Illumination was the theme for MILLY’s Fall/Winter 2013 collection presented at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on February 13 at The Stage at Lincoln Center in New York City. Inspired by nighttime urban landscapes, MILLY founder and designer, Michelle Smith made big city lights come alive by combining photorealistic prints, glistening charcoals, and metallic blacks along with innovative fabrics and textures. The result is a sophisticated collection that’s on-trend with a modern take on classic silhouettes.
Laminated hologram pullovers and pencil skirts jumped out on the runway as did acid wash stretch plongé leather bomber jackets and iridescent lurex fringe pleat skirts. The jacquard rib sleeve dress with a red metallic kiss lips embellishment provided the feminine juxtaposition to the designer’s menswear-inspired bonded wool overcoats.
The collection reflects the combination of American sportswear sensibility and Parisian atelier techniques that epitomize MILLY’s point of view. Smith studied at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and funded her education by working at the Hermés boutique in Manhattan. Upon graduation, she became the first American Hermés employee sent to Paris to work with the legendary fashion house.
Beyoncé, Kate Middleton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mila Kunis, and Sofia Vergara are MILLY fans. The label has successfully expanded, beyond ready-to-wear, into handbags, small leather goods, MILLY Cabana swimwear and MILLY Minis childrenswear collection inspired by Smith’s daughter Sophia.