On one side: meticulous cuts, folds, seams, and detailing. On the other: a stampede of fashion-hungry girls waiting for uncomplicated spring attire.

In the middle is one unruffled Jeffrey Monteiro, dapper designer behind his namesake label.

Inspired by Finnish home design, Monteiro applied his mad skills (honed as design director for Mayle and Derek Lam) to an array of slouchy dresses, loose gowns, roomy blouses, and fitted pants for an airy, lived-in, easy (like Sunday morning) collection.

And like a chivalrous knight rescuing us from the clutches of RTW boredom, Monteiro kicks off our Fashion Week Dossier with a free look delivered to one smart and lucky reader who participates in this Swindle.

For once, it’s as simple as it sounds.

Available at Castor & Pollux, 238 West 10th Street, at Hudson Street (212-645-6572); Stuart & Wright, 85 Lafayette Avenue, between South Elliot Place and South Portland Street, Fort Greene (718-797-0011). To see styles, go to jeffreymonteiro.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Jeffrey Monteiro