Unapologetically feminine, our latest collection puts a contemporary spin on Victorian-era design. Discover the story behind our SS24 offering, Ethereal Reverie.
For Malone Souliers’ Co-Creative Directors, Coco Fong and Valerio Bava, the Pre-SS24 collection offers a chance to “welcome customers inside our fantasy world, where opulent Victorian fashion is at its essence.” Mood boards with images of frilly petticoats, intricately laced bodices, and costume jewellery formed the starting point for the season’s covetable shoes and handbags. An ode to the romance of period dress, get ready to embrace a confection of ladylike silhouettes, all-out embellishment, and soft hues.
“Sweet, feminine, classic, and understated, the SS24 collection feels so intrinsically Malone Souliers,” the duo explains. “We had so much fun developing this collection, taking inspiration from 19th century style as well as beautiful impressionist portraits. We also referenced the films of Sofia Coppola with their evocatively designed costumes and sets.”
Hero Styles
Lavish decoration defines many styles, with crystal trims and bows of all sizes imbuing the edit with endless charm. Capturing the mood, Maera and Marie – one a slingback sandal, the other a slip-on mule – are both adorned with an oversized, loosely tied knot. Described by Coco and Valerio as “fun and dramatic, Maera’s couture-inspired satin bow playfully offsets sporty mesh”.
Realised in smooth leather, refined mules Bonnie and Blythe continue the theme with prim cutwork bows at their pointed toes. Elsewhere, corsetry-inspired details distinguish the Bexley and the Alessandra, whose statement silhouettes are enhanced by metal eyelets and satin ribbon lacing – “a testament to fine craftsmanship”, say Coco and Valerio. Quietly nodding to the aesthetic, Perla is reimagined in delicate floral lace while Julia, a croc-embossed mule, strikes the balance between classic and contemporary design.
To Have and to Hold
When it comes to bags, each style is designed to effortlessly complement shoes from the collection. Lustrous fabrics update favourite styles such as Audrey – choose between marble croc-embossed leather or smooth camel leather, both of which are endlessly versatile. Meanwhile, the asymmetric Divine returns in an all-new shoulder bag iteration for the perfect blend of elegance and ease. Signature glossy hardware lends high-shine polish to both.
The Campaign
For the campaign, a series of tranquil images brings the collection to life. Coco and Valerio describe how “painted blue skies and floral gardens offset dreamlike white structures, allowing an abundance of flirtatious bows and glistening embellishments to take centre stage”. The tone is relaxed yet joyful, working to bring a feeling of the outside in. Nodding to the Victorians’ love of well-tended gardens, traditional outdoor furniture and decorative fountains further set the scene.
Thoroughly modern, our SS24 collection aims to ‘reclaim and embrace the beauty and femininity of the Victorian era in a way that’s relevant today,’ conclude Coco and Valerio. Without further ado, we invite you into a subtly nostalgic world of sublime shoes and tempting handbags…