Judith Leiber Couture collaborated with Mott 32 Dubai to showcase its curated Year of the Dragon collection that brims with an abundance of embellishments and auspicious symbolisms. Here, EVP and Chief Creative Officer, Jana Matherson, talks about this fashion-culinary crossover, creativity and crafting lasting fashion memories.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
My first 30 minutes of the day include a cup of coffee while listening to the news and reading: Emails, Slack, WhatsApp, and texts and if there’s time, an Instagram scroll.
What are the defining DNA pillars of the brand and what inspired it?
Whimsical evening couture.
Mott 32 Dubai echoes the elegant design of Judith Leiber Couture. Was this an organic partnership from the outset?
Mott 32 was the perfect location to celebrate the Lunar New Year focusing on our Year of the Dragon capsule collection. The elegant ambience, sparkling view, and incredible food were the perfect pairing for the handbags.
Guests dining at Mott 32 can explore an edit of bejewelled accessories and further explore the collection via QR codes. Can you expand on this experience?
We have a few Asian-inspired archival pieces available to view in the dining room. The menu also includes several exclusive dishes inspired by the collection.
What are the key styles in the Year of the Dragon 2024 collection and do you see buying patterns within the Middle East in terms of sales?
The Year of the Dragon 2024 collection highlights key styles with dragon motifs, auspicious symbols, and vibrant colours, showcasing the significance of the dragon in Chinese culture through luxurious materials and intricate craftsmanship. Regarding buying patterns in the Middle East, Judith Leiber Couture bags attract consumers seeking opulence, sophistication, and exclusivity. With their intricate designs and high-quality materials, they align perfectly with the preferences of Middle Eastern shoppers who truly value elegance and prestige.
View this post on Instagram
You see the fun in fashion. Do you believe that luxury and playfulness can co-exist in a brand?
Judith Leiber bags are both art and fashion. Luxury and humour are not two separate concepts. It seems to me that luxury should never be about taking yourself too seriously. In fact, perhaps one of life’s greatest luxuries is having a good laugh with friends or family, right? Art, fashion, and even interiors may be suffused with luxury, but the greatest pleasure is when they invoke a thought, surprise you, or even bring a smile or a sense of delight to your lips. When I have an idea for a new bag that makes me laugh, I know it will be a hit.
Who is the woman you create for and how do you evolve the Judith Leiber woman while keeping true to the brand’s DNA?
We have a diverse range of clients. We are a global brand, and our consumers are citizens of the world, many of whom are very savvy collectors. There is not a specific, easily defined profile for a Judith Leiber collector. It is often someone who is fearless, whimsical, and loves surrounding themselves with wild and wonderful things. Whether they collect fashion, art, furniture, or couture handbags, a sense of humor is a must.
How do you balance the creative and commercial sides of the business, and do you feel more drawn to one than the other?
Creativity always wins; products need to be fresh and innovative; each style needs to stand alone; and most of all, they need to spark joy. Merchandising falls into place with our strong baseline of classics as the collection is built each season. We always offer a range of price points and shapes for collectors. How would you style evening bags to be worn during the day? Combining a traditionally dressy item with sweats and sneakers is the ultimate fun surprise. I also love the mix of textures with crystal, denim, and boucle blazers. Finding the unexpected in a simple outfit is what can make it look great.
View this post on Instagram
You have a strong band of celebrity fans. Why do you think this is and how did you cultivate it?
Our celebrity fanbase is a testament to the allure and reputation of our brand in crafting unforgettable fashion moments. Our glamorous evening bags and crystal minaudieres effortlessly captivate celebrities, VIPs, and beyond, ensuring appeal among elite clientele at prestigious events like the Met Gala. Through our presence in high-profile settings and association with influential figures, we’ve deepened our connection with those who appreciate our style. Our unwavering commitment to impeccable craftsmanship, iconic designs, and strategic collaborations solidifies our position as their preferred choice for leaving a lasting impression.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
Images: Supplied
