The enigmatic whisper on a 6397 t-shirt from Stella Ishii’s pre-fall collection – “The silhouette evokes a sense of the seasons, a mysterious charm, a woman living” – perfectly encapsulates the essence of this unique New York label. Inspired by a quote extrapolated from the documentary *Martin Margiela: In His Own Words*, the phrase reflects not only Margiela’s iconic style but also the core philosophy driving Ishii and her team’s creative process. As Judy Collinson, a recent addition to the team, aptly states, “It is about a woman living, that’s it.”
This season, the collaborative spirit of 6397 shines brighter than ever. Ishii, along with designers Lizzie Owens and Jenny Smith, work as a cohesive unit, fostering a dynamic creative environment. A showroom visit transcends the typical clothing presentation; it transforms into a lively roundtable discussion, reflecting the collaborative energy behind the collection’s creation. This innovative approach results in a nuanced and thoughtfully curated assortment, celebrating the diverse ways women live and dress at every stage of life.
Owens’ commitment to sustainability is a defining feature of this pre-fall collection. By exclusively using natural textiles, the team has pushed creative boundaries. Eliminating synthetics demanded a reimagining of fabric manipulation, focusing on texture to add substance and form to cottons and silks. Witness Ishii’s ingenious boiling of pinstripe wool, transforming it into luxuriously plush tailoring, or the weightless silk slip adorned with embroidered polka dots, adding surprising structure. These details elevate the garments beyond the ordinary, showcasing the designers’ meticulous attention to craftsmanship.
The collection features a remarkable array of dresses, a new frontier for 6397. A standout is a jersey sheath with a subtly curved center-front seam, a testament to the label’s commitment to inventive design. Owens highlights a key design principle: “We did more dresses this season, and the rule is that they had to look good over pants.” This playful yet practical approach underscores 6397’s unique understanding of modern femininity, offering versatility and effortless style.
The idiosyncrasies and collaborative spirit of 6397’s design process are what make the label so compelling. It’s more than just clothing; it’s a celebration of the modern woman, her multifaceted life, and her evolving style. This pre-fall collection is a testament to the power of collective creativity and a thoughtful approach to sustainable, elegant fashion. The result is a stunning collection that’s both innovative and deeply relatable, solidifying 6397’s position as a leading voice in contemporary women’s fashion.
