Week 7: Feb 18-22
Megan Hess Illustrates the Best of French Haute Couture
Chanel
2017 Resort Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“[Coco] Chanel brought straight lines to the forefront of fashion at a time when over-the-top froufrou looks reigned. She transformed black — a color typically worn during periods of mourning — into a covetable wardrobe staple with instant chic appeal.”
Dior
Fall 2005 Couture Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“[Christian] Dior was a pioneer of post–World War II fashion, masterminding a new style of opulent and extravagant dressing … Dior’s New Look was defined by tailored gowns with cinched waistlines and full skirts — some using meters and meters of voluminous tulle.”
Saint Laurent
Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“[Yves] Saint Laurent’s signature looks include the revolutionary ‘Le Smoking’ suit: one of the first tuxedo jackets specifically designed for women.”
Lanvin
Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“Influenced by her exotic discoveries, [Jeanne] Lanvin became experimental with her design methods and invested in her own dye factory so that she could produce fabrics in colors exclusive to her own house.”
Givenchy
Spring 2018 Couture Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“[Hubert de] Givenchy designed collections with [Audrey] Hepburn at the forefront. He created modern and chic clothes that women like her — or women who aspired to be like her — enjoyed wearing, including everything from evening gowns to casual Capri pants with oversize white men’s shirts.”
Chloé
Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“[Gaby] Aghion distinguished herself with her signature carefree and stripped-back elegance and was the pioneer of informal formalwear.”
Balmain
Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“[Olivier] Rousteing has cemented the label’s strong look of structured and embellished decadence. He effortlessly brings together opposing forces with a mix of sharp, tailored, almost tough military-like silhouettes and delicate details, including fine beading and studded work.”
Louis Vuitton
Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“[Marc] Jacobs led the brand from iconic luggage to coveted wardrobe must-haves, taking inspiration from the company’s travel heritage. He designed luxury pieces that could be stowed away in your Louis Vuitton bag and taken on vacation: The look was fun and stylish, whimsical and edgy.”
Hermès
Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“The Hermès style to me is embodied in riding pants and boots with tailored blazers, and of course silk scarves and one of their iconic leather handbags …I love that the spirit of the stables still lives on at Hermès today, nearly two centuries since the house’s origin.”
Celine
Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear Photo: Megan Hess from Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion; published by Hardie Grant; 2019.
“[Céline] Vipiana’s vision was to design and curate collections that celebrated modern minimalism. She favored the idea of women investing in quality items that could be worn season after season instead of chasing trend-based fashion and growing tired of it as soon as it was hung in the wardrobe.