MAHCollection Fall/Winter 2018 : Venus in the Shell

By Nookmag @nookmag · On November 15, 2018

Ready-to-wear and accessories brand MAHCollection takes inspiration from Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, the iconic image of the Roman goddess carried to the shore on a half shell, in a collection defined by femininity, fluidity and ethereal elegance.

This season, Ondina Montgomery, designer of the Singapore-based brand, has turned towards the Renaissance classic to create a collection of diaphanous caftans, ruched dresses, and billowing harem trousers and skirts with an irresistible lightness and freedom of spirit.

Crafted from whispery sheaths of chiffon, and featuring intricate pleats and hand-beaded embellishments, the designs are created to be mixed and matched to form infinite outfits that can transition from the beach to the club for cocktail hour.

And while the silhouettes of the season reference the graceful curves and flowing garments depicted in the mythological painting, Ondina has also been tapped upon other vastly diverse references to add a different dimension to her creations.

“The starting point for me was the intricacy and craftsmanship of tiles that punctuate the traditional architecture of Portugal,” says Ondina, a former interior designer who started MAHCollection six years ago in Singapore. “I then melded elements like the coats of arms found in Portuguese tiles with the linear design of Peranakan tiles seen here, as well as a more muted, modern palette, to come up with a brand-new motif to embellish the entire collection.”

MAHCollection started as a limited-edition scarves label featuring prints that were created in collaboration with artists and even scientists from around the world. The brand has evolved into a full range of ready-to-wear and accessories, but stays true to its roots of one-of-a-kind statement prints.This season, the collection has grown to include a full accessories range of jewellery, bags, scarves and even footwear. It includes beautifully crafted lambskin shoulder bags — adorned with the season’s signature print elements, removable hand-made tassel charm, and chain strap interlaced with lambskin ribbons; printed lambskin slippers; and gold-plated cuffs with a printed leather applique. Highly versatile, skinny scarves with delicate beading also serve as the perfect wear-everywhere accessory, and can be draped around the neck, or wrapped around the waist as a belt.

About Ondina Montgomery, founder-designer of MAH Collection

Ondina comes from an interior design background, and developed a passion for textiles and patterns in her work. She started her label MAHCollection with a scarves collection followed by several themed kaftans and ready-to-wear, limited-edition collections.

Ondina’s passion lies in unique pieces that will amaze and inspire the wearer. She is always aware of her surroundings both in her everyday life and travels, and takes inspiration from beautiful and unique things she finds along the way. Intricate detailing lies at the heart of Ondina’s designs. From the stitching to the print and choice of material, each element comes together to form the brand signature.

Living in Asia has provided Ondina with an enormous source of inspiration through the amalgam of cultures and influences she discovers around her every day.