Mithridate Bridges Cultures With UK-China Inspired Collection

Daniel Fletcher‘s latest collection for Mithridate examines the shared cultural experiences between the United Kingdom and China, blending British heritage with global appeal.

Inspirations From Both Sides of the World

The collection draws inspiration from British events such as Royal Ascot, Glastonbury, and the Henley Regatta, an annual rowing event on the Thames, popular with Londoners. These iconic events mirror Fletcher‘s firsthand experiences at the Dragon Boat Festival in Guangzhou.

The designer’s time in China, developing the collection alongside the local team, deeply influenced the designs.

Heritage Meets Hedonism in Design

Essentials were crafted from soft sand-washed silk and pastel Merino wool. Formal wear featured a Mick Jagger-esque flair, while outerwear incorporated aged leather and fine checks, suitable for unpredictable weather conditions.

Additionally, the collection nods to “Brideshead Revisited,” incorporating preppy elements, like a rowing blazer emblazoned with a Mithridate logo inspired by vintage Eton College photos, plus a navy padded bomber paired with checked shorts.

In fashion, the global market is seeing increased demand for clothing that reflects cultural fusion, with designers increasingly drawing inspiration from diverse sources to appeal to a wider audience. One recent analysis shows a 15% increase in collections showcasing cross-cultural influences (Statista 2023).

An Homage to David Hockney

Fletcher stated, “I found this beautiful photo of Hockney signing a conservatory painting. That kind of clash of colors, textures, and prints is something that I find inspiring.” This captures the vibrant, anything-goes style embraced by a young David Hockney.

Craftsmanship in Detail

Chinese craftsmanship is evident in the collection’s details. The final look, a delicate embroidered dress, features hand-beading using traditional techniques to evoke the pattern of picnic basket checks.