Handbags from Yu Mei’s Summer 20 collection. Images by Ch’lita Collins and Nick Shackleton.
In response to this chaotic year, Yu Mei‘s new collection for Spring/Summer 20/21 is a serene ode to the ocean which is elegant and composed. Creative director Jessie Wong and her team are based in Wellington whose harbour was the initial inspiration for the collection. While designing from home and looking across Wellington Harbour, Jessie was fascinated and calmed by the unassailable stillness of the water’s depths (even as waves whipped across its surface). Yu Mei sought to capture that same sense of stillness in the brand’s new range which is aptly titled Still Waters Run Deep, and is available in stores and online now.
The tranquil collection is a subtle evolution of the Yu Mei’s signature sophisticated style with strong hues, luxurious textures and modern shapes. For this range, the brand has introduced some wonderful new colours including Poseidon, a deep navy and Pop Kelp a playful, bright take on pistachio that was designed to juxtapose perfectly with neutral tone Shifting Sand that features in canvas. Classic black in Nappa and Lamb round out the covetable collection of bags and leather goods.
“At a time of change, and contemplation for me, residing on the Wellington south coast, the ever changing seascape was the inspiration for this season’s colour palette,” says Yu Mei Founder, Jessie Wong. “Walking along a windswept Oriental Parade, pondering at the starfish and creatures in the rock pools at Island Bay, and reminiscing about a recent trip to Kaikoura and the swathes of different seaweeds – thinking about the sea as its own entity and the energy it gives was so soothing.”
Among the favourite styles returning this season are Milly, Ch’lita, Claudia and of course Braidy, which is Yu Mei’s beloved signature bag. New style Sonja, named after Sonja Batt, the owner of iconic New Zealand retail brand Scotties Boutique, is a sleek new offering in this range that is timeless and chic. While popular style Vi has been given a playful scrunchie strap for the new season. Yu Mei have some great small leather goods available too with the elegant Sebastian Wallet, zip-top Adrian Pouch and Bolton Laptop Folio making for perfect practical pieces that make make life easier by streamlining what you need to carry.
The Yu Mei woman is drawn to quality and handbags that stand the test of time which is exactly what this collection offers without sacrificing style or functionality. After all, who could ask for more than to feel serene and sophisticated this season?
Images by Ch’lita Collins & Nick Shackleton.