Maria McManus Pre-Fall 2022

Maria McManus named two very different muses for pre-fall: 18-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg and midcentury furniture designer Charlotte Perriand. The former for her dauntless activism, the latter for her stripped-back and functional style. In her collection notes, McManus noted Perriand’s philosophy that better design equates to a better society, then channeled Thunberg’s boldness with a pressing question: “Do the fashion industry’s behemoths ever consider the betterment of society?” Perriand’s influence came through in the collection’s newly modular spirit, with simple, no-fuss garments made to be worn and styled in myriad ways. A surprisingly sexy wool miniskirt was shown over tights as well as trousers, bringing a welcome sense of play to the collection. (Ditto the cashmere hot pants and shrunken cardigans.) Also new: a recycled cashmere bodysuit and cupro camisole, fresh options to layer under her signature suits and plush sweaters.