Sherie Muijs Spring/Summer

Sherie Muijs’ Spring/Summer 2011/2012 collection, which was shown today in The Kitchen Atrium at Hotel de Brett in the midst of a typical Auckland rainstorm, effortlessly conjured up summer in the Mediterranean circa 1951…

Sherie Muijs Spring/Summer 2011/2012

Sherie Muijs’ SS11/12 collection, which was shown today in The Kitchen Atrium at Hotel de Brett in the midst of a typical Auckland rainstorm, effortlessly conjured up summer in the Mediterranean circa 1951.

I was instantly reminded of Ruth Orkin’s iconic ‘American Girl in Italy, 1951’ pictured below-

– the flat sandals, limited palette and simple hair and makeup of Muijs’ collection echo the elegant simplicity of the woman in this image, whose clothes seem perfect for her environment.

This lawn skirt put together with a navy voile shirt and roman sandals was the standout in the collection – timeless, elegant, eminently wearable and flattering, but with a sense of edginess in the volume in the shirt juxtaposed with the midi length of the skirt.

The classic Muijs shirt was present in various guises; a particular favorite was the sheer voile oversize shirt paired with navy pants – appropriately named the A. Hepburn Classic pant – as this outfit, again, referenced the classic French beatnik look Hepburn sported in Funny Face, updated for the 21st century.

Given the inclement weather, I asked a colleague to accompany me rather than get my photographer/husband to walk to the venue in the rain. Charlotte, who I imagined would love the range, did – her picks – things she is planning to buy as soon as the range begins to hit stockists in late August – were the white linen shirt and tank with the mustard version of the A. Hepburn pant.

Charlotte loves trousers (I’m not really qualified to comment as I never wear them) and adored the colour, fit and general sassiness of these:

She’s also planning on purchasing the black linen sailor pants that were charmingly paired with a sleeveless trench – I imagine this would become one of those go-to pieces, capable of instantly transforming an outfit.

And getting rid of the need for an outfit at all was another stand-out garment; a stone linen shorts-all that would be perfect with either heels or flats.

Within a refined palette of navy, white, black and stone, Muijs, as always, has stayed true to her eccentric minimalist aesthetic, using off hues of mustard and paprika, electric blue and yellow to punctuate a coherent collection that is full of pieces that women want to wear.

I loved the N.Smith batwing shirt which I’d probably buy oversized and wear, belted, as a dress. These are clothes that work.

Words and photos, Kate Hannah, 11 May 2011.