As one of the rising stars of the fashion world, French fashion house Jacquemus presented perhaps the most luxurious show of the season in Paris on Monday. Stars like Victoria and David Beckham settled on boats on the lake at the Palace of Versailles to watch the action on the lake’s shore catwalk.
French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus presented his new collection, inspired by Lady Diana and Marie Antoinette, on a long red podium set on the lawn of the royal grounds southwest of the capital.
Jacquemus dubbed the show “Le Chouchou” – French for “darling” but also for hair ties in reference to some of the baggy shapes of the dresses, such as those worn by Kendall Jenner.
“I wanted to call it ‘La culotte’ (in English, panties) but it was too ugly for Versailles,” said the designer, laughing. The feminine looks – almost all white with some black and pink accents – consisted of intricately patterned tights and white knee-highs with pink accents.
“I’ve always been obsessed with Lady Di and started collecting magazines and Vogue covers from the ’90s,” he said. A white dress with black polka dots, along with ’80s silhouettes of suits and bomber jackets, was a nod to his “favorite modern princess,” he said. The many tutus were reminiscent of Marie-Antoinette’s passion for ballet.
“I wanted something very elegant, ballet-inspired, for men too,” he added. As with his previous shows – and many others over the past week – there was a lot of skin on display, with cut outs, mini skirts and sheer materials.
Jacquemus said he started planning the show before it got the green light from Versailles. “When we first met, I was told it wasn’t possible,” says the designer. “Now it’s crazy, I have a one-year contract,” he added, promising something special was to come.
Independent and bold
True to his penchant for independence, Jacquemus held his all-gender show just a day after the official Paris Fashion Week ended. Jacquemus embarked on a unique and very successful path in the fashion world. The designer has 5.6 million followers on Instagram despite not being on the official fashion week calendar since 2020.
Actresses Monica Bellucci, Eva Longoria and Adele Exarchopoulos were among the invited guests who arrived at the site and were taken aboard a Front Row anchored on the water. “What a place! He’s an incredible talent, an artist,” said Bellucci, who wore a brown pants suit.
Top model Gigi Hadid also walked the runway, in heels and a light, sheer lace dress. After the show, she cruised around the lake on a golf cart, drawing cheers from the fashionistas who watched from behind the barriers.
Among the outfits were some patriotic touches, including red, white and blue dresses that were short and sheer at the front and featured a long train. “I love my country and I’m proud of it,” said Jacquemus. (AFP)
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.com