Mimi Plange's Sophisticated Spring 2013 Fashion Week Collection

With her Spring/Summer 2013 showing, Mimi Plange proved that modestly can be sexy. Entitled "Tea With Mother," the pale floral collection "is a romantic celebration of ageless beauty."

Designer Mimi Plange.

"I was inspired by antique porcelain art and [raw] tea," says Plange, who worked in the fashion industry for 11 years before starting her own line.

Since the Ghana native debuted her first collection a few seasons ago, Mimi Pilange has sold particularly well in the Middle East. The first boutique to pick up her line is in Kuwait. She also sells exclusively to shops in Brooklyn and Austin. Even the First Lady Michelle Obama is a fan -- she wore one of Plange's ultra-feminine skirts for an appearance on "The View."

"Our customer is a baby boomer. She wants to look grown," she says. "There is a way to look young, but still look like a woman. I'm inspired by real women, who are put together. I like to see a woman looking grand."

To reflect her fondness for sophisticated ladies, the 34-year-old favors longer hemlines, intricate embroidery, exaggerated full sleeves and fluid pieces. Her materials of choice include silk crepe, silk organza, trapunto embroidered silk and lambskin. While they give a ladies who lunch nod to Upper East Side socialites, Plange's designs still feel fresh and modern.

Everything She Wants fawned over the collection's trapunto embroidered lambskin leather sheath "Jezebelle" dress; the "Cria" floral silk applique silk tee paired with the "Mayleen" multi-tier pleated button front skirt; and the "Stellah" pleated blouse with exaggerated sleeves paired with the "Edith" jute knot embroidered silk organza pencil skirt.

Prices range from $600 to $6000. For more information, check out the Mimi Plange website.

Scenes from Mimi Plange's "Tea With Mother" S/S 2013 collection.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Comments

Conway Discount Clothing Chain Closing in New York City

(Tracy E. Hopkins) It's the end of a budget shopping era. Conway discount stores are closing in New York City . As of this weekend, a sign on the sole Herald Square location (34th Street btwn 7th and 8th Ave) says the store will close in "7 Days." Before I relocated to the Big Apple, I was introduced to the discount chain while on a bus trip from Baltimore. I recall the first time I saw Conway's signature pink bags carried by hurried shoppers in midtown. And Miss Foster, the trip organizer and a bargain hunter from way back, took me to the store for the first time. Conway store in the Fulton Mall./Tracy E. Hopkins When I moved here in 1994, my love affair with Conway continued. I furnished my first apartment with discount knick-knacks and home goods from the store. And much to my chagrin, in hindsight, I curated most of my wardrobe for my first full-time job from the long-shuttered 42nd Street and Third Avenue store. One regretful ensemble: Lime green and

Soak Up the Last Weeks of Summer Sun At The Rockaway Hotel

Summer is winding down, but there's still time to soak up the sun -- while wearing sunscreen, chic shades and a protective hat or sun visor, of course. If you're in New York City, The Pool at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa is a cool place to swim, lounge and discreetly people watch while swaying to beat of ambient music. It's a vibe! Day passes are available for non-hotel guests Monday through Thursday (excluding private events, 10 am -7 pm). Located in the heart of the Rockaway Beach community in Queens, New York, the Rockaway Hotel is just a few short blocks from the sand and surf. Besides the outdoor pool, the newly built 84,000 square foot hotel offers around 60 guest rooms, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a large event space. And it's a nice addition to the area. When my husband and I visited the popular pool, we enjoyed yummy sips and bites poolside. Lounging chairs are first come, first serve so the early bird gets the spot of their choice. After chilling at t

The Re-Education of NeNe Leakes: The Reality Star Talks About College Hill, What Housewives She's Still Friends With and More

(Tracy E. Hopkins) I’ve been a fan of The Real Housewives of Atlanta since the beginning. So I jumped at the chance to chat with original RHOA cast member and breakout star NeNe Leakes. It’s been a tough couple of years since NeNe parted ways with the show. In 2021 her husband Gregg lost his battle with colon cancer and earlier this year she filed a discrimination lawsuit against her former employer, Bravo. But on the brighter side, the 54-year-old is dating again and starring in the BET limited reality series, College Hill: Celebrity Edition. Along with other headline-grabbing reality TV stars including, Big Freedia, Lamar Odom, Stacey Dash and Ray J., NeNe and the members of the cast lived together and attended classes at the historically Black Texas Southern University. We asked NeNe what it was like to go back to school, what the biggest misconception about her is, which housewives she's still friendly with, and more. Everything She Wants : What did it feel

Everything She Wants

Search This Blog