Frock star

STEELE the Label's latest collection, Valiente, translates to "brave” in Spanish - and that's exactly the way you should treat the trends.

"We took inspiration from the woman who leaves behind the comforts of familiarity for the indulgence of freedom,” brand manager Natalie Stretton says.

"The spirit of the season is embodied by a timeless nonchalance personified by the modern boheme, unashamedly exuding femininity through considered fabrics that tell stories without borders.

"We draw inspiration from the quote by J. D. Salinger: 'She wasn't doing a thing that I could see, except standing there leaning on the balcony railing, holding the universe together.'”

While Natalie predicts those retro gingham checks are here to stay for 2018, Valiente also includes some classics.

"The collection references florals synonymous with sun-drenched days that roll into moonlit nights,” she says.

"Textures come to life in intricately detailed cottons, lots of shirring and spontaneous injections of lurex and grounded by denim to allow elevated ease of wear.

"One trend we have drawn inspiration from is rouging hemlines - they're just so feminine and flirtatious. Our Amina and Carine Ruffle Dress embody this.

"Shirring details and colours such as buttercup yellow and rouge pink are also coming through the collection.”

Natalie has a couple of key favourites and offers her advice on how they can be worn,

"The Prism L/S Dress is such a wow piece, the shape is modern and the rainbow lurex print makes it such a fun, head-turning look,” she says.

The Devin dress exudes femininity and is perfect for those long summer days and we can't look past the Le Bloom L/S dress in the most striking buttercup floral print.

"Keep the styling simple and let the outfit speak for itself with fine jewellery, a great pair of sunnies or a straw hat.”