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Mel en Stel

MelEnStel

Belgian designer Ilse Eriksson is the designer behind label Mel en Stel, located in Brooklyn’s trendy DUMBO. Known for quirky, asymmetric cuts, Eriksson’s signature item is a conceptual take on the shirt dress, with variations that include asymmetic button closures, a handkerchief point hemline and deep back pleats that create dramatic fullness cinched in with a self belt. The collection utilizes understated patterns and include undefined checks, monochromatic florals and splash prints on silk, linen, cotton and silk blends, as well as Rayon and cashmere knits. The collection is anchored in muted neutrals, including a wide range of heathered gray’s, antrhacite and stone, with subtle lavender, heather and deep berry hues, and punctuated with brilliant cornflower blue.

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The collection is urbane, sophisticated and tasteful; Eriksson’s easy wear styles beautifully balance the feminine and masculine elements of her Belgian aesthetic. All production is done locally in New York and Brooklyn. Moving the business from a wholesale to a retail model, has allowed Eriksson to gain personal and direct feedback from her customers. Eriksson’s devotes much of her time to refining her patterns, cutting all her own first samples and overseeing all production personally.

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Mel en Stel’s own stand alone retail store was fashioned by Eriksson’s husband, the Mel in Mel en Stel, the Stel short for Stella, as Ilse is known to some. Husband Melvin saved discarded lumber, glass and metal from his work in the film industry for over 10 years, with the vision of building his wife’s first store, now realized in DUMBO. The store also carries a small number of complimentary brands, including Dorothy Fischer’s stainless steel knitted bracelets, Alfred Stadler, and Sidney & Sons bags and totes, as well as Saphire Bliss lingerie and Jasmin Zorlu hats.

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Website: www.melenstel.com