An organic approach to design permeates Daniel Corrigan and Chelsea Hansford’s Simon Miller collections, which blend modern American craftsmanship with authentic Japanese fabric to create a sense of labored-over ease. For spring, the duo drew inspiration from the lush, mossy mountains of Yamagata, Japan, and held their presentation in a secluded outdoor space in New York City’s East Village — its stone walls and green grounds tied to the inspiration — with models standing on platforms creating an almost Zenlike performance.
Informed by the landscape, the collection took on a palette of mossy greens, terra-cotta and lots of mustard, set atop natural textures. “Everything is about textures — on the stones, on the trees, on the rocks,” Hansford said during the presentation. Perforated leathers were introduced on ankle-grazing slips that gave the appearance of weightlessness and ease. There was ropy knitwear, button-down tops in silver crinkled nylon and sheer, billowy trousers. Patent leather balanced out the airiness, while a vintage, Renaissance-inspired print — a first for the brand — was used in feminine silhouettes. Of course, there were the authentic Japanese denim staples the brand does so well, such as the 06 fit midrise straight-leg jeans done in various vintage washes and treatments that included raw hems. It was understated, cool and rich.
The season’s must-have accessories included a miniature version of the Birch tote and a new cross-body style named the Fir made with French mineral-tanned leather. The duo’s second collaboration with Reinhard Plank yielded new wood platform sandals and over-the-knee, soft napa leather boots. The organic, rocklike jewelry was the third collaboration with Rebecca Pinto.