First Impressions
Presented by Got Milk?, the MELKE Spring Summer 2024 collection First Impressions is inspired by designer Emma Gage’s first memory of Elton John: sitting on her parents’ itchy wool carpet at 7 years old watching him perform on The Muppet Show. She was bewitched by his performance of “Crocodile Rock”, enveloped in feathers, rhinestones, and swallowed in lush greenery. Walking down the yellow brick road, we are transported to a land of rhinestones, beaded fringe, and crocodiles, speaking to the joy of childhood memories and the comfort they can bring.
Superstar extravagance is embodied through the Dancer Gown, made of blue hemp silk with an organic cotton tulle overlay, embellished with hand-sewn beetle wing sequins and naturally discarded emu feathers. Lightweight knits including the Croc Sweater Vest and Dancer Sweater use repurposed Sari silk, where sari remnants are turned into ribbons and used as yarn. Other low-impact fabrics include a viscose jersey blended with milk fiber, produced from the casein protein extracted from milk, used for the white Croc Tee and Flower Patch Tees. A portion of proceeds from both Croc Tees—the black iteration made of an organic hemp and cotton blend—will benefit the Elton John Foundation, supporting HIV prevention and care services.