We Are Flowers! ... Melissa debuts SS2014 collection

Flowers and spring are inseparable. There is no joy in spring without the presence of colourful blooms, permeating the air with fresh, intoxicating wafts.

Recently, the flagship store of Brazilian shoe label Melissa at The Gardens Mid Valley was transformed into a blossoming garden with beautiful floral arrangements. 

However, the stars of the event were not the creative floral arrangements per se but the brand’s new spring/summer 2014 collection. Aptly known as “We Are Flowers”, the mesmeric collection is a material manifestation of women as the flowers of the world, hence brimming with utmost femininity and nuances of delicacy.

The collection is divided into four moods – Hyperbotanic, Technokitsch, Urban Bloom and Flower Lab. Imbued with romantic inspirations, Hyperbotanic boasts hints of retro touches that bring forth both bucolic and delicate air. 

Technokitsch, on the other hand, is saturated in prints and bold combinations, creating a special hype among Melissa lovers.

As 90s is the new vintage, the Urban Bloom channels the fashionable street wear vibe of the era by amalgamating futurism and comfort. 

If you are into timelessness but with a hint of technology, then go for the Flower Lab – rich in texture and transparencies whilst combining new technology and botanical influences in design.

At the media preview, in between rounds of refreshing iced lemon tea and delicious canapés, guests strolled in the ‘garden’ of jelly shoes imbued with immaculate designs, riotous colours and pleasing patterns.

For example, the Melissa Petals collection is designed to mimic delicate flower petals with rose-like texture. In a way, it’s like you are walking in roses instead of shoes.

The Melissa Pollen on the other hand features strong geometrical silhouette with metal plate that spells out luxury while Melissa Estrelícia beams beauty and sensuality, referencing the richness of various floral silhouettes.

But of course, all eyes were on Melissa’s renowned designer collaboration collections.  Fashion design mavens such as Vivienne Westwood (via her Anglomania label), Jason Wu, J. Maskrey, the Campana Brothers and Karl Lagerfeld are back this season with eclectic yet eccentric designs.

For instance, Karl Lagerfeld’s collection highlights a quirky pair of jelly heeled pumps with glittery ice cream cone detailing at the back while J. Maskrey’s collection is richly splashed with glitters (the one in red reminds me of Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz).

The dame of punk coolness Vivienne Westwood juxtaposes prints; subtle colours and a dash of cute, girly elements (think hearts and bows) in her collection; Jason Wu takes simple yet elegant approach while Brazilian designer the Campana Brothers immortalises the beauty of rosettes in form of intricate laser-cut lace flats.

Only two silhouettes are available in men’s collection –an oxford and a loafer. Being my first encounter with Melissa rubber shoes, I’ve decided to slip out of my soft leather Gucci loafers and gave a pair of shiny black oxfords with teal laces a try. My verdict: Comfortable to the max! 

What’s more, I don’t even have to worry about ruining my shoes while walking in the rain (for which I have a high tendency of doing it) and it also matched my outfit for the event – a CK Calvin Klein top in blue; a pair of green skinny jeans from H&M and my Burberry Spark sunglasses.

Adult shoes aside, little girls too can have a dose of Melissa’s coolness injected into their little spring/summer wardrobe with Mini Melissa. 

Just like the adult version, the Mini Melissa collection is peppered with cute elements such as cherries, bows doused in polka dots, a cow caricature with black and white patches (classic!) and also the iconic Disney character, Minnie Mouse.  

Melissa We Are Flowers SS2014 collection and Melissa designer collaboration collections are available now at Melissa Concept Store, 1 Utama Shopping Centre and Melissa flagship store, The Gardens Mid Valley respectively.

*Photos by me

Melissa – Lot G341, Ground Floor, New Wing, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, 1 Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama City Centre, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya; F-206A, 1^st floor, The Gardens Mid Valley, Lingakaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.