Looking at designer Chelsea Hansford’s latest collection for Simon Miller, it’s hard to remember that the label began in 2008 as a niche men’s denim collection. Over the past decade, the brand has evolved into more of a lifestyle label—adding womens, swim, handbags, and instantly recognizable shoes. The spring 2022 collection, titled 1-800-Fruit-Club, is about as far away from in-the-know menswear as it’s possible to be. The collection is technicolor bright, replete with fruit prints; textures ranging from rubber to raffia; and cut-out dresses that are on the bleeding edge of trendy.
Hansford’s signature is the bubble clog. Last season, an acid green pair went viral, and this season, it’s available in three different pony hair colors (black and green dots, white and black dots, and green), in raffia, and as a sandal. Indeed, the accessories are the biggest innovations this season. The lucite wedge heel, available in orange and iridescent, is a fun new shape, ready to party. The rubber Bonsai beach totes are also equally functional and appealing.
As for the clothes, there are several pretty, fruit or fruit stand inspired prints available in swimwear and apparel. The dresses embrace the wholly bombastic mood that fashion is in right now; they’re tight, ruched, and amply cutout. The newly introduced crochet, though, is a standout. The matching sets and bucket hats feel special while still evoking this more-is-more mentality.
