Michelle Mason Adds New Collection
Los Angeles designer Michelle Mason has launched a new collection—called Mason—that translates some of the designer’s signature details into a contemporary line with lower price points.
A diffusion line is something Mason said she has had in the works for some time.
“I’ve been planning a lesser-priced line for a while, and with the economy in the state it’s in and people not spending as much money on clothing the way they used to, the timing is perfect,” Mason said.
Mason, who launched her designer collection five years ago, said she is not planning to debut her new collection on the runway until next spring. She noted that other Los Angeles designers are also looking to tap into new categories—for example, Mason’s former employer, Richard Tyler, who will debut his new diffusion line Tyler at Los Angeles Fashion Week. And last year, Jared Gold launched his diffusion line Black Chandelier.
Mason’s 53-piece separates collection includes poplin blouses with ruching detail; matte jersey V-neck blouse with lace trim, draped bias top with ties; rayon/Lycra jersey cowl-neck dress; knitted long-hood cardigan and back-cowl sweater; stretch-twill lapel jacket and topstitched corset with matching skirt; and distressed-print leather raw-hem jacket and matching trouser skirt. The collection’s colors include sand, black, ivory, taupe, wheat, burgundy, rust and chocolate.
Most of the collection is made with fabric blends, including wool/acrylic knits and rayon twills, as opposed to Mason’s designer collection, which uses mostly Italian fabrics and features such details as French chantilly lace, said Michelle Stephens, a showroom rep at Hatch in the New Mart, where Mason’s lines are carried.
Wholesale price points for the Mason collection start at $55 for a knit sweater to $345 for a tailored leather trench coat. Summer/ Fall deliveries run June 30 to Sept. 30.
Several specialty stores have already expressed interest in the collection, Mason said, adding that the urban-inspired collection is geared toward the young career woman. “It’s not as luxurious as the designer collection, but at the same time, it’s still a sexy collection that is practical and affordable,” she said.
The Michelle Mason designer collection is sold at Curve, Barneys, Bleu and Fred Segal-Ron Herman Melrose.
For more information, call the Hatch showroom at (213) 532-8818. —Claudia Figueroa
