Mimi Plange,A Name To Watch In The Fashion Industry

This Ghana-born, California-raised designer studied architecture and fashion before relocating to New York, where she cut her teeth working for stylist Patricia Field and designer Rachel Roy. Mimi Plange launched Boudoir D’Huitres in 2007 and became known for eschewing seasonal trends in favour of staying true to her twin influences – Victorian fashion and her African heritage.

Mimi Plange presented her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week at the private residences of The Setai and showed off why she is an up-and-coming designer to look out for.  Having just completed a second collaboration of women’s shoes with Manolo Blahnik, the fashionista talked with us about her work thus far as well as her muse for this season’s looks.

Taking inspiration from a self-imagined surreal Nordic forest, the collected – dubbed “Labyrinth” – weaves delicate details such as metallic gold brocade, feminine ruffles and a romantic blend of silk velvets mixed with rugged alpaca wools.  The intricate seams in her stitching create a unique puzzle-like pattern in places that normally go unnoticed, such as the upper backs of blouses and sides of skirts.  The effect is eye-catching and sets Plange apart from the novice designers.

The most eye catching piece in the collection was certainly the black silk dupioni skirt with feminine pleating to create a ball gown effect, topped with a metallic sequined bodice and perfect for a black-tie gala.  Set in front of a dramatic view of the city skyline in the luxurious penthouse of The Setai, this dress will surely be a Fashion Week favorite for many and undoubtedly end up on the red carpet.

courtesy-JetSetLeslie