J. Mendel fighting to keep luxury relevant in an athleisure market

Gilles Mendel, creative director of J. Mendel, has accomplished quite a successful feat by turning what was primarily a fur brand into a multi-million dollar evening wear empire. Although the retail market has moved more toward athleisure and sportswear, there is still a market for evening wear and true luxury pieces. This was evidenced by this collection that was inspired by the texture of raw marble, the rich tones of geode crystals, and the layering techniques of painter Sean Scully, giving us a collection of looks for both day and night that effortlessly marry the organic with the extravagant.