Jacques turned the Lake of Versailles into the front row of fashion.

In: Agence France Presse
– 15 minutes ago

Jacquemus’ latest fashion show draws inspiration from Lady Di, transforming Lake Versailles for fashion week

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One of the most rising fashion stars, the French house Jacquemus presented perhaps the most exciting Paris show of the season on Monday in Paris, where stars such as Victoria and David Beckham took a look at the catwalk on boats on the lake of the Palace of Versailles, on the water’s edge.

French designer Simon Porte-Jacques’ collection, inspired by Lady Diana and Marie Antoinette, was unveiled on a long red stage laid on the grass at the royal site southwest of the capital.

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Jacquemus called the show “Le Chochu” — French for ‘darling’ but also a reference to some of the poofy shapes of the dresses worn by the likes of Kendall Jenner for messy hair ties.

“I was going to call it ‘la culotte’ (the panties), but it was too ugly for Versailles,” he said, laughing.

The woman’s look – practically all white with some black and pink splashes – featured open work tights and white knee-high stockings with touches of rose.

“I was always obsessed with Lady D and started collecting ’90s magazines and Vogue covers,” he said.

The white dress with black polka dots, as well as ’80s sweaters and bomber jackets, were a “wink” of the “favorite modern princess,” he said.

The multitude of tutus sparked Marie-Antoinette’s love of ballet.

“I wanted something very elegant, ballet-inspired, for men as well,” he said.

As in his previous shows – and others in recent fashion weeks – there was a lot of skin on the show, cut-outs, mini dresses and transparent materials.

Jacques says he started planning the show before he got the green light from Versailles.

“I was told at the first meeting that this was not possible,” he said.

“Right now, it’s crazy, I have a one-year contract,” he says, promising that “something special is coming.”

‘Independent and Brave’

In his taste for freedom, Jacquemus held his all-sex show the day after the Paris Fashion Week menswear shows ended.

Despite being off the official fashion week calendar since 2020, he has built a singular and highly successful path in the fashion game, building 5.6 million followers on Instagram.

Actresses Monica Bellucci, Eva Longoria and Adele Exarchopoulos were among the guests who arrived and boarded the water-bound “front row”.

“What a place! He’s an incredibly talented artist,” said Bellucci, dressed in brown pants.

Star model Gigi Hadid was among those on the catwalk, sitting on heels and wearing a simple, sheer lace dress.

After the event, she drove around the lake in a cart, delighting fashionistas watching from behind a wall.

Among the dresses were patriotic touches, including red, white and blue dresses, short and sheer in the front and adorned with long trains.

“I love my country and I’m proud of it,” Jacquemus said.

Neo/Er/Giv

©Agence France-Presse