alabaster skin.

The collection also evoked a Renaissance spirit, with an abundance of beaded embroidery, luscious velvet in rich burgundy, and bare-shouldered cape/dress hybrids on show. The designer's signature body-cons were paired with ruffled collars and sheer lacquered lace coats, while slick PVC bodices gave the Romeo and Juliet look a decidedly racy twist. But this being Marios Schwab, sexy updates, clever fabric and texture interplay kept the collection rooted in the 21st century.

Spring's gladiator-style knee-high sandals are sticking around, but it's the garnet-hued velvet boots that are much more our speed...provided, of course, we can get through a London autumn without getting them soaked.