THE NEW, NEW LOOK
Taiwanese designer Mina Chen’s fresh brand epitomizes true luxury
When Christian Dior launched his New Look in 1947, it was a symbol of hope, an introduction to a revolutionary silhouette and, above all, the very moment that defined modern haute couture. The shockingly indulgent use of ivory silk shantung and black wool in a postwar world was nothing short of radical. It resurrected the spirit of luxury through quality, craftsmanship, and unapologetic ritz, and set the industry on course for where it is today.
M’RHEN Founder Mina Chen stuns in the ‘Amalia Twill Jacket’ & ‘Lucia Skirt’
Photo: @m.rhennewyork via Instagram
Since then, ‘luxury’ has been polluted. One needn’t read author Dana Thomas’s Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster to see this. (Although, I recommend you do as it is a fascinating journey from the origins of luxury to the 21st century). Nowadays, traditional craftsmanship has been reduced in favor of cheaper, outsourced labor. Once lavish materials have been diluted with a variety of plastic-based threads, or, even worse, downright replaced. (Let’s not forget the $57 Dior Book Tote scandal of yesteryear). Fashion houses have overextended their presence from clothing to beauty to homeware and beyond, becoming inescapable, and, simultaneously, indistinguishable. Almost 80 years after Dior’s groundbreaking collection, what connotes luxury is simply the price one pays. It is refreshing, then, when a brand like M’RHEN comes along and reminds us what it means to be a ‘luxury’ label.
M’RHEN, a women’s ready-to-wear line, gets its name from the Mandarin phrase 迷人 (mi ren), which translates to ‘charming’ in English. The newest player in the luxury game is the product of Los Angeles-born, Taipei-raised, and New York-resident Mina Chen. Those lucky enough to meet Mina know that she possesses a certain old-world grace. She has a delicate disposition, but is confident nonetheless. It is immediately apparent that the designs of M’RHEN are a sincere extension of her poise and values.
The ‘Camila Day Dress’ radiates in Venetian Red
Photo: @m.rhennewyork via Instagram
Last November, M’RHEN launched their inaugural Resort 2026 collection titled ‘The Observed.’ The romantic imagery of M’RHEN’s introduction paints an effective, dreamlike portrait. (If it wasn’t my fantasy to frolic- dressed in couture- throughout a European chateau before, it is now). The pieces are largely constructed in black and white materials, a practical, timeless choice. On occasion, as in the case of the ‘Camila Day Dress,’ M’RHEN’s offerings dip into classic colors, such as Venetian red and navy.
The garments are indisputable wardrobe staples that channel iconic, glamorous moments throughout fashion history. Having previously mentioned Dior’s New Look, M'RHEN echoes the now-classic style with the ‘Amalia Twill Jacket’ and the ‘Lucia Gabardine Skirt.’ Moreover, the ‘Cosima Evening Dress’ is reminiscent of the halter-necked white frock made internationally known by Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch (1955). M’RHEN pulls inspiration from retro silhouettes, but modernizes them to feel accessible to current women.
The ‘Cosima Evening Dress’ is cut from 100% silk charmeuse and silk chiffon
Photo: @m.rhennewyork via Instagram
M’RHEN’s premiere restores hope that the forthcoming generation of designers can bring back the pillars of luxury: craftsmanship, quality, and a narrow focus. A hefty price tag (M’RHEN’s offerings range from $725-$1,425 USD) feels justified in the company of obvious artistry. For example, the ‘Amalia Twill Jacket’ is constructed in premium, Italian wool; the knife pleats are handgrabbed and sewn, and the buttons are carefully wrapped in matching wool to achieve an elegant, retro look. Every product in the six-piece collection (thirteen-piece if you count all of the colorways) is fabricated exclusively with natural materials: cotton, silk, and wool. Everything is fully-lined and produced in New York City, ensuring Mina can keep a close eye on the quality.
Since Mr. Dior’s pivotal runway, the fashion industry has undergone numerous existential shifts. From the consolidation of designers under conglomerates like LVMH to the ever-evolving presence of social media, the world that Dior showed his collection to is not the same. ‘Luxury’ has been hackneyed beyond recognition. It is up to future designers, then, to reclaim and recontextualize the definition of ‘luxury.’ That is what M’RHEN achieves. That’s what makes it part of the New, New Look.
The romantic neckline of the ‘Talita Bustier’ complements the powerful shape of the ‘Mariana Gabardine Pant’
Photo: @m.rhennewyork via Instagram
Follow @m.rhennewyork on Instagram for details on future launches and news, including their upcoming trunk shows in Taipei.