MELKE SS 2025 : The Book Fair
MELKE SS 2025: A Nostalgic Journey Back to The Book Fair
Emma Gage, the creative mind behind MELKE, transported audiences back to the nostalgic magic of the Scholastic Book Fair with her Spring/Summer 2025 collection, aptly titled “The Book Fair.” Known for her designs infused with carefree joy and childlike wonder, Gage’s latest collection captures the excitement of one of school’s most anticipated events: the book fair. From the thrill of haggling with parents for cash to buy bendy erasers and ostrich pens, to eagerly waiting for the newest installment of The Pony Pals series—Gage’s personal favorite—The Book Fair takes us back in time, celebrating the whimsical stories that shaped our childhoods.
A Whimsical Blend of Feminine and Masculine Silhouettes
The Book Fair collection focuses on childhood memories’ playful yet structured elements, seamlessly blending soft tailoring and relaxed silhouettes. Gage’s designs reflect the fluidity between feminine and masculine forms, incorporating pleating and button-down shirts as subtle nods to the uniforms she wore throughout middle and high school. Structured cotton, supple wools, and soft silks form the collection’s foundation, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the wearable, everyday fabrics.
The collection’s whimsical details explode with creativity, each piece a tribute to the beloved book fair experience. No. 2 pencils are transformed into fringe, leaping horses add dynamic movement, and rope details mimic the classic bendy erasers we all loved as kids. Each motif references a favorite book or treasured memory, grounding the designs in a familiar and joyful past.
Balancing Nostalgia and Joy
MELKE’s The Book Fair beautifully balances nostalgia and joy, reminding us of the importance of disconnecting from the hustle of everyday life and immersing ourselves in a good book. Through her designs, Gage encourages us to reconnect with the carefree moments of our childhood and embrace the whimsical worlds we once explored. The Book Fair celebrates storytelling, daydreaming, and the enduring power of imagination, proving that we’re never too old to revisit the wonder of our favorite childhood tales.
Photo Credit: Kenzie King