“It’s all about love,” said JJ Martin during a walk-through of LDJ’s fall collection. It took place in a stunning frescoed salon at Milan’s Palazzo Clerici, where mannequins were arranged in a circle around a huge installation of massive rotating pinwheels. “We’ve transformed this palazzo into an energy elevation station,” said Martin. “These beautiful sculptures act as energy antennae—they even resemble DNA strands—and they have a galactic quality, bringing in a cosmic energy influence we’ve been exploring.”
The cosmic energy definitely irradiated the collection, which keeps evolving at galactic speed every season. Scarf dressing was a new introduction, manifesting as foulards and fringed neckerchiefs built into tops, bias-cut dresses, robes, and overcoats. Prints enveloped LDJ creations in magical new motifs inspired by Mother Earth, featuring in-house-created fantastical creatures. “Fun-gi” paid homage to “the global underground kingdom of mushrooms,” symbolizing connectivity; “Nucleus” was a placed print drawing from the microscopic world of atoms and cells; “Camelot” depicted a golden stallion composed of a galaxy of creatures and botanical elements; “Monarch” showcased a majestic butterfly intricately formed from hundreds of sweet little animals.
The presentation exuded an enchanting vibe, with the colossal pinwheels spinning in a hypnotic, meditative rhythm. Outside, the chaotic world and its nonsensical madness seemed remote and foreboding. “How can we make ourselves feel good?” Martin asked. “All we can do is focus on the small details in and around us.” Yet one can only wonder—will that be enough? Meanwhile, the pinwheels kept turning.
