Floral Explosion

"Fashion is instant language.”

                                   -Miuccia Prada

French fashion house J. Mendel has been producing luxury clothing of exceptional quality since the 1870s. Gilles Mendel learned the ins and outs of the family business from his father and mentor, Jacques, and now serves as the creative director.

Gilles tossed aside his usual ethereal aesthetic and embraced a darker, more edgy style for J. Mendel's pre-fall 2013 collection. The looks include black leather, fur, and beautifully structured designs. He created prints that were inspired by images of exploding flowers by photographer Ori Gersht that resembled splattered paint.

Each year pre-fall collections fill the void between spring/summer and fall/winter apparel and are available in stores the month of June. “There’s also a sense of exclusivity,” explained Gilles Mendel. “Women come early to get that special piece that might not be in the store in fall.”


I found two paint-splattered printed jersey fabrics and made a top and a skirt. The brightly-colored prints are lively and full of character. I incorporated a black Italian fabric in these two designs to really make the colors pop.


MADE IN KANSAS