YM S/S’15: Yakshi Malhotra

YM by Yakshi Malhotra is a high-end, ready to wear clothing brand, specialising in knitwear. The label was founded in 2013, a decision made following the designer’s work in the industry. The idea behind the brand was simple – delivering lovely knitted pieces, reflecting the designer’s love for textiles; all made in England, and ethically produced. Based in Nottingham, the garments are all made of natural fibres, such as silk, cotton and wool, in a little studio by the designer herself and also students on their internships with them.

Their new collection, SS15, is inspired by surrealism (they love everything that is bizarre!), naïve bird drawings and chaotic patterns. ‘We love exploring new techniques, so you will see a combination of textures in our collections. For S/S’15, we have layered embroidery on our jackets. We played around with our drawings of birds and digitally printed them on silk fabrics, which add a lovely sheen and lightness to the collection. As we love textures, we introduced some lace and fringing set against see through knits.

The femininity of the brand is always contrasted with a more boyish, comfortable look created through oversized pieces’   The collection consists of knitted fabrics sewn and embroidered on, presented in dark shades creating chaotic textures over simple shapes. A soft palette is introduced in wavy lines, and lacy textures, with added shaped back details. The shapes are quite classic and feminine portrayed through fitted skirts and dresses, with a combination of more relaxed pieces, delivered through some lovely chunky knitwear, consisting of panelled lace cardigans finished with crochet edgings.

In addition, lighter fabrics (silk garments) are introduced in the collection, showing off some naïve bird jacquards made from the designer’s drawings. These are delivered with a two-tone effect, creating a luxurious feel, contrasted with the matt fabrics through the collection. Designs are mirrored against black and white throughout the collection, which will remain an on-going feature for the brand.

Edith Zamora

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