Visitors to the Jacquemus show at the Palace of Versailles on Monday afternoon could picture themselves in any number of well-known French paintings or historical dramas as they were transported there in little rowboats on the Grand Canal while admiring the splendor of the chateau in the background.
As the 75 ships were arranged in a row down the crimson runway bordering one coast, baroque music from the reign of Louis XIV erupted from speakers hidden by concealment among the conical bushes.
As soon as VIP guests exited their black cars for the photo call, the fashion show began: Eva Longoria in a linen pantsuit, Emily Ratajkowski in a skimpy bra top and tutu, “Queen Charlotte” actress India Ria Amarteifio in an off-the-shoulder skirt suit with a plunging décolleté.
She was asked what was inside, “Just my lip gloss,” she answered.
Simon Porte Jacquemus had orchestrated another dazzling and entrancing fashion spectacle to help fuel dreams—and sales of his fall 2023 collection—by the time the final three finale gowns drifted by, in the colors of the French flag and with the wind rippling their long, long trains.
This ambitious exhibition, held in one of France’s most historic and well-known locations, was also intended to begin elevating and positioning the Jacquemus brand in a higher league as the business prepares to open outlets internationally, aspires to be a legacy brand, and targets 500 million euros in revenue by 2025.
The collection will be remembered for its voluminous taffeta sleeves, which are a nod to the late Princess Diana, whose gleaming smile and ’80s fashions were all over the designer’s mood board, as well as its frothy skirts and quirky panniered panties, which nod to the excessive fashions of Marie Antoinette and the Court of Versailles.
The royal’s striking black-and-white stripes were mistaken for referee polos by the Jacquemus guy, while her polka dots ended up dispersed across minidresses.
The designer stressed the need to create a memorable silhouette during a press scrum after the show, which is why he paraded only about a third of the see now, buy now collection instead of concentrating on more editorial pieces like the puffball dresses and his body-baring, lingerie-like slipdresses that still lacked finesse.
It was more difficult to include menswear in this mash-up of Lady Di, Versailles, and ballerina motifs. The designer gave boxy outfits with full-legged pants some flair by adding some tutus and froufrou around the waists. Armed forces bombers arrived puffy and with rounded sleeves.
The white jacket with the scooped-out back that Bad Bunny wore to the Met Gala earlier this year was recreated by Jacquemus in black, showcasing how the French designer deftly ties red-carpet excitement, astute Instagram storytelling, and cunning branding together.
In an homage to the ballet performances Marie Antoinette introduced to Versailles, models carried the new La Pochette purse while doing ballet positions with their arms. There were miniature versions of other bags that were worn as prayer beads on lariats.
Following the performance, waiters in tuxedos appeared from one of the rows of trees that line the canals, carrying silver trays filled with Champagne coupes, fresh cherries, or sugar replicas of genuine pink flowers.
According to Jacquemus, he stayed outside in an effort to capture Versailles with his pop sensibility and in keeping with his approachable brand image.
“Oh my god, is there anything more recognizable than Versailles? Longoria, who was taking a break from promoting “Flamin’ Hot,” her feature-length directorial debut, which was published on June 9 by Disney+ and Hulu, exclaimed, “I’m so happy.
The success of it, she gushed, “is insane.” “We’re the top streaming movie for the second weekend in a row. The most-watched film in Searchlight’s history is We. The movie’s success is very remarkable, as it demonstrates that it was appreciated for the reasons I intended it to be, namely, representation, this incredible narrative, and inspirational individuals. Therefore, I’m in awe.
She was grateful that temperatures had fallen sufficiently for her to put on a pantsuit after a sweltering weekend in Paris. “I wear linen, and I adore this. This screams Eva in every way,” she added.
Karol G, a Colombian artist, was adjusting the choreography and specifics of her forthcoming Maana Será Bonito Tour while sporting pink hair and a siren costume.
“I’m really pushing my craft since I’m doing stadiums for the first time. She stated as a member of her crew adjusted her dress’ swooping neckline, “I really want to do my best like I want to see myself too in a different manner than the things that I’ve done previously.
Ahn Hyo-shop, a Canadian actor and singer who was most recently a part of the popular South Korean TV show “Business Proposal,” is getting ready for the premiere of “A Time Called You,” which is scheduled to air on Netflix later this year. He added, covering his face from the light, “It’s about time travel, so I’ll be acting as at least three characters in one role.”
The music video for Big Girl’s song “Forever” by an independent rock band has just been released, and it was directed by “13 Reasons Why” actor Brandon Flynn.
“My actor brain had to shut off and I had to sort of think what would behoove the artist and the vision that would align with the song, and it was really exciting to sort of think in that way,” he added as he took in the waterfront setting.
“I’ve never been to Versailles before. The fact that it is a UNESCO site excites me. To cross one of those off the list is wonderful. I’m eager to learn more about the area and see what Jacquemus will add,” he declared.
Did he fear the water? “No,” he said, grinning. I’m a Miami native. We enjoy the water.
