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J. Mendel
inside the ATELIER
Behind
the Scenes
Scene Stealers
J. Mendel fêtes the Spring 2013 collection and its 10th anniversary of Ready-To-Wear at N°8
There were many fabulous moments that made the J. Mendel Spring 2013 After-Party a success, but the improvised stage act between Mr. Mendel and Catwalk Queens Karlie Kloss (in a J. Mendel cocktail dress) and Joan Smalls was an unforgettable prelude to Frank Ocean’s performance!
In anticipation of the Hip-Hop star’s appearance, the crowd was charged by DJ Sia’s energetic music, which gave Mr. Mendel enough momentum to form a trio with two of New York Fashion Week’s greatest stars. Three’s a charm!
Behind
the Scenes
Fueling The Fashion
Gilles Mendel's Five Daily Essentials For Shaping A Collection
• Absorbing the magnificent views of New York City at daybreak during his daily jogs.
• Extending the adrenaline with a bold shot of Gilles’ special espresso blend: no sugar, no milk.
• Stopping to smell the white French roses at his desk; a moment of reflection before seizing the day.
• Channeling visions onto paper through his treasured pen: a Mont Blanc that was given to him by his father.
• Listening to the stimulating sounds of David Bowie and Michel Polnareff to amplify his drive.
Behind
the Scenes
Weaving Past Family Traditions Into The Present
Illustrating A Modern Family Portrait
Gilles Mendel grew up in Paris and developed an affinity for the arts at a young age. After school, Gilles and his brother would run to their father Jacques’ atelier on Rue Saint-Honoré, where the J. Mendel Paris boutique still stands, and watch him design his cutting-edge furs. Jacques Mendel was also an artist. His avant-garde pencil drawings now illustrate the walls of Gilles Mendel’s office and continue to inspire him every day.
Growing up with an atelier as their playground has ignited the creative spark for Chloé and Sacha Mendel. Both children are at university, pursuing artistic endeavors. While Sacha is recording his first album, Chloé has just launched her own collection of tee-shirts and accessories.
INSPIRATION
Whispers Of Spring
Sewing the seeds of the Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection
“I came across some photographs of these incredible Japanese wisteria gardens – dense tunnels of beautiful purple blossoms. This became my inspirational starting point for my Spring 2013 collection, informing prints, colors, and a desire to make ultra feminine, intensely pretty clothing.”-Gilles Mendel
INSPIRATION
Unmasking The Muse
What's in a name? Discovering the inspiration behind the creation:
J. Mendel’s main muse and style maven, Kylie Case, is the source of inspiration behind Fall 2012′s coveted Kylie Bag. Its commanding presence of statuesque beauty, just like its namesake, is an instant show-stopper and the ultimate companion for everyday adventures.
THE
RUNWAY
Un Peu De Pop!
The sound of retro French Pop adds an extra cool note to the Spring 2013 show’s finale
Many of the silhouettes from the Spring 2013 collection were influenced by the fashion of the 1960s, so it was very fitting to add a 1960s French accent to the show music. Gilles Mendel expressed the importance of highlighting the house’s French touch to fellow Frenchman and music savant DJ Sébastien Perrin. The result? A funky finale infused with notes of French Pop-Rock to match the mod looks.
For the last song of the show, DJ Sébastien Perrin chose to play Jacqueline Taïeb’s hit song from 1967: “7 Heures du Matin,” about a young woman who needs a bit of help from The Who, Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley in order to get herself ready in the morning. No need for rock-star assistance if you have some rocking J. Mendel looks in your wardrobe!
