After a very successful autumn/winter season, and collaborative pairing between Mother of Pearl and artist Keith Tyson, Mother of Pearl has created yet another exciting and just as fascinating collaboration with artist Fiona Banner. The line is intuitive and utilizes printed work by Banner, which is really the basis for the collection. Fiona Banner, whose work is about communication, literature, and typographic iconography, has created very interesting prints/graphics for MOP’s spring/summer 2012 collection.
While modern day readers are getting most of their content via web, the app store, networks, or other means, Banner sheds light on more traditional methods of getting information: ISBNs (International Book Standard Numbers).
As a means of documenting and labeling each item in MOP’s line, Banner has adorned each piece in the collection with an ISBN code and these digits help to uphold the brand’s feeling of exclusivity. The placements of the ISBN are treated almost like fun quirky graphics, which evoke a kind of retro feeling as well.
There is a lot of truth to the statement, “Fashion comes full circle.” When looking at the MOP logo/motif that is featured as a hem, cuff, or stripe element on many items in the collection, I instantaneously think of Versace. Versace’s Greek medusa motifs from his earlier works can easily be linked to a specific moment in fashion. Though these details are often regarded as gaudy, Versace’s recent collaboration with Hennes and Mauritz (H&M), and his resurgence with main stream youth/street culture, will certainly help to bring relevance to these details.
Along with new collaborations, Mother of Pearl seems to be expanding their product offering. The collection’s range not only covers spring/summer essentials like dresses, skirts, pants, tops and jumpers, but the collection features some really exquisite accessories, footwear, and everyday tops. Norman does a great job of bridging the gap between high-end attire to main street sports product for the masses.
This season, Maia Norman also showcases an assortment of swimwear. Norman’s self-proclaimed love for swimming and surfing is really apparent in what she offers through her overall executions. Norman’s attention to detail and richness of colors throughout the lookbook is great. Each look is edgy and perfect for the spring/summer. A lot like fashion label Celine, Mother of Pearl is certainly building a cult following, keeping their range of distribution limited to under fifteen stores worldwide. Mother of Pearl’s products are bold, colorful, and unapologetic. Norman is bringing something distinctive and progressive to the market without losing the brand’s devotees; all the while attracting newcomers. This spring/summer line is abstract and risky; but the overarching concept, as well as Banner’s contributions to the brand’s appeal, is fairly genius.
