Y’s Mandarina collection

Why choose one designer when you can have two? By a stroke of fortune, or a simple alignment of design aesthetics, two of our favourite labels, Y’s by Yohji Yamamoto and Mandarina Duck have come together to create an accessories line that lives up to both their reputations. Christened Y’s Mandarina, this lovechild displays both Mandarina’s slick-chic ethos and Y’s progressive silhouettes in its debut Spring/Summer 07 collection.

The range includes several dual-purpose showpieces, each a futuristic vision of design, couture and functional elements coming together seamlessly. Messenger bags for women take the shape of pinafores, tank-tops and mini skirts in red cotton satin or beige gabardine, while stylish rucksacks in the men’s collection can change into raincoats and windbreakers as quickly as the English weather.

But if you prefer to carry your bag rather than wear it, the main line is filled with understated leather briefcases, thin-handled nylon computer bags, crescent-shaped linen and leather totes and little coin purses, suited for both work and play.

Click on the image to see more looks from the Spring/Summer 07 women's line

14 June 2007 | Fashion