Mimi Wade Evokes Old Hollywood Nostalgia in SS22
The designer’s newest collection features styles reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood mixed with ’90s flavors.
Mimi Wade’s Spring-Summer 2022 collection launched on Oct. 6, strongly inspired by the City of Angels and the Golden Age of Hollywood. After Wade moved to LA during the pandemic to be closer to her grandmother, she realized how much she wanted to emulate the Western styles in her designs. The look book was shot with the help of artists Petra Collins and Moni Haworth, who styled the models in a variety of LA-based aesthetics for the photographs, with photos of them relaxing by the pool, inside a California mansion, and standing in the spotlight.
Wade explores the meaning of the word “legacy” in the medium of fashion – her grandmother, Pammy, was an actress during the Golden Age, so she has always been a huge influence. One of Wade’s coolest SS22 designs is the black satin A-line skirt and black drape chiffon dress, with flaming prints across the garments to honor Pammy. She is also impacted by her love of vintage fairs, which she frequently attends to check out upcycled faded tees, which have emblems and motifs that bring back memories of the past.
She also redefines legacy through mastering multiple types of fabric in her designs. Several of her new pieces in SS22 have lace hems and inserts, giving a classic glamor look, while other pieces seem sporty, like the garments that seemingly represent cheerleading uniforms. Another one of her most notable pieces is the new party dress silhouette, coming in green moiré and pink satin fabrics, making us reminisce the fashion of the ‘80s.
Besides revolutionizing 2021 fashion, Wade also recalls some of her iconic older pieces. The “Fran” cardigan was one of the finest pieces from her Autumn/Winter 2020 show, created with brushed mohair and ostrich feathers to line the collar and cuffs. This time, the garment is available in several different shades of pink, lilac, and teal. She also brought back a ballet-style dress in fluorescent mohair and feathers, and a twinset complete with Swarovski crystals and set with a matching mini skirt, thong, and cat bonnet. Another update is Wade’s mohair bikini, which now comes with fluffy biking shorts, a cardigan, and pink bunny ears, reminiscent of My Melody, the cartoon rabbit, as well as the style of Playboy.
Check out all things old Hollywood on MimiWade.com.