Chanel Pre-Fall Collection 2012

We may still only be getting to grips with 2011's winter chill, but it's already time to take a little peak at what designers have cooked up for pre-fall 2012. The number one collection of note is of course, Chanel. Lagerfield merges both Indian and European fashion aesthetics for next year, as east meets west for the pre-fall collection. Fusing the extravagance of India's Maharajas with the elegance of traditional Parisian chic, our Chanel lady is a lavish jet setter with expensive taste; but would we expect anything less from the French fashion house?

Her journey begins in Paris with crystal embroidered tweeds found upon a simple colour palette of ivory, black and shimmering metallics. It's then off to the rich flourishes and opulent palaces of Bombay and Rajasthan where raw silk tunics and draped fabrics offer a sense of exotic elegance complete with jewelled detailing. The whole look was finished with exaggerated black eye liner and chunky dreadlocks styled into elegant up dos; undoubtedly a reference to India's other riches: the famously relaxed and hippie orientated lifestyles of Goa and Kerala.

Images via: Style.com

Bjørg Jewellery SS'12

Reminiscent of traditional fairy tales and the Victorian era, Bjørg jewellery is renowned for its eclectic mix of precious stones and natural materials. Inspired by her Norwegian roots, the brand’s founder of the same name handcrafts each piece resulting in jewellery that is both unusual, inventive and mystical.

The new SS'12 collection entitled 'Odyssey' is inspired by mythology and romantic fantasies delivering original pieces based upon futurism and geometry. The range incorporates natural materials with blonde-bleached horse hair and feathers found on long drop earrings and extravagant neck collars. The collection speaks of dark knights, pale moons, magic hours and misty mountains with huge crystal encrusted double finger rings and horse hair trim ear cuffs.

All photography by Sarah Deane