Designer, Mitchell Vincent. Image supplied.
Mitchell Vincent founded his eponymous contemporary label after graduating from Wintec in 2013. Since then Mitchell has showcased every year at New Zealand Fashion Week, first in the Miromoda show then in the New Generation show last year, before making his confident solo debut in August 2017. His relaxed yet refined pieces for men and women have gained his label a loyal following and the talented designer has big plans for the future.
We caught up with Mitchell to find out more about his brand, what inspires him and what you would never catch him wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
The new capsule collection titled “All Heart” features your staple pieces including printed hooded jumpers, relax fit cotton t-shirts, and designer denims with simple detailing. This range was inspired by the clean lines in modern architecture along with comfortable and wearable fabrics. It includes a combination of easy silhouettes that everyone can wear in a monochrome colour palette.
What made you become a designer?
I think most people that want to work in fashion are more strongly inspired by the glamour that comes with the territory, however I am the complete opposite. I love the creating and construction side of fashion. When I was growing up, I’d always watch my dad in his office drafting blueprints with a bunch of measuring and mathematical tools and then a few months down the track I’d see the final product in the form of huge metal structures and buildings. I always found that part of his job really rewarding as with the same planning, drafting and perseverance in fashion with the final product being the garment that goes down the runway or into production.
What inspires you?
Although cheesy, its the people and how each person styles themselves on the streets. Street style is an inspiration to me. I’m that random person complementing strangers on their wardrobe, asking where they got their clothes and if I can read the care label to see what it’s made of. But other than that, my heart at the moment is with art, prints and architecture. I’m challenging myself to create understandable and wearable pieces. I love clean lines but I also get inspired by texture or shadows and light, (hints the moody desaturated images on the collections lookbook shoots and social media platforms).
Looks from Mitchell Vincent’s All Heart collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
Effortless, easy on the eye, comfortable yet styled well. I’m a person that believes that if my hair is clean, clothes are well pressed and shoes are comfortable then you can’t go wrong. I guess that mind set has been passed into my styling techniques and why my models are always in flats on the runway.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
Although I don’t get to pull it out of the wardrobe as often as I’d like I love a well tailored suit. All black of course.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
In summer, a lightweight semi-casual trouser that can take you from day to night. In winter, a blanket jacket. Non belted jackets are always a win in my books, the more movement in the fabric the better.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
You have to be confident in what you’re wearing. Sometimes trends don’t work for everyone. Ultimately, if you don’t feel good in it, don’t wear it.
Looks from Mitchell Vincent’s All Heart collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I really think that most of my highlights include the travel I get to do for runways and events. With the most recent being Guangzhou Fashion Week in China.
What can’t you live without?
Probably my phone, but not so much for the messaging and emails but more for photos. And if I don’t have my phone, I have to have my camera.
You would never catch me wearing…
A pair of Balenciaga Spring Summer 2018 Platform Crocs.
Images supplied.