fashion

Fashionado is a fashion and lifestyle brand where readers indulge in a myriad of trending topics from the world of design, art and culinary. Via the FashionadoTV digital platform, Fashionado founder, E. Vincent Martinez, hosts interviews with celebrities, fashion designers, artists and industry professionals.

For Spring Summer 2019, J&M Davidson embarks on a Moroccan voyage with a collection inspired by the country’s exotic colors, distinct architecture and bustling bazaars. The resulting designs are imbued with the spirit of a luxurious traveler of the past who would dress up to travel.

Vibrant brights – Majorelle Blue, Cosmos Pink, Avocado Green and Acacia Yellow – embolden this season’s accessories, and evoke Marrakesh’s luscious Jardin Majorelle, which was famously bought by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980. Handbag shapes subtly mirror Moroccan architecture – the half-moon Arca bag references layered arches, while the Coura’s central handle echoes the distinct keyhole cut-away that punctuates many buildings. A drop-waisted dress is crafted from a glistening gold and red silk – a nod to the shimmering metallics synonymous with mosaics.

A muted palette of neutrals – camel, ivory, powder grey and sand – conjures the colors of the
Moroccan landscape, creating easy pieces that integrate effortlessly into an everyday wardrobe.
Traditional Moroccan embellishments – tassels and ties – add feminine charm to romantic peasant blouses and bohemian maxi dresses, while the pom-pom offers a playful flourish to this season’s new Liberta handbag.

The collection is also characterized by the unexpected – bags that appear to be simple totes convert to clutches and bum-bags, while the clever use of gathering and drawstrings result in artful draping for this season’s key dresses. Balloon shapes, seen in both sleeves and skirts, create contemporary proportions with a distinct nod to Seventies styling. A striped fabric, used to striking effect on a dress, appears to be woven, but on closer inspection is a luxurious Liberty silk.

While the points of inspiration may flavor the collection with a bohemian feel, the designs are inherently luxurious – from the butter-soft leathers to the bold, yet understated, cuts. These luxury touches – thanks to the easy-to-wear silhouettes, and discreet detailing – do not imbue the pieces with a formality or stiffness but lend Spring Summer 2019 an air of breezy elegance.

Photographer: Joseph Molines
Art Direction: Benjamin Grillon
Stylist: Danielle van Camp
Model: Nica Mestres

fashionado

For Spring Summer 2018, J&M Davidson takes us on a colorful journey via Mexico City and Istanbul, with a vibrantly-hued palette and bold silhouettes inspired by the cities’ striking landscapes.

The collection transports one effortlessly from city to city, with designs that capture the bohemian spirit of an urban nomad. Subtle details, tactile textures and bold proportions lend the collection a spirited, optimistic attitude.

Vividly saturated colors lifted from the canvases of Diego Rivera, Henri Mattisse and David Hockney embolden romantic peasant blouses and maxi dresses in fuchsia pink and apple green, evoking Mexico’s candy-striped buildings. The yellow floral silk brocade Anatolia coat, inspired by those traditionally worn during the Ottoman Empire, stands out alongside the masculine-meets-feminine twill Piper jacket, natural hemp Hobie duster coat and striped Anatolia coat in ecru and navy blue linen. Paired with the white cotton organdie Rose dress and easy, airy Ariel top, the collection captures the cool blend of androgyny and nonchalant femininity synonymous with J&M Davidson.

The shapes and colors of the Spring Summer 2018 handbag styles reflect the relaxed mood of a modern day vagabond – uncomplicated silhouettes in rich navy, sahara beige and caramel, as well as Mediterranean camellia pink and China blue. The new silhouettes include the Axel – an effortless, everyday suede tote that’s practical and unfussy, with a handy pocket hidden at its base: ideal for a woman on the move. For evening, the Eleonor handbag is something a little more structured while still insouciant – the brass hardware, oblong shape and sturdy frame allow it to make a quiet statement. Smaller but no less smart, the Aime is a vintage-inspired top-handle bag brought up to date with a discreet row of studs – it’s elegant yet carefree, much like the J&M Davidson woman.

With its exotic color palette, effortless charm and bohemian flare, the Spring Summer 2018 collection conjures up a sense of urban escapism.