Still Got Underwater Love

>> I know I'm supposed to be diving into the current tide of resort collections but I'm still vaguely submerged in spring summer, which hasn't really reared its head properly yet in London weather-wise.  Before we wipe out all the under the sea vibes that spring summer 12 brought us, I'm giving it one last longing glance and looking at Manuela Dack's S/S 12 collection as well as all her inspiration image that she collates on her blog Silver Cleaver.  A single grey stingray belt with plastic beading from the collection is currently on my desk, taunting me with its reminders of a collection, which was inspired by Manuela's childhood home, Grand Cayman in the Carribean.  Only someone who physically grew up in this remote and idyllic place could have come up with a collection that is so subtly nuanced.  The palest of green and grey chiffons in layered skirts brush softly against strands of delicate plastic beading.  Embroidery of lobsters and octupus, inspired by drawings by a 19th century zoologist are barely detectable and give you whispers of the sea rather than shoving it down your throat with heavy-handed motifs.  The use of stingray leather is particularly effective in the dresses, which hang with a Y-shaped strap at the back.  It's all softly cooing to me on days like this, having returned from an average of 25 degree heat in Asia, and come home to raining cats and dogs and gusty winds in London.  Therefore, allow me the indulgence of looking longingly at Manuela Dack's Carribean vision, which just so happens to manifest itself as a concise and subtly powerful collection.  Here's hoping that we soon get days, when swishes of plastic beading and back-exposing Y-shaped straps are called for.