Confident. Put together. Instantly chic. Who doesn’t want to feel like this when they get dressed in the morning?
This sartorial trinity is the ethos behind the latest capsule collection — six gorgeous summer dresses and a kimono jacket —from Label/Mix, the younger, trendier sister brand of Next.
Since 2017, Label/Mix has collaborated with emerging designers to create limited-edition investment pieces. This summer they’ve snagged Caroline Issa, the Canadian-born but London-based fashion director of quarterly style bible Tank magazine — something of a coup given her credentials.
Label/Mix has collaborated with Caroline Issa, 42, for a new capsule collection, featuring this vintage-inspired £119 dress
Canadian-born Caroline Issa, has worked with the likes of J.Crew, L.K. Bennett and Nordstrom. Pictured: Mix Print Floral Maxi Dress, £149
Speaking about the inspiration of her designs, Caroline said: ‘They express joy: fashion is meant to be fun — a dash of optimism in a time when we need as much as we can get’ Pictured: Silk Mix Print Maxi Dress, £180
One of the first major street-style stars, Caroline, 42, was an influencer before influencers were even a thing; a ‘normal’ person, rather than a celebrity or model, whose distinct, elegant style — blending unexpected textures, tailoring and tones — drew attention from bloggers and photographers.
Numerous projects with the likes of J.Crew, L.K.Bennett and Nordstrom have ensued: Issa’s brand of cool is in high demand.
So what is it that she brings to Label/Mix? Her fondness for bright colours and floral prints is evident.
‘They express joy: fashion is meant to be fun — a dash of optimism in a time when we need as much as we can get,’ she says.
And there is something joyful in the exuberance of her designs, inspired by her own vintage pieces.
Take the tiered maxi (£149), a nod to a Seventies patchwork design Issa owns. It combines three floral prints in shades of yellow: sunshine in a dress.
Too folksy for you? There’s a simpler, more classic, soft cotton sundress (£139) with just the one beautiful, painterly pattern.
Midi-dress addicts will be pleased to know there are three to choose from: a Forties-feel tea dress in poppy red with a graphic black rose print (£129). A black and lemon shirt-dress softened with a ditsy micro-floral print (£109). And a wrap dress with pretty fluted sleeves (£119), given some oomph thanks to an abstract green print and flashes of contrasting florals.
Caroline handpicked each print from an archive of 25,000 vintage patterns sourced from old mill towns. Pictured: Mix Print Floral Kimono, £99
‘Drape a tuxedo jacket over your shoulders for a night out, or add an armful of bracelets and a 2019 headband,’ says Caroline. Pictured: Ditsy Floral Shirtdress, £109
The collection is feminine, absolutely. But it’s not twee. The unusual colour clashes and quirky contrasting florals give it an edge and make you feel ‘a bit sassy’, as Issa says. As you’d expect from someone with serious style chops, she handpicked each print from an archive of 25,000 vintage patterns sourced from old mill towns in France, Italy and the UK.
Of course, if you really want to channel some of Issa’s trademark je ne sais quoi, take one of the dresses and give it your own spin. ‘Create a new silhouette by adding a decorative belt; perhaps try switching stilettos for chunky Birkenstocks,’ she suggests.
‘Drape a tuxedo jacket over your shoulders for a night out, or add an armful of bracelets and a 2019 headband.’ The kimono jacket (£99) is also ripe for styling opportunities. Wear it with wide-leg trousers and heels like our model for a head-turning look, or pair it with jeans and sandals for an easy weekend outfit.
Offering styling advice Caroline said: ‘Create a new silhouette by adding a decorative belt; perhaps try switching stilettos for chunky Birkenstocks’ Pictured: Rose Print Tea Dress, £129
Issa says a great print dress will always make you feel great the moment you put it on Pictured: Floral Print Dress, £139
The same vibrant cornflower blue and marigold floral print also appears in a show-stopping silk maxi dress (£180), which has ‘special occasion’ written all over it, if you fancy being the envy of every other guest.
Printed midis and maxis are everywhere — your wardrobe may be heaving with them already — but this is one trend that isn’t budging. And for good reason, says Issa. ‘The best pieces are the ones that work the hardest — that is, they make you feel great the minute you put them on, and give an impression you’ve made an effort. A great print dress will always do that for you.’
If Issa says so, it’s practically fashion law. So, if you want to add a few more to your wardrobe… well, go right ahead.
The collection is available at next.co.uk/label-mix