Rediscovering Elegance
A Conversation about Renewal and Reinvention
About this video: This video is a 60-second photo montage from a recent photoshoot of the J.Mullin Apparel Spring/Summer line, which is set to debut at a LAUNCH EVENT this coming Thursday in Kansas City.
More information at Eventbrite.com:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jmullin-apparel-launch-event-distinctive-handmade-luxury-kimonos- tickets-264112978027)
In anticipation of our upcoming LAUNCH EVENT, I recently sat down with a writer who is very familiar with our line and shared some of the background information about our new collection:
The Theme:
Q: The overall theme of the new collection is “Rediscovering Elegance.” What do you mean by Rediscovering Elegance?
JM: It signifies a coming out of hiding; a hope for our future; a desire for renewal and reinvention; a craving for simplifying our lives, celebrating beauty and elevating our style. The new collection celebrates vibrancy and a sense of adventure, and embraces our love for luxury and sophisticated style.
Q: You say each kimono is one-of-a-kind. I love that each kimono has a name and even has a story. Can you tell us more about that?
JM: Our kimonos each feature some repurposed fabrics, and a lot of them incorporate vintage kimono fabric. Each piece tells a story that is as unique and multi-faceted as the story of the woman who wears it. I am fascinated by every woman’s story of how she has evolved. Every woman has a story, and we want to help her tell it.
The Fabrics:
Q: We’re seeing some warm, rosy colors, some graphic prints and botanicals in the line. What was your inspiration for choosing these fabrics? They’re all quite different, but somehow hang together. Can you tell us more about how you put these fabrics together?
JM: What you can expect from this collection is a bit of nostalgic luxury. My inspirations for the kimonos and scarves were the glamour of old Hollywood and the warm rosy colors of vintage travel posters. The fabrics I chose evoke the abstract art style of Matisse and the muted colors of block prints from the Mid Century. There are a lot of warm, rosy colors and contemporary Japanese prints. We trim our garments with fine Japanese linen bands and finish them off with curated vintage and repurposed fabrics. Part modern art, part vintage kimono, the fabric combinations are the true art of each piece. No two are alike.
The Relevance:
Q: How is the new line relevant for women at this moment in time, and considering the lifestyle changes that we have made over the last two years?
JM: I think women are so ready to get dressed up again. We’ve been in hiding for over two years, and we’re so ready for a change. We want a wardrobe that is less complicated, yet more sophisticated. We’re craving color and patterns, but we want fewer pieces and a more timeless, elegant look.
From everything I've read about what's trending in fashion this season, women are choosing quality over quantity, and are going for classic timeless looks that are relaxed but elevated, and are adaptable to a wide range of situations. We are zeroing in on what our personal style really is and want to wear garments that bring out our confidence and make us feel more alive. We want to wear things that are flattering, and that we can wear with pieces we already own.
Styling Tips:
Q: Let’s talk about styling. Just how do you wear a kimono?
JM: Consider it a layering piece, a topper for whatever you are wearing at the moment. The looks can vary from athleisure casual and sneakers or slides to jeans and sandals
to cropped pants and espadrilles to a simple cocktail dress or wide palazzo pants with heels. You can basically build a capsule wardrobe around one or two statement piece kimonos.
Q: That would simplify creating a travel wardrobe, right?
JM: Absolutely. A kimono can be a robe at breakfast, a light coat worn over joggers or jeans for sightseeing, a swimsuit coverup at the pool, and be a dramatic topper for cocktail dresses and evening attire like narrow silk ankle pants or long flowing palazzo pants. You’ll be wrapped in luxury and comfort from morning to night.
Paired with classic separates, a J.Mullin kimono can be styled to adapt to the many facets of a woman’s lifestyle. Slipping into one of our sleek, fully lined kimonos instantly elevates whatever a woman is wearing. She can be at ease in any situation, which brings out her confidence and panache. That’s not just relevance. That’s opening the door to new possibilities. That’s a woman giving herself permission to shine.
Our Commitment to Reinvention and Renewal:
Q: You talk a lot about reinvention. I know that’s what we’re seeing in each piece — the fact that each piece incorporates repurposed fabrics and even vintage kimono fabrics, but it’s more than that, isn’t it? Isn’t reinvention symbolic as well? Isn’t that what we all want?
JM: That’s exactly right. It’s about using what we have to reinvent our lives. Embracing our strengths and finding ways to make the world a better place. The J.Mullin brand is all about reinvention. We honor the ever-evolving journey every woman experiences as she discovers her true essence. We believe women should not hide behind clothing that simply covers them up, but, rather wear pieces that not only flatter, but also transform how we feel about ourselves. A confident woman lives with passion and puts herself out into the world and finds creative ways to make the world a better place.
Q: Is this why J.Mullin Apparel is donating its proceeds to organizations that help women get a new start in life?
JM: My husband, Bill, and I have decided to donate all of our proceeds, not just from our upcoming Launch Event, but as an ongoing commitment, to non-profit organizations that work to uplift women and help them get a new start in life. We are particularly interested in the organizations who provide housing, education and counseling to women who are recovering from substance abuse disorders.
The proceeds from this Thursday's Launch Event will be donated to the Healing House in Kansas City. We also support the House of Ruth Recovery Home in Bill's hometown of Connersville, Indiana.
If you live near Kansas City, it's not too late to reserve your free tickets to our Launch Event. Just click on this image for the link.
Those of you who are followers and friends from outside the Kansas City area, we invite you to see what's new here on our website:
Our new Scarves and Obi belts are on our site now, and are available for immediate (and free in the U.S.) shipping for Mother's Day gifts.
The new Kimonos will be on our site around May 1st.