Editor's Note: As the fall fashion season approaches, we look at some of the hot looks that will soon be in stores as shown on the runways of New York Fashion Week.
Like a lot of designers, J. Mendel's Gilles Mendel is looking to the '70s for the fall. But his view eschews the boho look for pure glamour.
Think disco, baby.
Mendel says he was inspired by Richard Avedon’s classic 1973 photographs of Anjelica Huston in Vogue to create nightlife clothes that mix a touch of hedonism with a sophisticated flair.
Skirts hit mid-calf, but often with a slit up the front for a touch of sensuality. Long sleeve dresses feature bare shoulders or plunging V-neck designs to show a hint of decolletage. Some of the evening wear has a menwear feel, with pleated tuxedo pants tucked into boots or fringe silk scarves tied at the waist of a dress like an improvised belt.
Fur — a signature of the brand — shows up in a cropped intasaria mink vest casually accenting a leaf-print silk shirtdress or brown velvet mink corduroy coat thrown over a scarlet skirt ensemble.
At night, Mendel shines with frocks made for Studio 54 or the 21st century equivalent. Skin-baring jumpsuits in draped satin or lurex jacquard and sequined mini-dresses, accented with metallic-heeled sandals or gold mirror clutches, epitomize Mendel's flair for "night-for-day" dressing — for the "woman who wakes up already planning her night ahead — or perhaps still dressed from the night before," as he explains in his program notes.
J. Mendel silk V-neck jumpsuit
With designs for both men and women, the boots are exclusively available online. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
