Feminine, Fun and Fuss-Free
Vintage-inspired contemporary clothing line Midi combines a feminine look with youthful humor through cute ruffles and raw-edged tweed details.
Designers Nancy Mungcal and Susan Yim have accumulated piles of vintage clothing since they were teenagers. The two use their collected finds—from an embroidery pattern on a tablecloth to hand-knit children’s clothes—as inspiration for the collection.
Mungcal said Midi’s style is vintage-inspired but not too retro. “It’s still feminine and ladylike but not fussy,” she said. “Pretty, but not so perfect.”
Vintage details—including pintucks, covered buttons and high collars—complement the modern designs in washed silk and tweed fabrications.
Yim started Midi for the Spring 2003 season and, shortly thereafter, teamed up with Mungcal at the suggestion of a mutual friend. The two designers, who have similar personal styles, now think almost like twin sisters. “Nancy can complete my thought. It’s very weird,” Yim said.
“Susan will say, ’I want hellip;,’ and I’ll say, ’Oh, I know: You want a blouse that looks like this.’ I’ll draw it, and she’ll say, ’That’s it,’” Mungcal added.
Though the sensibility of the line is consistent, there is still room for each designer’s individual style. There are pieces that are distinctly “a Nancy top,” such as a crinkle-chiffon and silk blouse with ruffled sleeves. (On the day of the interview, Mungcal wore this top.) There are other pieces that use “Susan’s colorways,” such as a crinkle-chiffon camisole in berry purple with nude-and-berry satin trim.
Most of the standouts are the designers’ favorites, including the Summer lightweight eyelet jackets and long, fully embroidered tunics that capture the girly qualities of the line. The same principles are continued into Fall with blouse-like cashmere sweaters ($149 wholesale), imperfectly washed silk charmeuse blouses ($68) and vibrantly colored jacquard pleated skirts ($99). The more playful pieces include an asymmetrically shaped, wide-sleeved cotton/Modal shirt and a baby blue–and–cregrave;me striped cashmere sweater with a ruffled bib.
The personal style of the two designers is reflected in all aspects of the line, from the name of the label to the color palette. Midi is a combination of Yim’s children’s names: Mischa and Dylan. Yim explained that Midi will continue to be a branch of the designers’ personal taste, beginning with the colors of the pieces. “Colors are always very difficult because they are very personal. We use colors that we like to wear,” she said.
For more information, visit the Leila Ross showroom in suite 1003 of The New Mart, or call (213) 488-9833. —Rhea Cortado
