Julien Fournié's recent fashion show at the Paris-based Musée Grévin is nothing short of spectacular, offering a tribute to Marie-Antoinette, the last queen of France.
Marie Antoinette was a leader in fashion and a model of style during her time in Europe. She was described as vivacious, outgoing, bold and a social butterfly. She was responsible for a shift in fashion from more subdued tones to more innovative and adventurous uses of color. Marie Antoinette initiated a movement at the very origin of fashion, favoring the new over what has traditionally been considered beautiful. Julien Fournié aimed to restore the splendor of her life in Versailles and highlight her status as a fashion icon.
The French couturier presented six looks inspired by the codes of Marie-Antoinette's legend, translated into today's Haute Couture pieces. The collection showcases the work of the finest artisans, featuring corsets, ball gowns with voluminous skirts, and ensembles that flirt with masculine tailoring on feminine silhouettes.
The first look, a training outfit, includes a long trench coat in plum washed silk embroidered with old silver plant motifs. Underneath, an ensemble made of saddle-style leather in pastel shades dear to Marie-Antoinette, complete with fleur-de-lis inlays on the pants and flat bow ornaments on the bustier, is unveiled. A leather crown with medallions and royal gaiters complete this regal outfit.
Accessories also hold a notable place in the collection, with "Ex Voto" earrings and brooches, the brand’s monogrammed tote in a lenticular canvas, and the new “Big Bang” handbag in 18th-century tender colors. A striking three-piece suit, cut in a Prince of Wales wool in bright colors, is enhanced with lilac embroideries, paired with a silk lavalliere tie blouse and a bicorn hat decorated with a feather arrow and brooch in the style of "Incroyables."
The final look in the collection reinterprets embroidered elements of Marie-Antoinette’s legend. The design incorporates her roles as a shepherdess, pastry lover, devoted mother, and her iconic coat of arms, all depicted as if hand-sketched like Asian anime in a tattoo style. These motifs flourish on a "gothic rockabilly" look, cinched by a black crystal-embroidered jacket with a crater collar and split basque.
The highlight of the show is the finale, revealing Marie-Antoinette’s majestic court costume. This ensemble includes a corset decorated with embroidered bows, a skirt, an overskirt, ruffled sleeves, in bright white silk triple organza, embellished with sparkling embroidery in various shades of silver and moon gold, recalling the queen’s favorite musical instruments, symbols of the French royals. Ribbons, feathers, and pearls adorn her hair, topped with a sparkling flocked galleon with embroidered sails featuring the French monarch’s symbol.
From June 28th to September 1st, 2024, at the Musée Grévin the six looks from the Julien Fournié Haute Couture "Last Queen" collection will be on display, allowing a wider audience to admire the exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious details up close. This show is a magnificent tribute to the last queen of France, reflecting her timeless influence on fashion and celebrating her enduring legacy in the world of Haute Couture.
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