Photos by Tim Elkaim

For spring/summer 2018, J&M Davidson takes a colorful journey to Mexico City and Istanbul, with a vibrant palette and bold silhouettes inspired by both cities’ striking landscapes and the line’s own bohemian flavor.

J&M, the ready-to-wear line for women, is named for John (a Brit) and Monique  (she’s French) Davidson. It debuted in 1984.

The spring/summer collection travels from city to city with designs that capture the spirit of an urban nomad. Subtle details, textures and bold proportions give it an optimistic attitude.

Saturated colors lifted from the canvases of Diego Rivera, Henri Mattisse and David Hockney embolden romantic peasant blouses and maxi dresses in fuchsia pink and apple green, evoking Mexico’s candy-striped buildings.

The yellow floral silk brocade Anatolia coat, inspired by those traditionally worn during the Ottoman Empire, stands out alongside the masculine-meets-feminine twill Piper jacket, natural hemp Hobie duster coat and striped Anatolia coat in ecru and navy blue linen. Paired with the white cotton organdie Rose dress and easy, airy Ariel top, the collection captures the cool blend of androgyny and nonchalant femininity synonymous with J&M Davidson.

The shapes and colors of the spring/summer handbag styles ($130-$225) reflect the relaxed mood of a modern-day vagabond — uncomplicated silhouettes in navy, sahara beige and caramel, as well as Mediterranean camellia pink and China blue. The new silhouettes include the Axel, an everyday suede tote that’s practical and unfussy, with a handy pocket hidden at its base.

For evening, the Eleonor handbag is more structured but still insouciant — its brass hardware, oblong shape and sturdy frame make a quiet statement. Smaller but no less smart, the Aime is a vintage-inspired top-handle bag updated with a discreet row of studs. It’s designed to be elegant yet carefree, much like the J&M Davidson woman.

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About E. Vincent Martinez

E. Vincent Martinez is a fashion and lifestyle expert and the creator of Fashionado, a fashion, lifestyle and trend website. He was born in Havana, grew up in Miami, earned his B.F.A. from Miami’s Barry University, trained at the Penland School of Crafts (North Carolina) and earned an M.F.A. in photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology (New York). He’s a full-time professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta and the founder of “Doggies on the Catwalk,” an annual fundraiser that pairs celebrities with service dogs from Canine Assistants in a runway show.

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