It started with a trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
“The design team and I, we took a little trip to LACMA for the ‘Woven History: Textiles and Modern Abstraction’ exhibit,” Jonathan Simkhai explains over Zoom from his home in LA. The outing served as inspiration for a collection with both tactile and streamlined appeal. Simkhai said, “Obviously I love different weaving techniques like embroidery and macrame, but then combining them with things that are quite clean and sculpted. I like that tension, that duality – something with a sculpture. Something clever with something soft or modern.’
On the texture-heavy front, a black gown transitions from a structured bodice to a ball skirt that’s pleated and tied in a checkerboard-like pattern. sequins decorate the neckline and hem of a mini dress, sewn to create a round, 3D embellishment. “It’s all a secret embroidery technique,” Simkhai said of the dress with a laid-back motif. “My grandfather owned a lace mill, so I’m always trying to find ways to reinvent guipure and embroidery and make them feel different.”
With a fashion calendar that makes see now, buy now, wear now almost impossible for fall and spring collections, Simkhai aims to provide instant gratification before spring – both with delivery just before the holidays, and With its use. Wrapped jersey-like fabric. “You can wear it any time of year,” she said of the textile, which was used for an ombre midi dress with hints or ruching and a waist. Similarly, a knit fringe dress is an obvious holiday party choice, but appropriate for after New Years; The green color is “lewd and punchy” — “not even suitable for the holidays,” Simkhai said.
When we spoke, Simkhai was already busy designing his upcoming collections, and seemed perfectly content to be on the fashion treadmill. “I’m really inspired by my customers,” he said. “They love fashion, and they love to see what’s next and what’s new. It really helps me keep going.”
