With all the fur we’ve been seeing on the runway this season, there was little doubt that the Gilles Mendel-designed J. Mendel collection would be an all-out fur-fest and thankfully we got that, and more.
In a very surprising twist, Mendel strayed away from the feminine red carpet looks we’re used to seeing from him and went in a darker, edgier direction for Fall 2011. The designer was inspired by tribal body art of the indigenous Australians, which translated into emboss-like patterned effects on dresses, separates, and outerwear (including furs!) While there may not have been any Oscar gowns in the collection, Mendel succeeded in doing something exceedingly rare these days: he created an original collection (albeit one that owes a little bit to Armani’s blue period last Spring).
The intricate patterns aside, the furs were nothing short of masterful. Whether mink or fox, the coats and jackets were incredibly refined and were the perfect layering pieces over the mix of tailored and more loose-fitting draped looks, some of which were reminiscent of the gorgeous ballet-inspired silhouettes Mendel crafted for his Spring 2011 collection.
Photos: Vincenzo Grillo, IMAXtree.
