The unforgiving pace of the fashion industry has been exhausting, even for the most seasoned of designers, and Michelle Smith is no exception. At the height  Milly, the contemporary brand she launched in 2001 to great success, she was designing over 28 collections a year. Now, with her new namesake label, Smith returns to fashion, but this time she is doing so on her own terms.

After taking some time to pause and reflect, Smith was inspired to get back into the game with a collection that feels both relevant and timely. “We want to feel and see something more luxurious on our bodies, but we’ve become quite attached to the comfort aspect,” she said. With softness and comfort in mind, the line of elevated everyday items is sure to resonate with consumers living in the era of COVID-19.

The sense of ease is reflected in the business structure too. Quality control will remain a priority over quantity. Smith plans to release two limited edition, numbered capsule collections each year with a few drops in between – they come as she feels inspired. With each new capsule, images will be released so customers can pre-order, and she will only produce items that are ordered to minimize waste.

“My aesthetic is minimal, with an alluring twist or detail,” she added. “When I design, I focus on what I want to reveal, both physically and emotionally. I’m honored to collaborate with the finest mills and artisans around the world to offer a collection created with passion, wit, intention, and love.”

Explore the collection here.