“SEXY... COOL”
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Berlin
Bebelplatz, Mitte
July 2nd, 2009
14:00
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
We got marching orders from a fashionista gal pal who hails from NYC via Paris. “Do not miss Mongrels In Common.”
We weren’t familiar with the label but liked the concept because as typical native New Yorkers, we are composed of three different ethnic groups. So too are the designers Livia Ximénez-Carillo and Christine Pluess (hence the name) who met at Esmod School of Design in Berlin and launched the collection in 2006.
We had a third row seat for the RTW show but got an up close. leisurely look at the garb/accessories later in the day at the open Deluxe Distribution showroom that reps the brand.
Half seriously, the congenial (and fluent English speaking) Timm Süßrich told us that Ximénez-Carillo and Pluess “do it for the money and FUN.”
Perfect motivation IMHO.
With a nod to the eco…laboriously refinished salmon skin as trim, in the “super expensive” satchels and as the basis of inserted bra cups, pants and jackets - was used---and M in C is the first European label to use it.
We felt the leather---it feels a bit like eel/stingray…a bit stiffer/ thinner than buttery high-end Italian leathers…but still pliant and comfortable against the body.
A luxe punk attitude romped the runway…the models had side swept lush shiny hair (elegant) and bold yellow safety pins piercing the exposed ear (gggrrrrrrrrrll)…
Mongrels In Common offered edgy separates like skinny pants,and peaked shoulder suit jackets mixed up with mod takes on the basics like super trench coats.
What we really admired was the way the designers expertly used geometric like panel of fabrics-for a clean, slim silhouette (think Narcisco Rodriguez),
and of matte/shiny fabrics (a deep beige sleeveless number….
PLUS softer feminine options-as in a mini petal black skirt and an airy white blouse.
In the show room we got to see some of the fab pin collar long sleeve shirts with a the safety pin as top closure…that’s perfect for that sexy secretary look that never goes out of style.
Bold gold hardware via exposed zippers were decorative and functional—and provided nice contrasts to silk black frocks…and cropped, fitted pants and a leather pair.... like a modern day chic Audrey Hepburn.
This label should do well if it ever crosses the Pond…depending on how that Euro/US Dollar ratio plays out.
WE COVET: THE BAGS!!!!!
Boxer Vladimir Klitschko got the photographers all excited.
INFO: MONGRELS IN COMMON