Let's be honest: designer collaborations aren't exactly a novelty anymore. Over the past few years, we've been spoilt by high-street brands teaming up with emerging names and fashion powerhouses alike, but just because we've seen a lot of them, doesn't mean the magic's worn off. There's something incredibly satisfying about being able to get your hands on a piece that feels elevated—something with a bit more intention behind it—without having to completely rethink your monthly budget. These collabs often end up being the pieces we wear the most: a little bit cooler, a little more considered, and just that bit more fun to style.
The latest drop that's caught my eye? Mango's new collaboration with British-Indian designer Supriya Lele. If you aren't already familiar, Lele is a Central Saint Martins and Royal College of Art alum whose namesake label has become known for its confident, minimal silhouettes and subtle references to her dual heritage—think sheer layering, asymmetric shapes and clever draping. Her work often explores the tension between structure and softness and body and fabric, making her pieces a natural fit for a summer-ready collection that doesn't shy away from bold details.
This collection marks her first high-street collaboration and the debut of Mango Collective, a new initiative from the brand that aims to shine a light on emerging design talent. What's clear from the outset is that this isn't just a designer lending her name to a few items. The collection actually feels like Supriya Lele. It leans into the sheer layers and sporty, '90s-inspired details she's known for, but without veering into territory that feels overly trend-driven or tricky to wear.
There's a kind of quiet confidence to the pieces that makes them surprisingly versatile. Case in point: one of the standouts for me is a sheer, ruched minidress with cut-out detailing. It's definitely a statement, but it's also the sort of thing that could slot into a simple wardrobe with the right styling. Layer it over a swimsuit on holiday, or wear it with flat sandals and a denim jacket for an al fresco dinner. The stirrup leggings (which I know can be divisive) have a slightly unexpected sportiness that actually works, and I can imagine them with a loose shirt and slides, or even dressed up with one of the matching sheer tops from the collection. These pieces start conversations but still make sense for real life.
The two-piece black mesh set is one I can already see working harder than half the basics in my wardrobe. And a couple of the longer dresses—some asymmetric, some more pared-back—feel like exactly the sort of thing you want to throw on when it's too hot to think but you still want to look like you've made some effort. The palette is mostly muted (earthy greens, soft black and the occasional flash of skin through sheer fabrics), which makes mixing and matching a lot easier, both within the collection and with your existing wardrobe.
I'm usually a bit of a safe dresser. I stick to structure, clean lines and modest pieces, and I tend to swerve anything too sheer or body-skimming, but this collection has made me think twice. It's got the right balance of edge and wearability to tempt even those of us who live in tailored trousers and oversized shirts. And whilst some of the pieces lean bolder and more risqué, with a little bit of layering, they'll still feel like they belong in your wardrobe, not just on a Pinterest board.
If you're curious to see the collection in person (and honestly, the textures and details are worth a closer look), there's a pop-up happening on King's Road in London from 5–15 June. Otherwise, the collection will be landing in select Mango stores, including Oxford Street, Westfield Stratford and Long Acre in London, plus Trafford Centre in Manchester.
Explore the full Mango X Supriya Lele collection below, including the pieces I've already cleared space for mentally.
Shop Mango x Supriya Lele:
