Cool threads

OF As the weather heats up and shows no signs of letting up, Malaysians want to dress in threads that are ideally suited for the boiling temperatures. Here are a few sartorial suggestions to enrich the wardrobe with items that are both functional and meet the style quotient.

Carefree spirit of the Uniqlo x Marimekko collection

Clothing retailer Uniqlo has launched the Uniqlo x Marimekko collection in collaboration with Finnish lifestyle design house Marimekko.

The limited edition collection for summer 2024 consists of simple, comfortable Uniqlo pieces with Marimekko’s unique and striking prints. This is a wardrobe that stands out in the sun and adds color to moments spent with friends, family and loved ones.

This latest collection features six iconic Marimekko prints that embody the sense of summer fun from four celebrated Marimekko designers: Maija Isola, Pentti Rinta, Katsuji Wakisaka and Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi. The collection includes archival patterns from three decades: the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Isola’s bold and graphic Melooni (melon) and Rinta’s small-scale repetitive Asema (station) meet Isola’s abstract floral print Ruukku (pot for flowers) and Wakisaka’s Demeter.

To bring rhythm to the otherwise abstract atmosphere, the collection features the undulating Lirinä (the sound of bubbling water), also by Rinta, while the simplified Galleria (gallery) by designer Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi gives a powerful expression to the collection. The cheerful print selection has something for everyone, from bold stripes to abstract flowers, perfect for the warm days ahead.

The new collection offers a wide range of dresses and matching accessories, from bucket hats, canvas slip-ons and round mini shoulder bags to other playful accessories. In addition to women’s and girls’ clothing, the new collection also includes items for babies. Summer outfits can be coordinated sets with matching prints or a mix of comfortable shirts and T-shirts together with skirts.

Timeless elegance from the Marks & Spencer linen collection

Marks & Spencer’s latest linen collection is designed to redefine wardrobe with quality, comfort and versatility. Created for those looking for timeless elegance, the linen pieces combine style and functionality, so you look and feel your best at home and on the go.

Each piece in the new linen collection is created to provide the balance between comfort and style.

The linen collection features “Cool Comfort Technology” that keeps the wearer comfortable and fresh even on the hottest days. The garments are made from 100% linen and are not only easy to care for, but also light and breathable, keeping you comfortable all day long. With a diverse range of styles and cuts, from elegant to fitted, there is something for every taste and occasion.

The linen pieces are designed with the Easy Iron function to simplify the daily routine. Not only are the linen pieces easy to iron, but they are also made with durability in mind, ensuring they can withstand the demands of everyday use while retaining their shape and quality. Follow the care instructions to keep the linen pieces looking their best after every wash.

Beautiful craftsmanship by Sandro X Louis Barthélémy

The first edition of the Sandro That’s why Sandro renews the collaboration with the French artist to create a unique collection that draws inspiration from craftsmanship and cultural traditions.

Each piece of the collection embodies the spirit of travel and discovery, transporting its wearers to a world where art and creativity come together in harmony. The vibrant patterns and bright colors capture the essence of adventure, while paying tribute to the handcrafted techniques inherited from previous generations.

For this collection, Barthélémy was inspired by a series of large, sunny drawings, elaborated in collage-like graphics, that evoke the spirit of travel, an optimistic ode to holidays and the exploration of warm horizons. The prints contain patterns reminiscent of summer, such as the sun, agaves, palm trees, dance and flowers.

Every detail has been thought through to reflect the authenticity and depth of ancient customs. From lightweight shirts and elegant shorts to delicate tanks and handwoven accessories, each piece demonstrates a commitment to artisanal excellence and timeless quality.

With these designs, Sandro and Barthélémy celebrate the fusion of past and present and offer a modern interpretation of cultural heritage. Each garment tells a unique story, imbued with the soul of ancestral traditions while embodying a contemporary vision of fashion.