MJZ launches Women’s Couture Collection
THE LUXURY LABEL, RENOWNED FOR ITS COUTURE CROCODILE AND ALLIGATOR MEN'S GARMENTS, ANNOUNCES A PREMIERE COLLECTION OF NINE WOMEN'S LOOKS.
PARIS, FRANCE (September 28th, 2019) — MJZ, the brand known for innovative alligator and crocodile couture, will launch a new womenswear collection during Paris Fashion Week. MJZ will debut an exclusive runway show at the Hôtel de Crillon’s historic salons.
MJZ presents a capsule collection of nine womenswear looks by IRINA SHABAYEVA. The grace and ferocity of alligator and crocodile leather is thoughtfully infused into feminine silhouettes, exemplifying the empowered character of MJZ patrons. In this collection, the unyielding strength of the apex predator meets smooth glamor and femininity. An MJZ garment — personalized for men or women — is an expression of love for extravagant materials, limitless craftsmanship, and a new iconic wearable identity. “For a long time, I dreamed of launching and designing my own brand. I wanted to create a new, ultra-high-end luxury collection that is bold and unforgettable — something that is original, but at the same time, prestigious and timeless,” said MJZ Founder and Designer Michael Chang.
The MJZ inaugural menswear collection, launched in 2017, established the bold and luxurious crocodile and alligator outerwear that is now synonymous with the brand. Despite beginning exclusively with menswear, Michael envisioned the signature artistry of MJZ for both sexes. As a graduate of Parsons School of Design and winner of season six of the reality series Project Runway, Irina Shabayeva embodies the elite and pioneering talent that typifies MJZ. Irina proved to be an ideal collaborator in bringing the essence of MJZ to womenswear.
“During her years in the industry, Irina developed an expansive design reach to become a truly multifaceted designer,” said MJZ Founder Michael Chang. “She has the vision and ability to transform a piece of clothing into art.”
The collaboration between Michael and Irina is inspired by a shared reverence for couture craftsmanship, rare exotics, and the challenge of working with exclusive materials to create a refined, yet modern collection. The strength of this creative partnership bears an element of destiny as well, as the two designers discovered they were born on the same day. The collection reflects this serendipity, seamlessly melding MJZ’s cutting-edge crocodile presence with a feminine aesthetic, employing softer lines and vivid colors.
Irina said she was drawn to the development due to the integrity and prestige of MJZ’s founding men’s collection. She explained, “In a world of fast fashion, I love being able to collaborate in creating modern ultra-luxury authentic works of art. A woman who is sporting a head-to-toe crocodile look wants to be seen; she wants to stand out. Our collection translates these incredibly luxurious materials into a woman’s modern life.”
Irina worked closely with MJZ to create the nine indomitable looks, eclipsing traditional thinking to push trends to a fresh and challenging limit. The result is an evocative, sophisticated collection, tailor-made to international connoisseurs — women who defy boundaries.
MJZ’s womenswear shares its DNA with the men’s masterpieces — each look mirroring and transfiguring the aesthetic of the original jackets. One of the pinnacle designs created was the hooded trench coat, inspired by the men’s hooded jacket, MJZ 03. The striking coloration of black and gold reflects the classic MJZ look, while elongated tailoring creates a distinctly feminine form. Each full look provides infinite inspiration, while the individual pieces are versatile wardrobe staples for the modern cosmopolitan woman. MJZ transforms classic silhouettes — from an elegant biker jacket to a majestic ball gown — into entirely new presentations of feminine glamor.
Upholding the established top-tier Parisian craftsmanship of MJZ, the women’s collection is crafted from the strong and supple sought-after belly skin of the reptile, sourced from the most respected French and Italian tanneries. MJZ shows the ultimate admiration for the grace and beauty of the crocodile and alligator, always ensuring sustainable practices and humane treatment. Each garment’s leather is paired with the finest hardware forged by renowned metalsmiths — the outcome of months of study and investment. A single garment requires more than one hundred hours of manufacturing to complete.
The collection is available to purchase directly through MJZ’s made-to-measure services as well as the exclusive boutique in Hôtel Ritz Paris and at Material Good in New York City. MJZ is proud to announce that beginning October of 2019, for all purchase orders — the crocodile leather will be water-resistant. Full looks are priced between 100,000 € and 250,000 €.
Photos by Kristy Sparrow / Getty Images for MJZ
Special guests include: Coco Rocha, Lais Ribeiro, Frida Aasen, Sofia Resing, Olivia Culpo, James Goldstein, Ellen von Unwerth, Caroline Vreeland, Leigh Lezark, Jessica Kahawaty, Juliana Ramirez, Diana Madison, and Erica Pelosini.
Photos by Kristy Sparrow and Julien Hekimian / Getty Images for MJZ
Behind The Scenes
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