One look at the craftsmanship and construction of a J.Mendel gown — they are engineered on the body for the perfect fit — and you can see why the label has become such a red carpet favorite. For spring, Gilles Mendel opted for an intimate presentation so editors and buyers could see the intricate details up close. He also showed an artistic video created to go online, giving everyone, including the younger audience he is hoping to woo, a front-row seat to his collection.
Inspired by the works of Emilio Jiménez, Mendel explored the illusion of shadows with transparency and embroideries to create a feminine feel but with a geometric edge. A white lace trouser, for example, was lined in black for a moody effect. He also showed plenty of light, airy pastel gowns — the most dramatic featuring embroidery on tulle — and others with his signature pleating. And Mendel continued to push boundaries in fur as he created lightweight toppers for spring, such as his velvet mink geometric capelet.