While it’s certainly practical, outdoor clothing isn’t something we think of as particularly fashion-forward, nor versatile. Luckily, Lady Melissa Percy is changing all that. Bringing a youthful and chic update to the concept of clothing made for the great outdoors, her label Mistamina is an eclectic mix of functionality and fashion – for the girl who loves the countryside as much as she does city life.
I’m wearing a chunky knit jumper by Mistamina
Affectionately known as ‘Missy’ by her friends, the young entrepreneur and daughter to the Duke of Northumberland, saw a gap in the market for affordable but also feminine outdoor wear. Her pieces are designed specifically to challenge misconceptions about female outerwear – everything is effortlessly comfortable, cool and with just a little tomboy edge, making them perfect for both city living and trips into the country.
Missy herself has got to be one of the sportiest girls in the game, and despite her affluent upbringing, she certainly hasn’t been resting on her laurels. Not only is she considered one of the best shots in the country, she almost became a professional tennis player, jetting off to Florida aged just 15 to join an international tennis academy. Later in life she went into coaching – and if you didn’t think she had enough strings to her bow already, she’s also a Leith’s trained chef.
The clothes speak for themselves. Expect snuggly borg-lined jackets, chunky knitwear, softly fitted tailoring, and no end of utility patches and pockets.
Missy was married briefly in her twenties, telling Tatler, “after I got divorced, I wanted to do something completely different.” She eventually saw the need for a sleek, reasonably priced outdoor clothing line for women in her age bracket, proving to us all that country casual really can be cool.
Written by Thea Carley
