Mister, its spirits unshaken, is stronger this summer

Sopheak Seng looks at Mister’s spring–summer 2011–12 line, which he believes, thanks in part to the addition of womenswear and a post-’quake determination, is the label’s strongest

WITH its tenth season this coming spring–summer 2011–12, Mister is still going strong.

The collection, entitled Shoebox Diorama, came on the back of the Christchurch ’quake, which left the label’s workroom destroyed in the middle of winter production. It was forced to take production and sampling back to its grass roots, and work once again from the designers’, Ra Thomson and Mickey Lin’s, lounge.

But, never fear, as the old saying goes: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

A brighter, happier mood takes us away this coming season. Fair­grounds, popcorn, candy floss and all the joys of summer are captured in this carefree collection. Playful checks are paired with polka dots and stripes, while abstract florals are matched with soft-to-the-touch denims.

Continuing on the back of its strong winter collection and the knitwear that featured as part of it, Mister has again continued to explore the wonders of knitted garments with cardigans, sweaters (the Dougal sweater), and vests (Elliot vest).

Tailoring, a signature evident throughout all of Mister’s collections, is featured heavily again: reversible jackets (the Alex jacket), tailored waistcoats (Charlie and Sammy), blazers, pants and shorts (Alex shorts) will be summer staples. The shirts this season will be must-haves for your wishlist: soft and luxurious cottons come in playful polka dots and checks to liven up your working day.

Spring–summer 2011 also sees the introduction of something for those ladies that have always wanted something unique and feminine. The same Mister DNA is evident in the womenswear. Quality fabrications, designs and æsthetics all come to play in this new extension for the label. Monochromatic knit dresses (Olivia and Amelie dresses) let you play vixen and girlie at the same time, while broderie anglaise is featured on shirt and shift dresses. There is even a check suit cut to flatter the female form with the jacket being reversible.

A colour palette of charcoal, ink blue, and crisp white is matched with dusky greys, pastle pinks and vivid turquoise accents to brighten up your summer days.

This is one of the label’s strongest collections to date and the womenswear will add another bow to the already growing label. With its début runway collection at New Zealand Fashion Week in a month’s time, we anticipate great things to come. •

Sopheak Seng is fashion editor of Lucire.