Wisteria Blooms at J. Mendel
Marking the 10 year anniversary of its ready-to-wear line, the J. Mendel fashion house and furriers made it a brilliant celebration as the spring 2013 collection was presented on Wednesday, Sept. 12, in New York City's Lincoln Center.
Graphic floral prints of iris and cascades of wisteria are the perfect way to embrace the long awaited spring season, especially after what is usually a snowy and cold New York winter. The Kawachi Fuji garden in Japan struck a chord with the designer Gilles Mendel, and he brought a piece of that to the runway this season using it to inspire a well-rounded set.
Shapes and proportions balanced the floral motif and boxy downtown silhouettes on top gave way to chiffon skirts that added an uptown flare. There was something chic and modern yet classic and feminine about each look. Pleated and airy, Marilyn Monroe type tea length dresses were sometimes just that, and other times amped up with leather collars or cut out shoulders. The company known for its furs didn't shy away from a few key pieces that will make gliding through March a breeze for New York's best. The cypress, water lily and ivory colored mink zip back tunic sweater stunned, while the neon orange finn raccoon strip mounted jacket in tiger lily shocked. It goes without saying that the ready-to-wear will be treasured, but classic Mendel eveningwear stole the show. Chiffon gowns graced the runway in viola shades and wisteria prints with thigh high slits recognizant of a peeking bark through the layers and layers of foliage. Ethereal and magical, the romance element was heightened as actual organza floral garlands graced waist and necklines looking as though freshly picked. Easily able to be adopted for the bridal party, but let it be said that any bride would relish in wearing one of these unique blush or sand shell colored stunners on her big day, as she dances the night away.
With the rich history of J. Mendel as a backdrop, Mendel manages to combine an aesthetic that is uniquely Parisian and distinctly appealing to the modern women.
