It’s a collaboration nation we live in, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Collaborations allow designers to work with sources whom inspire and, at times, invigorate their creativity. One of the most exciting collaborations of SS 2013 is by my friend and DJ extraordinaire– Mia Moretti with contemporary New York brand, Pencey. The 10 piece collection will not debut until tomorrow during NYFW but I managed to snag a sneak peek of Mia’s favorite pieces to share with you. Read on for Mia’s behind the scenes narrative of this boldly beautiful collection.

Mia Moretti x Pencey SS 2013 is a 10 piece jazz-era inspired capsule collection designed by Pencey’s Christina Minasian and myself. I based the collection around the perfect pant, adding on blouses and blazers to pair with them. Designing the prints with Christina was very much like writing a story: our characters, Eva Peron (the face print) and Josephine Baker (the banana leaf print) came to life, inspiring us as we expanded the line. Eva ushered us into an age of sophistication – she was a symbol of hope, a woman of untiring power and beauty. Josephine danced into our hearts with a wink, loosened our collars, lightened our moods, played gently with our fears, freeing us of the standards imposed on us as women during the early 20th century. In our story, women are strong, and also beautiful; we’re elegant and still sexy, powerful whether buttoned up or loosened up. – Mia Moretti