Maiyet Fall 2016

This fashion show is the first collection from Maiyet I had seen in person under the creative direction of Declan Kearney. He has taken over the design of the label for about a year now. Maiyet was founded by the unlikely fashion exec Paul Van Zyl, a human rights lawyer and executive secretary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa. 
Van Zyl established his brand as a luxury line dedicated to sustainability and one that sources from struggling communities in India and Kenya. They work heavily with NEST, an organization that connects with businesses that want to help communities preserve artisan techniques. However, he wanted to establish the brand as a high-fashion designer force as well. He brought in Declan Kearney to overhaul the look and was a former designer at Alexander Wang. For the Fall 2016 collection, he drew upon the sexy aesthetic of Carlo Mollino photographs and interior decor patterns found in John Lautner designs for the iconic Indochine. An image of Jackie O. also factored into the mood board.

Carlo Mollino Photographs

 You can see the retro influence in the wool boucle coats and slim cigarette pants. Leather trim and leather jackets made for sophisticated statement pieces. There were a lot of sheer evening and cocktail dresses that were embroidered or appliqued with variations of a leaf motif. The leaves were a tribute to the botanical print wallpaper of Lautner's interior decor. While the vintage source was acknowledged, the collection looked thoroughly modern. Each model in Maiyet's outfits strutted down the runway like a cosmopolitan power woman.
Maiyet is quickly growing as a great designer label for the style but also one that stands for something. Barney's and Neiman Marcus is one of many luxury retailers to support the brand. I can't wait to watch this label in the seasons to come.

Fashion show photos by Mariana Leung