NEW YORK — J. Mendel designer Gilles Mendel has a thing for art. So for his spring 2015 collection, he collaborated with Puerto Rican artist Enoc Perez, who is known for his abstract paintings of modern buildings like the Lever House in Manhattan.
Mendel created fabrics based on several of Perez's paintings, with abstract collage patterns of skyscrapers, architectural columns of jacquard fabric and organza "windows."
Mendel created fabrics based on several of Perez's paintings, with abstract collage patterns of skyscrapers, architectural columns of jacquard fabric and organza "windows." The designs range from simple color-blocked looks in contrasting red and black or pink and white to fuzzy patterns that look like rain-soaked tower windows that are replicated on kimono-sleeve dresses, column gowns and even fur jackets.
Perez also hand-painted several one-of-a-kind bags in electric colors that match the collection and silver mirrored clutches that reflect the architectural designs.
It is not the first collaboration between the duo, who met at a benefit for the Dia Foundation in New York two years ago and hit it off immediately. Last year they joined forces on a limited-edition book titled Gilles Mendel by Enoc Perez. It features a series of 48 collages done by Perez that showcase the world of J. Mendel, including the studio, fittings, sketches, runway shots and scraps of fabric that form a portrait of the designer.
Given the enthusiastic reception to the collection, it's not likely to be their last.
J Mendel rouge skyscraper organza jacquard collage one-shoulder gown.
