In the midst of the Spring-Summer 2014 edition of haute couture fashion week (January 19 to 24), we catch up with French couturier Julien Fournié, who unveiled his new collection in Paris on January 21. He offers some insights into the inspirations behind his latest designs.

Julien Fournié


1. What famous person, historical or contemporary, could best represent this collection?

Maya Plisetskaya, the ballet star. Even today, for me, she represents the eternal feminine. And that's what couture in Paris is about: the eternal feminine in a contemporary expression.

 

2. Where were you when you found the inspiration for this collection? What was the light-bulb moment?

I was getting ready for a gala event at the Paris Opéra. I thought about these young girls making, as they say, their "debut in society," and about the preparations for a party where all means of seduction are possible. This is why I called the collection "Premier Frisson" [First Thrill]. In powdery tones, in the style of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, I placed these young women in a strange world, a little like Mark Ryden does.

 

3. If you had to sum up your collection in just one piece, which would you choose?

A deep V-neck sheath that elongates the body by simply covering it with translucent sequins on a light, flesh-colored crêpe fabric. The very essence of sensuality and elegance is meant to come through in the delicate nature of tones resembling young girls' porcelain complexions.

 

4. Could Rihanna, a true fashion icon, represent your label? What look would you pair her with?

I have already dressed Beyoncé. I don't know if Rihanna would accept to follow in her footsteps. But I could see her in the look that will open the show: a top made entirely of various semi-precious gems (amethysts, jade, rock crystal) worn over pleated jacquard pants which alternate the same colors of the gems on the back and the front, accenting them with a unique silver pattern.

 

5. Has a particular couturier inspired you in the past or present?

Several of them have been my masters. Among them, I could name Claude Montana for tailoring, Charles James for corsets built into the architecture of dresses, and Gianfranco Ferré for his original sleeves.

 

6. What do you dislike about the fashion world?

The parochial factions, intolerance, racism... I hate these things anywhere they show up, including in the fashion world.

 

 

Image: Julien Fournié