Greek-born London designer and queen of print Mary Katrantzou has never shied away from a challenge. Her collaborations with fashion, jewellery and beauty brands have been iconic, from accessories with Bulgari and lingerie with Victoria’s Secret to a sportswear-inspired clothing line with Adidas and toiletries with Cowshed.
Mary Katrantzou x Lipsy Tiered Skirt Midi Dress, £42, Next
Now, she’s taken her passion for print to a high street collection with Lipsy. When they approached her with the idea, the London Fashion Week favourite was pregnant, and agreed on one condition: she could design childrenswear for the collection, too. And the limited edition collection has landed now at Next just in time for summer, aiming to ‘bring a sunny outlook to every special occasion’.
Drawing on archival prints, Katrantzou has brought her signature flora and fauna motifs and her famed Ombré Valley prints to swimwear, dresses, tops, trousers and kaftans for a colourful summer wardrobe you’ll want to wear over and over.
The Tiered Skirt Midi Dress (£42) is constructed with frilled sleeves and smocked back detailing for comfort as well as style, making it the perfect choice for a mid-season wedding, while the Short Sleeve Under Bust Midi Dress (£52) with its pansy, anemone and rose print is as romantic as it gets. A contemporary collared shirt (£38) comes in a dreamscape landscape print complete with zebras and jungle-inspired artwork, and makes a bold statement paired with the black and contrast print wide-legged trousers (£40). Our favourite? The micro-meadow ruched maxi dress (£58) with its flattering silhouette and floaty skirt.
Mary Katrantzou x Lipsy Ruched Maxi Dress, £58, Next
For summer holidays – think Ibizan beach party or girl’s trip to the south of France – we’ll be packing the soft pink floral printed kimono and matching bikini (£20).
Mary Katrantzou x Lipsy Printed Kimono, £34 and Printed Bikini Top, £20, Next
We don’t need an excuse to dress our little ones just like us, but the Pleated Skater Dress (£28-£31) is perfect for smart suppers out and family photos, and the Baby Tiered Dress (£26-£28) offers mothers and daughters the opportunity to match in Mary K for the first time ever.
Mary Katrantzou x Lipsy Pleated Skater Dress, from £28, Next
Mary Katrantzou x Lipsy Baby Tiered Dress, from £26, Next
Silhouettes draw on Katrantzou’s classic tiered styles, timeless A-line designs and vintage-inspired tea dresses, making Lipsy’s limited edition collection a go-to for summer staples. The full collection is available to buy now at next.co.uk.
