Even if your one of those people whose usual style makes Pheobe Philo look extravagant, there is something about summer that makes us all want to throw caution to the wind and bedeck ourselves in all things bright and beautiful. No matter how chic Celine minimalism or fashion forward Ann Demeulemeester head-to-toe black may be, nothing get’s you in the holiday spirit quite like a vibrant print. This season designers have gone wild for all things printed with even high fashion Queen’s Stella McCartney and Miuccia Prada treating us to bold fruitbowl fancies. But whilst Stella and Miuccia’s take on this season’s hottest look were certainly delectable, no one does prints quite like Mary Katrantzou.

Mary Katrantzou SS11

Since first laying eyes on Mary’s stunning, hyperrealist prints I have developed a bit of an obsessesion with this ultra talented young designer. Unsurprisingly, I am not the only person to have fallen under her spell and since launching her eponymous line back in 2008 Mary Katrantzou has taken the fashion world by storm. With her designs stocked in major stores everywhere from London to Lebanon and legions of fashion fans falling at her feet, I think it’s safe to say that Mary’s star is well and truly on the rise. After a string of very successful collections the pressure was really on for the young designer to deliver this season and true to form, Mary wowed us all with a myriad of eye-wateringly beautiful pieces that left even the most vocal of fashion critics speechless.

Mary Katrantzou SS11

Mary’s SS11 collection entitled “C’est Ci N’est Pas Une Chambre” or “This is not a room” combined the designer’s signature graphic prints and fascination with architecture to bring us a mouthwatering feast of sculptural shapes, vivid colours and mesmerizing prints. As Mary explained to me herself, “ I saw women depicted in rooms and wanted to turn that idea on it’s head. I decided to place the room on the woman instead of the other way around which is the norm. “

Mary Katrantzou SS11

As much as I loathe to admit it, Mary Katratzou is one designer whose style is near impossible to reproduce on a high street budget. Now I’m not for one second saying that the Erdem-esque floral print dresses you can pick up in Topshop holds a candle to the real deal, but at least they’re along the same lines. Sadly Mary’s vivid prints and architectural shapes are just so exquisite that even the most enterprising of high street stores don’t dare copy them. So instead of trying (and failing) to replicate the dresses of my dreams I’ve decided to channel the essence of Mary’s SS11 collection. Think structured yet feminine shapes, rich colours and fearless print combinations teamed with barely-there make up and minimal accessories. Do I dare attempt a lampshade skirt..?

Love Ella. X