Mendel hosted his SS18 Collection Presentation at the Standard. The collection was inspired by the Jazz Age and showcased stunning slip dresses and gowns in shades of apricot, poppy, and teal. The details were impeccable with burnout velvets and soft sensuous ruffles, with signature elements such as hand pleats and embroidered tulle, which the brand is known for. The collection also focused on season-less fur, showcasing fur in tones of dusty pink and pastel hues. “I am constantly thinking of ways to use fur as a year-round material. This season we combined a riot of bright pale dyed furs with delicate guipure lace and velvet ribbons.” says Mendel.
Check out our exclusive interview with legendary J. Mendel below.
What was your inspiration behind the SS18 Collection?
I was inspired by the Jazz period. It was a time when women had certain freedoms to rediscover themselves. They moved to a new world that at the time was difficult. But they still wanted to party and to express themselves, to get away from the stress. It’s a similar time today as well, we live in difficult times where things are changing rapidly. It’s important to sometimes put on a party dress and go out and have fun. The jazz period was very much an expression of the moment. It was about little flapper dresses and handkerchief bottoms.
I celebrate women through my collections. The cuts of my dresses are always very feminine and I want to believe that I am timeless. My pieces are in the element of the moment but still offer luxury, something that is very important today when fashion has become more and more disposable. There is a lot of casualness in the clothes today, it’s important to have your own identity. J.Mendel is known for its craftsmanship, made by people who are really proud to make clothes in a really special way. I can see that through our sales and customer response, that there is a client who wants to buy something of the moment but have it still be timeless, something they can one day pass on to their children.
What were some of your favorite pieces from the collection?
I love the cut velvet dress, a little slip dress like this that when you look carefully you can see that I have velvet pieces that I used in other dresses from the collection. I like the line to be very feminine. I don’t do flowers which is unusual for a brand that is very feminine because I’m more into art deco and rafique, which is also very much of that time. I’ve always very much loved the art deco period, so it’s a natural expression of my own inspiration.
How are the women of today different from the women of the jazz period?
The only difference is that she is no longer in a movie. So she wears the clothes but the clothes don’t wear her. Some of my pieces are more dramatic but overall there is a certain feeling of coolness and effortlessness with the clothes. My dad often said that you should look at things twice before you realize what they are about and I hope my clothes are not screaming in your face but are more refined. The girl who wears my pieces makes them cool.
How would you define the J.Mendel woman?
She is strong, socially active, and appreciates quality and craftsmanship.
