SAY IT WITH SIMKHAI

The eponymous 37-year-old designer from NYC first burst onto the fashion scene in 2015 when he won the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. News of his flattering, feminine cuts travelled fast, and today, from his design HQ in LA, his pieces have become a regular fit on everyone from Michelle Obama, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid and Elizabeth Banks.

Jonathan's allure lies in his masterful approach to polarities; his designs are wild yet refined, sexy yet elegant, timeless yet entirely of the now. Fringed hems, lace and cut-out details and his talent for elongating and accentuating the feminine frame have become his signature. Simkhai notes how his design process has changed over the years: "The collection has really evolved over the years, but has always stayed true to our core aesthetic of juxtapositions. I’m always exploring the confluence of opposites such as hard vs soft and masculine vs feminine. However post-pandemic, I’m using these core elements with a focus on craft, artistry, sculptural silhouettes and unexpected details that have really become defining pieces that celebrate the unapologetic spirit."

And for spring/summer 2022 he goes mid-century. Think 1960s and 1970s-inspired draped jersey dresses, laser-cut lace two-pieces and loose knits with shoulder cut-outs all of which offer a futuristic silhouette in seductive powder blues, mauves, and brilliant white. He gives insight on his inspiration: "We explored how fashion attempted to visualise the future in the 1960s with space-age inspired collections created in the backdrop of the Cold War and Space Race. And, how that moved dramatically into the 1970s where a new style of dressing emerged to capture a spiritual awakening, freedom of expression and liberation to reflect the social movements, civil unrest and changes happening all across America."

When dressing for this summer's array of occasions, look no further. The Ramona dress in a barely-there lemon yellow drape oozes effortless elegance. Complete with a chunky chain detail at the waist, it's everything a dressed-up occasion deserves.

The Kamryn is a long but light gown in smooth silver satin with cut-out detail at the waist that will work as hard in heels for a formal event as with sandals for a sunset dinner.

The Christabel dress is classic Jonathan Simkhai, from the tiers of threaded macrame and fringed hem to the open back reveal. It's the ultimate party dress with all of the style and none of the pretense.

Continuously inspired by both his mother (who encouraged him to become a fashion designer) and his customers feedback . Even now, as successful and beloved as he is, he continues to meet the customers who wear his pieces and personally helps to fit them to ensure he’s designing for what they desire and need in mind. He says, "I am constantly inspired by my customers all over the world. My favourite part of the business is getting in the fitting rooms with them, seeing what parts of their body they like to highlight vs what they want to cover up. It really helps me with research for future collections and inspires me so much."

Perhaps this is the natural allure of Simkhai’s creations - while imaginative, unique, and carefully crafted, they remain wearable, unstuffy, and above all else, comfortable.

Simkhai once said that growing up in New York, he learned that women needed to straddle both style and practicality. This collection offers up that perfect balance, inviting everyone to shine in that very special Simkhai way.

SHINE IN SIMKHAI

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