Two Designers and a Stylist Launch a Label—Meet Colville, Fashion’s Newest Brand on the Rise
Colville is the new label created by designers Molly Molloy and Kristin Forss and fashion stylist Lucinda Chambers, set to launch with an exclusive collection on MatchesFashion.com in mid-May. It’s a reunion of sorts since Molloy and Forss designed for Marni, and Chambers styled the beloved and highly individualistic Italian label’s collections for two decades and was a creative guiding light at British Vogue for even longer. Given that they’re all industry veterans, Colville—named after the West London terrace where David Hockney hung out in the 1970s—emerges with a clear and considered point of view. Sensitive to the fact that we’re absolutely deluged with fashion, fashion, fashion these days, the trio states that, “Colville is the antithesis of fast fashion. It’s about identity, honesty and—with a focus on our love of self-expression, color, texture—we want to create things that will have longevity.”
True to the stance, the first collection will feature 30 pieces, the aim being, they say, “a very considered wardrobe with a singular version.” Having had a sneak peek at what’s to come, that’s absolutely the case. But given the provenance of the trio creating it, there is nothing basic or everyday about the label’s aesthetic. Instead, it operates on the premise that the things that usually go into heavy rotation in a closet are the pieces that are bold, imaginative, and statement-making. And just to underscore that point, Colville has collaborated with friends like Vicki Sarge on jewelry and Stephen Jones the rather incredible and eye-catching hats. Natalie Kingham of MatchesFashion.com says, “When you have three such amazingly talented women as Lucinda, Molly, and Kristen joining forces to create a new brand, you cannot help but get very excited. I love what they’ve done with Colville. It feels new and original.” Kingham’s right to be thrilled. Having seen it, all I can say is: It’s good.
