Maje - Fall/Winter 2010-2011

Maje seems to know its clients and their stylistic inclinations very well. The upcoming season may be losing its head over calf-length skirts and flannel pants, but Judith Milgrom prefers to continue to offer a wardrobe to her clients that is sexy, with a touch of rockabilly audacity and a preppy feel.

At Maje, you will not find flare pants or plaid prints. Just because the current trend is to borrowing from retro styles does not mean that the Maje girl has to renounce her mini dresses or other hip, skinny cuts. This season, their collection draws from Balmain, Burberry Prorsum or even Isabel Marant, leaving the other labels to fall in love with the Chloé wardrobe.

The result is a cheerful, disorderly mix of Christophe Decarnin references, 2009 must-haves brought into 2010, and preppy gimmicks. The centerline of the latest Maje collection may be hard to identify, but some of their look book compositions are worth studying.

The mix of a soft parka with a girly dress is ready to use, under the condition, however, that the completely passé leather Catwoman dress be replaced by a deceptively angelic mini chasuble. Also, the low boots may be ideal to accompany 3/4 pants, slim cut pants or wool stockings, but it is unfortunate that Maje chose to produce them in carbon black, a far cry from the camel, cigar, and other chestnut tints permeating the en vogue shoes this season.

A warning about the pieces inspired by the Balmain gold slim pants or the Isabel Marant red ones (the Maje version can be seen here): these require a particularly long and slender figure in order to wear them with dignity in the streets.

As for the looks à la APC crossbred with girly touches, these work very well. Simple, efficient, and slightly whimsical, they draw the ideal allure of the young girl having understood the fashion of the moment. The trapeze skirt in navy blue paired with a lace top oh-so-Marc by Marc Jacobs, brightened up by a little leopard bag is right on the mark; its cigar version, combined with a fine cropped pullover, a white blouse and an animal jacket succeeds in bringing together the preppy look with trendy fashion.

Also, the shearling bomber jacket may easily satisfy those fashionistas not having the means to give themselves one signed by Christopher Bailey.