Having recently shown as part of Paris Men's Fashion Week, Song for the Mute's Melvin Tanaya and Lyna Ty were keen to show how far they've come in a year since winning the LMFF Designer Award. "Everything about this season is different," explains Mr Tanaya. "The fabric choices altered the way we approached design and how we created shapes within the collection." This ultimately led the designers to explore new silhouettes and styles for spring/summer, taking their cue from tech-wear. "Utility is key this season," he says. Song For The Mute was previously known for an androgynous aesthetic care of its softly draped garments, but that too changed this season. Unlike previous collections, the designers developed a fabric that "doesn't drape at all", giving structure and control to their garments. The fabric, a lightweight Japanese cotton/wool blend, is coated in paper, which means they needn't be pressed and can be crushed and formed in any shape desired. "It's something we would have avoided in the past," says Mr Tanaya. "Our signature look is still evident, but with a twist. It's a risk but we want to push the envelope."
All photos by OhJamie.com for Manuscript.