Mira Mikati is one of fashion’s inveterate travelers. For spring she wants pretty much what we all do in this moment: to check in somewhere sunny, where the headlines can only be upbeat, where you can have breakfast in bed whenever you like and—talk about a pipe dream—you never have to cool your heels in the lobby waiting for your key. Or leave before you’re ready.
Welcome to the Hôtel des Rêves.
As usual in Mikati’s world, the good news came on a hand-embroidered rainbow dress, with the sun shining and flowers in bloom. Hotel badges and souvenir stickers were festooned on a blue striped button-down and tan denim skirt; “late checkout” came embroidered over a pile of luggage on a white and yellow parasol-striped cardigan, shown here with shorts. A gradient blue knit read like a postcard from paradise, with one figure fishing, another flying a kite, and the sun rising on one shoulder.
The handiwork carried this collection. A bright blue coat sprouted hand-appliquéd daisies; a charming cream knit bustier and dress had flowers sprouting from the hems. A tailored straw-colored jacket had flowers beaded over the buttons. A sundress with a blue, white and orange knit bodice and pale pink cotton poplin skirt would be at home practically anywhere next summer. Wooden beads brought interest as a brooch, on trouser drawstrings, and on a colorful charm that could work as a keyring, a bag decoration or just a fun flourish.
Fans of the Japanese artist Masakatsu Iwamoto, aka Mr., will be charmed by his second collaboration with the designer. His starry-eyed Superflat characters peek out of a pocket and gaze from tees, a tote and hand-crocheted charms.
Mikati shot this collection at La Bionda on Spain’s Costa Brava, but she has a lot going on elsewhere, too. Sharp-eyed observers will have caught the teaser here for her long-awaited Paris boutique, to open next PFW. But before that she’s got another surprise in store: an opening at the Royal Poinciana Plaza in Palm Beach next month—a decision made on a 10-hour fly-by that gives her a foothold in the US market. “It’s a small store with big dreams,” said the designer. “We’re keeping it simple because the clothes are already colorful enough.” Welcome to Mikati’s American boutique des rêves.
