Simon Miller’s creative director, Chelsea Hansford, has a unique perspective on animal prints – she sees them not as a bold statement, but as a neutral element. In the brand’s latest resort collection, cheetah and zebra designs take center stage, with Hansford describing them as her version of a little black dress. “They run wild in this collection,” she said from Los Angeles. From suits and dresses to coats and shoes, animalistic patterns are a prevalent theme, tying the entire collection together.

Despite the prominent presence of wild beasts, they were not the main inspiration for this collection, aptly named “Gala.” The name carries a double meaning – not only are many of the pieces suitable for formal events like black tie galas, but “Gala” was also the name of Salvador Dali’s wife. Surrealist imagery played a significant role in shaping Hansford’s vision for this collection.

This surrealist influence is evident in pieces like a lip-shaped bag and a lip-print dress, paying homage to Dali’s iconic Mae West Lips sofa. Hansford also drew metallic color inspiration from Dali’s melting clocks, incorporating gold and silver accents into evening gowns and sequined dresses. These designs cater to the spotlight seeker rather than the wallflower, embodying the lavishness and drama of the famous Rothschild surrealist ball.

While there are some daytime-friendly pieces in the collection, such as striped linen dresses and button downs, Hansford emphasizes that Simon Miller is not a brand focused on basic staples. “We aren’t a quiet luxury brand – we are, as I say, a playful luxury brand,” she explained.