Why France is considered a trendsetter. The great French haute couture houses - the industry of great luxury Fashion house in France

These days, the cosmopolitan high fashion society moves between New York, London, Milan and Paris. Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Versace, Chanel, Dior and others have created true temples of fashion and luxury. Where is the extreme degree of luxury, the limit of what a woman who is not constrained by means can afford - a movie star, a princess, a supermodel, a top manager or the wife of a very rich man? The answer is obvious - high fashion.

High fashion, or "Haute Couture" in French, means the most exclusive creations of fashion houses. However, not every fashion house creates haute couture. Usually such clothes are made by the most eminent designers - and most often they are created for specific customers. Most haute couture houses produce only about one and a half thousand dresses a year.

Each item from the haute couture collections is hand-sewn to the customer's measurements. Therefore, haute couture clothes always fit perfectly, and great couturiers such as the legendary Balenciaga (1895-1972) can even transform the proportions of the figure thanks to the cut.

Clients of haute couture houses can be sure that they will not meet anyone in the same dress. Haute Couture is the highest form of international fashion, akin to art. High fashion creators can tailor their ideas to the requirements of a particular customer. By the way, clients of haute couture houses often have a chance to personally meet celebrity couturiers, and also receive invitations to visit Paris Fashion Week as spectators, which take place twice a year - in January and July.

Paris is the center of high fashion

Since the extravagant court of Louis XIV, French fashion trends have been the focus of attention throughout the rest of Europe. Later, in the 18th century, Rose Bertin became famous, the "Minister of Fashion" at the court of Marie Antoinette, the queen's milliner, who is considered the first famous French fashion designer. Since then, dresses from Paris began to appear in London, Venice, Vienna, St. Petersburg and Constantinople. The unique Parisian elegance has created a reputation for French fashion throughout the world. High fashion as we know it originated in the 19th century. The father of haute couture was Charles Frederick Worth, who can be considered the first modern couturier. He opened his fashion house in 1858 and introduced a number of innovations, such as showing dresses on living models. His clients were Empress Eugenie (wife of the last French Emperor Napoleon III) and Princess Metternich (wife of the Austrian diplomat Metternich).

However, Worth came up with not only the first fashion shows. He and his sons founded the Paris Haute Couture Syndicate in 1868, an association of haute couture houses that determined the criteria that fashion designers must meet in order to carry the proud title of couturier. Nowadays, the term haute couture is defined by the French authorities and has a number of precise criteria. Therefore, only a narrow circle of fashion houses can be called haute couture houses. Each year, their list is determined by the Paris haute couture syndicate.

To be considered haute couture, a fashion house must have a staff of at least twenty people. He must present to the press a collection of at least thirty-five ensembles twice a year in Paris. Moreover, the collection should include both daytime and evening items of clothing. Obviously, fulfilling and maintaining all these criteria makes the creation of a haute couture house very prestigious, but very difficult.

What is the uniqueness of haute couture

Who are the clients of haute couture houses? Haute couture houses rarely talk about their clients, and rightfully so. However, we know that in the past, their clients were the stars of the great era of cinema: Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, Romy Schneider, Greta Garbo, Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor. And also members of the royal families - Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, Queens of Belgium, Denmark, Spain and Thailand, Arab princesses - the list is very long. Nowadays, the clientele of fashion houses is replenished by pop stars such as Madonna or Jennifer Lopez, as well as women from industrial and financial empires such as Onassis, Getty, Thyssen, Rothschilds.

There is also a feedback - in haute couture clothes, a woman feels like a truly important person. It is important for top managers, women politicians and other serious ladies to look elegant and personable, as well as to feel good and confident. And what could be better for self-confidence than perfectly tailored clothes, the work of one of the top designers?

High fashion in practice

A lot of work is required to create each piece of haute couture. For example, it takes one hundred to one hundred and fifty hours of work to sew a day suit, and for an evening dress with embroidery, it may take a thousand hours. The process of creating clothes becomes a real art. So, for example, Karl Lagerfeld, couturier at Chanel, first draws a sketch, then patterns are made from it, according to which a draft version of clothes (toile) is first sewn from a simple fabric, and only after that real clothes are made, and at least two fittings are carried out. For regular customers, Chanel keeps special personal mannequins made to measure.

For today's successful woman, there are many reasons to turn to the most luxurious fashion. After all, there are many special occasions in life for which haute couture clothing is suitable: a wedding, an anniversary, receiving awards, a premiere in a theater, a ball, attending official events, and so on.

Modern French fashion houses

The Duchess of Windsor, Mrs. Wallis Simpson, married King Edward VIII in 1937 wearing a dress from the French fashion house Mainbocher. Spanish Princess Alcantara wore a Lanvin gown to her wedding. The wedding dress of the Belgian Queen Fabiola was made by Balenciaga in 1960. Many great fashion designers such as Manbocker, Paul Poiret, Madeleine Vionnet, Robber Piget, Elsa Schiaparelli and others have already left this world. Others, such as Balenciaga, Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne, Ted Lapidus and Thierry Mugler, have retired from high fashion. But other great houses such as Chanel, Dior, Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier continue to exist and develop.

France is a country that has been rightfully considered the trendsetter of world fashion for more than one century in a row. People for whom chic and taste are not an empty phrase, first of all look at fashion from France, following all the fashionable Parisian rules. Are there any peculiarities in French fashion? Since when does the dominance of French fashion in the global fashion industry begin? It is worth stopping at these questions and answering them in detail.

French fashion history

The concept of “fashion” has been associated with France since the reign of Louis XIV, when the country, under the control of the ruling power, began to rapidly develop the industrial industry. The French royal court therefore came to be regarded as the trendsetter of the European baroque style made possible by the production of silk fabrics and lace. Luxurious lace and silk outfits, complemented by bright decorations and skillful draperies, were an attribute of pomposity and wealth.

In more recent times, French fashion has become truly revolutionary, introducing men's clothing into women's wardrobes in the twentieth century: trousers, jackets, formal shirts and even ties. She made such a bold revolution from romanticism to modernism, forcing all women's fashion to follow a new path, known to everyone, even people far from fashion, Frenchwoman Coco Chanel.

Coco Chanel

Almost every modern woman has pants, a jacket and a little black dress in her wardrobe - Chanel's greatest creative find. No less famous fashion accessories named after her are metal jewelry and the famous quilted handbag on a chain. The same can be said about the iconic perfume of the house of Chanel.

Coco Chanel is long gone, but her business lives on, and the fashion house named after her continues to be considered one of the main houses participating in the main French fashion week in the fashion industry. Coco herself is still trying to imitate, she is quoted and inspired by her, which is completely justified, because it was this great woman who was able to so boldly and irreversibly influence the fashion of the 20th century by founding the Chanel fashion house, introducing completely new images into women's fashion. In addition to trousers and other comfortable items from the men's wardrobe, in addition to the little black dress that is universal and accessible to almost any woman, we owe it to Chanel that we owe the appearance and constant presence in fashion of small hats, tweed suits, jewelry, as an independent fashionable and prestigious world of jewelry, and even a stand tan fashion.

Dior

Another eminent French designer is Christian Dior. One of the most famous fashion designers who invented feminine dresses in the new look style and raised the concept of “French fashion” to new heights.

Dior caught women and their post-war mood, dreams and desires with all the flair of a talented master. Parisians at that time were already tired of cropped strict skirts, trousers and almost masculine jackets, so Dior's super-feminine collection was greeted with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Bright colors, luxurious fabrics, ankle-length skirts (puffy or straight), small rounded shoulders, tight waists - everything in this new collection screamed the charm of traditional femininity. It was a new French fashion, which soon became the world.

Yves Saint Laurent

The name of one of the leading fashion designers of the 20th century, whom Christian Dior himself chose as his successor, is forever inscribed in the history of fashion.

Many of Laurent's fashion ideas are now fashion classics. So, women's tuxedos, which struck the imagination of fashionistas, later became the brand's signature business card. It was Yves Saint Laurent who suggested actively wearing women's trouser suits, high-necked sweaters, black safari-style jackets, high boots, ethnics - without all these things it is already difficult to imagine the wardrobe of a woman from any city in the world.

Of course, these are not all French fashion houses, the fashion world would not be complete without the obnoxious and outrageous Gaultier, the fantasy Lacroix, the chic Pierre Cardin, the master of bags and accessories Louis Vuitton, the elegant Hubert Givenchy and many other great fashion designers.

Modern young designers

Today, the titles of “young designer” or “up-and-coming couturier” have little meaning as the fashion industry has been flooded with the names of young artists who are attempting to modernize the traditional notion of ready-to-wear. Individuals succeed. For example, who was lucky to achieve recognition in the fashion world, competently balancing between the traditions of the Balmain Fashion House and his own new youthful taste. Each fashion show of the Balmain brand takes place to the loud applause of the hall, and Western stars themselves offer friendship and cooperation to Rustan.

Another successful young French designer is Nicolas Ghesquière, who until 2012 worked as the art director of the Balenciaga Fashion House. Ghesquière's collections abounded in elegant silhouettes combined with geometric forms generously spiced with futuristic design. Since 2013, Nicolas Ghesquière has been the creative director of another famous brand - Louis Vuitton.

The young designer Guillaume Henri made the world fashion remember the almost forgotten fashion house Carven, giving the girls a new favorite brand for them. According to rumors, this designer was made an interesting offer to lead the next major fashion house with history - Nina Ricci.

fashion magazines

From the second half of the distant 18th century, it was in France that the first magazines specializing in fashion and everything connected with it began to appear. At that time, French fashion magazines were separate large engravings, which were hand-painted with watercolors and accompanied by a description of every fashion detail.

Modern fashion glamor originated from early French fashion publications, such as L'Officiel, published in Paris in 1921, the oldest of French fashion publications, whose publication continues to this day. In 1938, this particular magazine was the first with color photographs on the pages.

In 1937, the weekly Marie-Claire appeared in France, which also came down to contemporaries. It was an innovative publication for those times, telling not only about what world and French fashion is, but also about secular and cultural events, about health and beauty recipes, publishing letters from readers and answers to their questions, covering other important aspects of women's life . Thus, the publication was the first of a large army of women's popular magazines.

In 1945, the French magazine Elle was introduced to readers, the main content of which was articles and photographs related to fashion. The first issues of the magazine were sold out in record time, and after a couple of decades, Elle was recognized as the most widely read magazine in the world.

Street fashion

French style, which has already become notorious, is the taste that manifests itself in the style and choice of clothes and accessories among French fashionistas. At all times, he was distinguished by special sophistication and charm.

The proximity of the catwalks to haute couture, of course, leaves its mark, but not only this factor affects the special charm of French street fashion. A virtuoso mastery of the art of combining seemingly incongruous things, building a harmonious and unbanal image, is the basis of what is called French fashion and style. Wearing a warm coat with a thin T-shirt or as if taken out of a great-grandmother's chest, with an almost masculine tweed jacket, and seasoning the image with original accessories to taste, the French achieve a completely unique impression, showing the world a signature French look.

French women are Europeans to the marrow of their bones, most of them preach a commitment to European values ​​and gender equality. They are independent, make a career, and this cannot but be reflected in their appearance. Usually, French women prefer light, maximally natural makeup (and often do without it), democratic brands and calm colors of clothes. In the guise of a genuine Frenchwoman, the leitmotif is slight negligence, but not slovenliness. This negligence can only be afforded by a very well-groomed woman who knows the power of her attractiveness and has an undeniable taste. The most important thing in the appearance of a French fashionista is accessories and costume jewelry. The matched set makes a casual dress an evening one. French women are not indifferent to jewelry “with history”, they love to delve into the goods of flea markets and antique shops.

How to create a French look

The main difference between the French style and others is the absence of bright colors and variegation in clothes. Women of Provence use a skillful combination of snow-white clothes with unobtrusive cream shades and black classics. So, the usual black maxi dress, combined with well-chosen jewelry and cute details, will turn the French into a delightful outfit for the evening.

Dresses are a special article in the wardrobe of a true Frenchwoman. Lightweight dresses and skirts can be easily integrated into a feminine, playful and at the same time sophisticated look. French women also have straight-cut skirts and tulip skirts as the quintessence of everything that French fashion has to offer.

Clothing is not everything, to create an image you can not do without accessories. Since the time of Chanel, ladies have continued to wear hats of neat shapes and soothing colors. This season, fedora and trilby hats will be especially in demand.

Handbags French women prefer roomy, but elegant styles. Baggy bags, similar to duffel bags, are unlikely to interest them. Classic shoppers for everyday wear, an interesting clutch for going out - this is the choice of a Parisian.

France also gave us long stylish necklaces. But keep in mind that they are not very suitable for women with large breasts. The French style in jewelry is original jewelry made of metal and wood of noble varieties. They fit most looks.

The French are virtuosos of the art of creating interesting images. The resulting ensemble consists of many layers. It is complex and simple at the same time. Additions always work flawlessly on the image of the owner, and all together make up the mystery of eternal French charm. This charm, combined with democracy, makes the French style so attractive to others.

Lowe Dillon, daughter of Jane Birkin, the one in whose honor Hermes created his famous bag, once said: “French style is inherent in arrogance. The Frenchwoman has a lot of self-respect and is so confident in her sense of style that dictating to her what to wear or not to wear in this or that season is, first of all, useless. In my opinion, her words very accurately reflect the three main qualities of a Frenchwoman: unwillingness to compromise, self-confidence and detachment from reality.

To understand how to achieve the desired effect - to look fashionable and at the same time at ease, let's talk about what they offer their clients today. real French brands of clothes, shoes and accessories. Most likely, their designers and stylists know, and on a subconscious level, what clothes, shoes and accessories to offer fashionistas.

My list of French womenswear brands looks like this (so as not to offend anyone, I arranged the brands in alphabetical order):

1. Balenciaga
2. Balmain
3. Ba&sh
4. Celine
5. Chanel
6. Christian Dior
7. Claudie Pierlot
8. Faith connection
9. Givanchy
10. Hermes
11. Isabel Marant
12. Kenzo
13. Maison Margiela
14. Moncler
15. Morgan
16. Nina Ricci
17. Yves Saint Laurent

In this article I will talk about ten French brands of premium women's clothing, in the next - about democratic or, as they are called, budget friendly.

Balenciaga

Founded: 1919

Creative Director: Demna Gvasalia

In fact, the founder of the brand - Cristobal Balenciaga - comes from Spain. Due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Cristobal moved to Paris and opened his first store there in 1937. Christian Dior called him "an example for all of us", and Coco Chanel claimed that he is the only designer who truly knows how to cut and sew.

The late 1940s and 1950s are considered the "Balenciaga era": the couturier created many pieces of clothing that are still used in fashion design today. These are butterfly dresses, and a bag dress, and a short coat without buttons and a collar.

After the maestro's death, Balenciaga's ideas were developed by André Courrège and Emanuel Ungaro, but sales began to grow only with the arrival of Nicolas Ghesquière in 1997.

The brand is currently Balenciaga famous for its avant-garde stylistic solutions. Balenciaga always one step ahead of the rest; this brand is considered a kind of predictor of the fashion of the future.

clothes Balenciaga worn by celebrities Sienna Muller, Emmanuelle Alt, Stephanie Seymour, Caroline Trinity, Hilary Rhoda and others.

According to the publication business of fashion, in 2017 brand Balenciaga became the second most popular clothing brand, second only to Gucci.

Balmain

Founded: 1946

Creative Director: Olivier Rousteing

French couturier Pierre Balmain opened his first boutique in Paris. Vivien Leigh, Katharine Hepburn, Jal-Paul Belmondo, Sophia Loren, Marlene Dietrich and Jennifer Jones have been clients of this fashion house over the years.

Lines of perfumes and accessories were launched in the 70s, in 1998 the brand Balmain released the first miniature women's chronograph, and since 2001, women's Swiss watches have been produced under the same name.

On the official website of the company Balmain you can buy an original bag ranging from €661 to €1993.

Celine

Founded: 1945

Creative Director: Hedy Slimane

Brand since 1996 Celine part of an international holding LVMH. Initially, Celine Vipiana and her husband Richard launched a line of luxury children's shoes, but since 1960 the company has been producing bags and accessories for women. Clothes, shoes and accessories Celine sold in more than a hundred boutiques worldwide, as well as in numerous online stores.

The minimum price of the original bag Celine is €720, the maximum is €3400.

Chanel

Founded: 1910

Creative Director: Karl Lagerfeld

Coco Chanel brought many elements of men's clothing to women's clothing. She was the first to suggest replacing tight and uncomfortable corsets with loose trouser suits and straight dresses. Thanks to Chanel women began to dress less pretentiously, but more comfortably, freely and liberated. External changes led to internal changes - women took an active life position and engaged in self-realization.

Despite the fact that there were ups and downs in Coco Chanel's career, despite the fact that she collaborated with the Gestapo and participated in a conspiracy against Winston Churchill, her contribution to the development of fashion in the 20th century is invaluable. With her light hand, tweed suits, strings of pearls, perfumes became symbols of good taste. Chanel #5 And coco chanel, as well as quilted leather bags with chains in gold or silver 2.55, which appeared in February 1955.

Clothes and accessories Chanel not sold in online stores. Beware of fakes!

Clothes, shoes and accessories from Chanel worn by Catherine Deneuve, Vanessa Paradis, Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Tatu, Keira Knightley, Nicole Kidman and others.

Original Chanel bags from the 2018 collection can be purchased at Chanel branded stores at prices not lower than:

Chanel PVC/Iridescent Patent Boy Water Small Flap Bag - $4,500.00
Chanel Braided Lambskin Boy Chanel Old Medium Flap Bag - $5,100.00
Chanel Embroidered Denim/Tweed Mini Flap Bag - $5,800.00
Chanel Tweed/PVC Gabrielle Hobo Bag - $5,000.00
Chanel Sequin Waterfall Waist Bag - $2,800.00
Chanel PVC Coco Splash Medium Flap Bag - $3,000.00
Chanel Medium Coco Handle Bag - $4,300.00
Chanel Printed PVC Coco Bucket Large Bag - $3,700.00

Christian Dior

Founded: 1946

Creative Director: Maria Chiuri

The first collection of Christian Dior, was presented in 1947 and was such a success that already in 1949, three-quarters of the French fashion industry's exports came from Christian Dior.

For now Christian Dior produces women's and men's clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, watches, and underwear.

The brand is currently Christian Dior belongs LVMH.

Givenchy

Founded: 1952

Creative Director: Clare Waight Keller

In 1953, French designer Hubert de Givenchy began a partnership with Audrey Hepburn that lasted 39 years. Together with the beginning of her artistic career, Audrey, they created a style that combined elegance with natural beauty. Hubert Givenchy designed Audrey Hepburn's outfits for Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany's, How to Steal a Million and Charade.

At John F. Kennedy's funeral, Jacqueline Kennedy wore a black dress from Givenchy.

In 1987, the fashion house Givenchy was bought by a French concern LVMH, which also owns such Parisian fashion houses as Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Christian Lacroix And Celine.

In 1995, Hubert de Givenchy left his fashion house and retired.

For the wedding with Prince Harry, the actress wore a dress from Givenchy created by Clare Waight Keller. The veil, embroidered with a floral pattern and symbolizing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, required hundreds of hours of manual labor from the brand's craftswomen.

Hermes

Creative Director: Pierre-Alex Dumas

Founded: 1837

Initially Hermes was founded as a workshop for the manufacture of equipment for riding and horse-drawn carriages. With time Hermes began to produce ready-to-wear clothes for men and women, perfumes, accessories, watches and jewelry.

The most famous products Hermes- bags Kelly- in honor of Grace Kelly and Birkin- in honor of Jane Birkin.

bags Hermes sewn from the skin of a calf, ostrich, crocodile or lizard. It takes from 14 to 18 hours to make one bag.

In 2015, after PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) accused Hermès of cruelty to crocodiles, Jane Birkin banned her name from being used on bags.

Collection of bags Birkin Victoria Beckham has over 100 units.

One of the bags Birkin, made of crocodile skin, inlaid with 18 carat gold and adorned with 245 diamonds, was sold at an auction in Hong Kong for $377,261 US.

Isabel Marant

Founded: 1994

Creative Director: Isabelle Maran

french brand Isabel Marant produces clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes. Launched in 2011, heeled sneakers made the brand world-famous. The popularity of sneakers Isabel Marant comparable to the popularity of boots from the Australian brand UGG.

Clothes and shoes Isabel Marant worn by Kate Bortsoe, Katie Holmes, Anne Hathway and Hilary Duff.

The price tag of Isabel Marant sneakers ranges from $288 (if there is a seasonal discount) to $600.

French brand Louis Vuitton

Founded: 1854

Creative Director: Nicolas Ghesquière

This French brand specializes in the production of suitcases, bags, belts, watches and jewelry, as well as tailoring premium women's and men's clothing. Currently, Louis Vuitton is part of the international holding LVMH. A complete list of companies included in the holding can be found.

Like the brand Hermes, Louis Vuiitton most famous for suitcases and bags. The brand releases them from the very beginning of its activity. In the production of bags, LV uses leather and fabrics. Plaid fabrics, monogrammed fabric in the form of the brand logo and red-beige striped fabric are very popular with buyers.

The brand does not arrange sales as a matter of principle, and all unsold bags Louis Vuitton burns. This automatically means to buy the original bag Louis Vuitton at a discount is not possible unless you buy it in a second hand store. Here is what is written on the official LV website (clickable screenshot):

Maison Margiela

Founded: 1988

Creative Director: John Galliano

Despite the fact Martin Margiela is a Belgian, luxury fashion house Maison Margiela was founded in Paris. The brand produces women's and men's ready-to-wear and haute couture clothing, as well as accessories, jewelry, perfumes, shoes and interior items. Maison Margiela is renowned for its avant-garde and deconstructivist designs. Margiela cut clothes from posters, socks, fur hats and false eyelashes.

Martin Margiela does not communicate with photographers and journalists, never goes out to the public after the shows, and answers all questions exclusively by fax. The idea of ​​invisibility is brought to Margiela to the grotesque. For example, the faces of the models at the show of the spring-summer 2009 collection were wrapped in capron and hidden under wigs.

However, the brand Maison Margiela considered one of the most influential in the fashion business. Brand collections inspired designers Hermes, Mark Jacobs, Junya Watanabe And Prada. Maison Margiela often collaborates with other brands, including Opening Ceremony, Converse, Swarovski, L'Oreal And H&M.

You need to speak correctly so that you are understood correctly - probably, something similar was explained to you at school by a Russian language teacher
.
But does this rule apply in the fashion lexicon, or will you be understood if you show a gold credit card?

It is difficult to blame a Russian person for not knowing all the rules for pronunciation of French, Italian, English. It is because of this that brands such as Ermes are called Hermes in our country, and the world-famous Nike shoes have taken root only in Russia under the name Nike. So, today we begin our educational program on fashionable names.

A colleague recently related an interesting story. In one of the most expensive fashion department stores in Moscow, she accidentally overheard a conversation between two ladies and a saleswoman. Explaining to the store employee what they are looking for, the customers mercilessly distorted the names of famous fashion brands in the German-English-Russian manner (this is how we got "Mason", that is, Mason Martin Marguela, and Michael Kors, he is actually Michael Kors), but the girl did not dare to correct them, fearing to offend and thereby frighten away potential customers.

Perhaps, with us, sometimes it’s really enough just to create a “solvent look” and indicate with your finger that you want exactly this Maison Martin Margiela clutch and this particular Giambattista Valli evening dress, but when shopping in Europe or in the USA (this is especially true for multi-brand outlets, where and designer items are “hidden” at the most attractive prices) you may simply not be understood and left without a bargain.
That is why today's post is dedicated to how to pronounce the names of designer brands correctly. And we will start with French brands and a brief history of popular fashion houses.

💋 French stamps

Made in France brands have seriously complicated our lives: not only can we not live without Isabel Marant shoes, Chloe trousers and Christian Louboutin pumps, but we don’t always remember how to pronounce all this correctly. However, we do not despair, because sometimes even for the French themselves it is difficult.

Pay attention to Lanvin, Hermes, Rochas and Maison Martin Margiela - in these names, most often everyone makes mistakes.

• Chanel = Chanel. With this legendary name, everything is simple. The only stumbling block is the sound at the end of the word: snobs always pronounce "Chanel" with a hard and uncompromising "L" at the end. Americans also pronounce the brand name with a solid "L" at the end. But the French themselves prefer a more rounded, soft sound. Their example is worth following.

Coco Chanel (French Coco Chanel, real name Gabriel Bonheur Chanel; August 19, 1883 - January 10, 1971) - a leading French fashion designer, one of the most important figures in the history of fashion. She founded the world famous brand Chanel.

With her jackets and little black dress, Chanel became a style icon that is still worshiped by women all over the world.
Chanel's designs were truly revolutionary, she was the first to borrow elements of men's wardrobe for women's fashion. It was thanks to her that women were able to abandon uncomfortable corsets and puffy skirts. Chanel first of all appreciated convenience and comfort in clothes.

“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury,” said Coco. The girl received the nickname Coco when she tried to become a singer, performing in the cabaret of Vichy and Moulins. It was there that she met Étienne Balzan, an influential French aristocrat who later helped Chanel start her own business. He was in love with a girl, but she left him for his friend, Artur Kapel, nicknamed "Boy".

Unfortunately, Koko's lover tragically died in a car accident, and she never married, although she had numerous novels.
In the 1920s, Chanel's booming business took off to new heights. She launched her own brand of perfume Chanel No. 5. In 1925, the famous Chanel suits appeared, consisting of a strict jacket and a skirt that sat on the figure.

The house of Chanel brought into fashion a lot of things that we consider quite ordinary today. Such things include pockets that were previously simply absent in women's clothing, and long-handled bags that replaced radicules, the iconic handbag on a chain instead of a strap.

When Coco's lover, Gabriel Arthur Boy Caple, died, the great couturier made black fashionable. For five whole years, she produced collections of things from black fabrics.
Another revolutionary discovery of Chanel was the little black dress. She showed the public that the color, previously considered exclusively mourning, can add elegance to an evening dress.

With the Chanel brand, pleated skirts, transforming jewelry, tweed clothes, two-tone shoes, cotton white dresses and much more came into the world.
Another merit of Chanel is the decoration of a casual tweed suit with jewelry, in particular, a multi-strand pearl necklace, which is still a trend to this day.

The only thing that Coco Chanel never used in her collections was trousers. She believed that this part of their wardrobe does not paint women.

A little black dress or a fitted tweed suit, an intelligent hat, gloves and an elegant chain bag - Chanel's signature style is simply impossible to confuse with any other.

The style, founded by Gabrielle Chanel and unchanged since the opening of the legendary fashion house, a style that allows a woman to feel free and elegant, feminine and sexy without too much affectation, holds its mark to this day!

• Maison Martin Margiela = Mason Martin Margiela. French fashion house specializing in the production of avant-garde collections of men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories. It also produces perfumes, furniture and home decor items.

The brand was founded in 1988 by designer Martin Margiela. Belongs to the luxury segment of the market. Many years of existence of the Maison Martin Margiela brand under the ghostly leadership of its founder were shrouded in many secrets: its boutiques are not marked on maps and in phone books, instead of the brand name, a set of obscure, at first glance, numbers is stamped on the tag, the faces of the models at the shows are wrapped in capron , and those who managed to come earlier are sitting in the forefront.

From the first shows of Maison Martin Margiela, the faces of the models were deliberately hidden: they were hidden under wigs, painted, covered with stockings or a veil. Martin Margiela himself never went to bow at the end of the show. According to the Fashion House, this method helped the audience to focus directly on the collection itself.
In 1997, Maison Martin Margiela's traditionally blank white tag was numbered from "0" to "23". The numbers began to circle and mean a specific collection.

The designer himself hides from photographers and journalists, and answers questions by fax. Therefore, we know the history of the Martin Margiela house from fragmentary facts.
Martin Margiela skillfully combined materials of different textures in one set, offered jackets without one sleeve, dresses with seams outside, voluminous shoulder pads over the outfit, etc. The media began to call Margiela the founder of deconstructive fashion. The designer's first shows caused a real stir: among casual jackets with an unusual cut, he presents evening dresses made from a leather butcher's apron, and cropped jackets sewn from pieces of a tulle ball gown.

Currently, Maison Martin Margiela produces stylish men's and women's clothing, shoes, accessories and perfumes, as well as creates furniture and interior items.
Lady Gaga has repeatedly appeared in outfits from the Maison Martin Margiela collections. Maison Martin Margiela is favored by Rihanna, Nicolas Ghesquière, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mia Moretti, Alan Cumming, Kristin Kreuk, Gwen Stefani, Kirsten Dunst, Miley Cyrus, Kylie Minogue, Victoria Beckham, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Rita Ora and etc.

• Yves Saint Laurent = Yves Saint Laurent. Yves Henri Don Mathieu Saint Laurent is one of the leading French fashion designers of the 20th century. Subsequently, his triple given name was deemed too difficult to spell by the international media, so he shortens his surname to simply "Saint Laurent".

19-year-old Yves meets the great couturier Christian Dior and becomes an assistant to the head of the most famous French House - Dior.

Dior died suddenly in 1957. Investors make a bold decision by offering the 21-year-old Saint Laurent to become the successor to the illustrious master.
The first collection of Saint Laurent "Trapezoid" brings the House of Dior a resounding success. In the run-up to the show, everyone believed that the new head would inherit the style of his predecessor, who created feminine collections with fitted curvaceous silhouettes.

But the short A-line dresses that Yves Saint Laurent presented to the public turned out to be a completely different trend in fashion. Until now, Dior collections have been distinguished by smooth, rounded outlines and addressed to women with an already formed, mature beauty.
In Saint Laurent's defile, on the contrary, the spirit of youth was clearly felt, his products were full of sharp lines, unusual proportions.

The ideas of the young couturier seem to the investors of the House to be too avant-garde and, using Saint Laurent's conscription into the army as a pretext, they reorganize the House and invite another talented designer, Marc Boan, to the post of head.
In 1961, Yves Saint Laurent met his future lover Pierre Berger, with whom he founded his own company, Yves Saint Laurent, whose logo was three gilded letters YSL. Berger remains Laurent's devoted business partner to the very end.

During the 60s and 70s, Laurent was at the forefront of fashion, designing black leather jackets, turtleneck sweaters, short skirts, trouser suits, sheer blouses, safari-style dresses and more.
The very first collection from Yves Saint Laurent establishes Saint Laurent as a fashion anarchist. The designer brings a model to the catwalk in a double-breasted suit, which until then was considered a privilege of the male image.
Saint Laurent is the first to present a woman in a cropped trench coat, as well as in transparent blouses.
In 1966, Saint Laurent invents a women's tuxedo, the show of which makes a splash in the fashion world and makes the maestro a legend during his lifetime.

Considered the founder of the unisex style. In addition, he becomes the first European designer who dared to use ethnic motifs of other cultures in his projects, as well as the first fashion designer who was not afraid to exhibit his outfits on dark-skinned models.

Yves Saint Laurent owns many inventions in the field of fashion. It was he who gave the world pumps with low heels with a square toe and a metal buckle, geometric black and white graphic patterns, dresses that do not have sleeves and a collar.

When designing women's outfits, the designer often borrowed elements of the men's wardrobe. Thanks to him, the ladies dressed in trouser business suits, but the main "calling card" and a symbol of his unique style will always be a women's tuxedo.

In 1977, Opium perfume appeared, the sale of which was banned in many countries (including China), since some authorities saw hidden drug propaganda in its name.
In many European countries, experts do not recommend using this particular brand of perfume, because according to some data (not proven!) This brand of perfume contains substances hazardous to human health, in particular, experts refer to such a musk keaton.
However, this did not prevent the fragrance from enjoying worldwide success. All these minor annoyances only stir up the public's interest in the fragrance, the provocative name combined with a really wonderful smell has been haunting fans and admirers for the fourth decade.

Perfume "Opium" has already become a classic fragrance, and later a less concentrated eau de toilette of the same name was released. The fragrance "Opium" was born in several stages: initially, several hundred fragrances were created from which 30 of the most suitable were selected. These 30 fragrances were presented to the public in the same packaging and, as a result of this market research, the one fragrance that received the most positive reviews was selected, which is the fragrance we now know as "Opium".

In 2004, Yves Saint Laurent sells his fashion house, but the brand continues to exist. Stefano Pilati becomes the new head of YSL, and a good relationship quickly develops between him and the couturier. Pilati does not try to copy what the maestro did, but remains committed to the culture of Yves Saint Laurent, which proclaimed luxury an integral part of life.

Currently, ready-made lines for men's and women's clothing are produced under the YSL logo. Lines of cosmetics, accessories, men's and women's perfumes, jewelry brought additional profit and glory to the Yves Saint Laurent empire.

Despite all his services to fashion, Yves Saint Laurent continued to be a deeply unhappy and lonely person until his death. A lifelong battle with depression, suicidal tendencies and addiction to drugs, Yves Saint Laurent was the latest in a line of great artists who turned Paris into the fashion capital of the world. Modern fashion designers only process his rich creative legacy.

• Lanvin = Lanvan. F French haute couture house founded in Paris in 1890 by Jeanne Lanvin Lanvin), the epitome of French luxury in fashion, perfumes and accessories, which beauties and handsome men strive to call "Lanvin" or "Lanvin".

The correct name "Lanvan" becomes a discovery for many.
The pronunciation of the Lanvin brand name according to the rules of the French language is unusual for Russian perception. The ending "in" is pronounced as a middle between "a" and "e" with a nasal "n". Although the name "Lanvin" has stuck in the Russian fashion dictionary.

Jeanne Lanvin as a fashion designer gained fame at the beginning of the 20th century by designing elegant clothes for young mothers and their little daughters. The "muse" of the fashion designer was her daughter Marie-Blanche. Later, the silhouette of a lady leading a girl by the hand became a trademark.
Jeanne's dresses were very popular. Made from soft flowing fabrics in pastel colors, they existed as if out of fashion, reminiscent of antique robes.

Zhanna was the first to introduce practical and comfortable shirt dresses into fashion, and also began to use the “Russian style” and fur trim and embroidery in the styles of dresses.
Jeanne Lanvin created her first men's costume especially for the famous playwright Edmond Rostand. Since then, Lanvin menswear has been the benchmark for classic fashion.

In addition, furs, lingerie and interior items appeared in the assortment of the brand.
Women's clothing under the Lanvin brand is made in a purely elegant French style. It is divided into two areas: Paris and Tradition. The Paris line is classic and casual. The Tradition line is exclusive, expensive handmade clothing.

Lanvin brand bags are popular all over the world, they are famous for their quality materials and beautiful fittings. According to the traditions of production, each of them is made by hand. The end result is a true work of art. The model range is so diverse that even the most capricious and demanding buyer will definitely find what he likes;

• Hermes ( Hermès International S.A.)= Ermes. In accordance with the rules of the French language, the name of the company is read as "Ermes", because the letter "h" is not pronounced, and the last sound is transmitted at the end of "-ès".
  French fashion house, founded in 1837 as a workshop for the manufacture of equipment for carriages and riding. Continuing to specialize in the manufacture of leather goods, Hermès gradually changed the range, starting to produce perfumes, ready-to-wear and various accessories.

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In 1929, in Paris, the Hermès fashion house presented its first collection of women's clothing, Haute couture.

Scarves from this brand are also known all over the world, they are also called differently (Carrés Hermès). The company has always been very sensitive to the production of its scarves, overseeing all stages of production, from the purchase of Chinese silk to subsequent spinning and weaving. At that time, the silk material was woven in a double layer, which provided the scarves with special strength.

The firm's designers have spent years creating new scarf patterns, each individually printed using special vegetable dyes. Each new color in the pattern dries for a month, and only after that a layer of another paint is applied. The range of designers has up to 200 thousand different shades. Currently, the most “colorful” scarf is the “Charity” scarf, created in 2006 and having 43 colors in its design.
When the company first decided to manufacture silk scarves, it set aside a separate factory based in Lyon, France.

Modern scarves from Hermès are 90x90 cm and weigh 65 grams. Each scarf takes up to 250 silkworm cocoons. All edges of matter are processed manually. Each year, two new collections of scarves are released, some of them repeating updated patterns that already existed before. In addition, two new collections of cashmere and silk scarves are released each year.

Among other things, it is worth highlighting Ermes women's bags and belts. The start of their release was put by the complaint of the wife of the head of the campaign, Emile-Maurice Hermes, that she could not find a suitable handbag. Emile-Maurice personally designed the entire collection.
Bags are very popular these days. They always sell out very quickly, even despite their high cost. Moreover, in order to purchase such a unique bag, you should place an order long before the purchase.

The bag is completely made by one master, sewing the details with linen thread and an awl. The production of one bag takes from 18 to 24 hours.
Fans of accessories are such famous people as Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Eva Longoria and others.
A distinctive feature of evening and everyday products is the original clasp and shiny metal fittings.

Small, original suitcases, which are used to transport things, are widely used. They are made of expensive crocodile skin, their difference is spaciousness and reliability.

Since the 80s of the twentieth century, he began the production of glass and silver utensils, which occupied a significant place in the overall activity of the company. By 1990, the Hermès line consisted of about 30,000 different items for table setting, for the production of which porcelain and crystal were used.
Ermes Fashion House also produces men's, women's and unisex perfumes.

Comme Des Garçons = Comme de Garçon. Design house Comme des Garcons (Comme des Garcons, French for "like boys") is known for its "intellectual", conceptual, avant-garde lines of clothing, perfumes and accessories. The company currently has several boutiques in France, the UK, China, the US, Russia, Japan and Hong Kong, including flagship stores in Paris and Tokyo, and over 300 outlets.

The history of the brand began in 1969, when its founder Rei Kawakubo, born in Tokyo in 1942, decided to open her own clothing brand. In the collections created by Ray there was no affectation, conventions and excess, there were practically no traditional forms and silhouettes. The very first Comme des Garcons collection presented in Paris shocked the European public, but this is where the worldwide fame of the brand began.

In fact, Rei Kawakubo had already been conducting her experiments in Japan for over a decade. But after Paris, her idiosyncrasies became the quintessence of everything radical from Düsseldorf to Boston: sweaters with moth holes, three-sleeve jackets, raw edges and crooked seams, all in solid colors in black or gray.

Ballet leotards with lush chiffon; skirts with sewn wedges, reminiscent of diapers; voluminous plaids wrapped around the shoulders of models, like bundles with things worn by tramps - just a few of what was presented in the latest collection of Comme des Garcons. However, it sold out within hours, and eBay prices are approaching those of the mainstream design houses.

The choice of saying used to print on the fabric of the Comme des Garçons collection a few years ago best sums up Kawakubo's position as a champion of dissent: "The majority is always wrong."

When it comes to Rei Kawakubo, the first thing that always comes to mind is a change in the proportions of the figure, which will immediately be remembered by anyone who has ever looked at her collections.

The effect is further enhanced by over-size, processing and selection of materials that create the effect of a piece turned inside out and fitted out of size, like a sewn pattern that has not been translated into a soft and adaptable material.

Rei Kawakubo is one of the few who did not try to adapt her creative eye and her brand DNA for the sake of practicality, but makes really creative collections, albeit not the most practical, but really non-commercial.

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The Côme de Garçon perfume line is strange, most often asexual fragrances that are designed for independent, extraordinary, bright people who have their own idea of ​​elegance and style.

Officially, the perfume history of the brand began with the opening of Comme des Garcons Parfums in 1994 and the release of the first edition of Comme des Garcons Eau de Parfume. It was a monolithic combination of spicy and dense woody-resinous accords. The novelty quickly gained fans, and over time it became a classic of the brand.
In 1998, the brand released the famous Odeur 53, which included 53 synthetic ingredients, most of which had never been used in perfumery before. There was a smell of nail polish, burnt rubber, mountain air, freshly squeezed linen, hot asphalt, graphite, hot metal, desert sand in the aroma, but this did not prevent Odeur 53 from being quite light, unobtrusive and transparent.

A couple of years later, the next perfume was released - Odeur 71. It, like Odeur 53, included rare components, only their number was 71. This fragrance smells of fax ink, hot metal, toaster, battery, natural notes of white birch , bamboo, bay leaf, willow, lettuce and hyacinth leaf juice embodies the aroma of the real our planet.
Later, the brand released a large series of perfumes for both women and men, as well as the unisex category.

• Balmain = Balmain. Balmain is a French surname, so the brand name is pronounced in accordance with the rules of the French language: the middle between "Balmain" and "Balmain" with a nasal sound "n".

French brand specializing in the production of clothing and accessories. Until 2001, the brand was called Pierre Balmain. Currently, Balmain brand products are sold in 75 countries around the world.

Pierre Balmain created his models in an exotic style peculiar only to him, drawing inspiration from works of world art, among which Mandarin and Arabic motifs prevailed.

This passion was especially noticeable in Balmain's frequent use of large drawings of various plants and flowers. However, the main element of the designer's style was arabesques - complex oriental ornaments made of bizarre floral and geometric interlacings. These patterns necessarily appeared in each new collection of the fashion designer.

In addition, Balmain's signature style was considered embroidery with gold, bronze, pearls, as well as the use of fur, pastel-colored satin, silk and taffeta. All this was complemented by unsurpassed manual work.

The fashion designer's outfits were bought with pleasure by the most famous and rich people of that time: Marlene Dietrich, Jennifer Jones, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Brigitte Bardot, Vivien Leigh, Sophia Loren, Katharine Hepburn, the Thai Queen Sikirit and many others.
Balmain chic clothes are in great demand among people yearning for beauty and luxury.

Since 1987, under the same label (since 2001 - as Balmain), the Swiss concern Swatch Group has been producing Swiss wristwatches.

• Givenchy = Givenchy. You are absolutely right when you say Givenchy. Not Givenchy.
  Hubert de Givenchy (in full Count Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy) is a legendary French fashion designer, founder of the Givenchy fashion house. It specializes in the production of clothing, footwear, accessories and perfumes.

Givenchy named his first Haute Couture collection "Bettina Graziani", in honor of the most popular model of those years and his muse Bettina Graziani. Most of the collection was made from cotton, the only affordable material for a young designer.
Graziani inspired the young master to create the blouse that became Givenchy's hallmark: a white cotton blouse with large black and white ruffles on the sleeves.

His close friends and muses were Jacqueline Kennedy and actress Audrey Hepburn. Elegant, in which the actress appeared in the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's", went down in fashion history and made Givenchy's name famous all over the world.
After the release of the film on the screens, Audrey Hepburn overnight turned into a real star, and Hubert de Givenchy in 1955 received an Oscar as the best costume designer.
The fashion designer has repeatedly said that Audrey Hepburn is the embodiment of his ideas about style and it is for such a woman that he creates all his outfits.

Audrey Hepburn inspired the fashion designer to create not only outfits, but also perfumes. The first Givenchy fragrance, called "L'Interdit" ("Forbidden"), was dedicated to her.
For its long history, the fashion house Givenchy released under his own name more than 100 fragrances for women, among which were Le De Givenchy And L'Interdit(1957), Ysatis (1984), Amarige (1991), Organza(1996) and many others.

Later, Hubert de Givenchy launches a men's line and presents the first men's fragrance, called "Givenchy Gentleman" then Monsieur de Givenchy and in 1986 the fragrance was released Xeryus.

In 1988, Hubert de Givenchy decides to sell his company to a large international corporation. The new management of the house Givenchy announced the need for a global reorganization. According to the owners, the style of Hubert de Givenchy is hopelessly outdated and the outfits he creates are no longer relevant. In 1995, Givenchy decides to retire. Since then, many designers have tried to return the legendary brand to its former glory, but these attempts have not been successful.

The new history of the Givenchy house began only in 2005 with the arrival of Riccardo Tisci, who at the time of 2016 remains the chief designer of the brand.

• Jean Paul Gaultier = Jean Paul Gaultier. Jean Paul Gaultier is a French designer. Founder and head of his own fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier S.A. His work defined the look of high fashion throughout the 80-90s of the last century.

Jean-Paul opens his own clothing company. His partners are two school friends. Francis Menuge was appointed director of the company, a position he held until 1990, the year he died of AIDS. The second companion was Donald Potar. He took over the business after the death of a friend.

Start-up entrepreneurs at that time had almost no money. They created the first collection from "improvised materials". It consisted, for example, of small dresses made of napkins or jewelry made of tea strainers and batteries. From this collection, Gauthier's signature style began to take shape, based on a mixture of genres and bold experiments with materials. In his subsequent work, he will often be engaged in the transformation of familiar things. During the demonstration of the first collection, the hall was almost empty. It turned out that at the same time there was a show of some famous designer who gathered the entire Parisian public.

Since then, Gauthier decided never to go unnoticed again. And he was great at it. He sought, by all means, to shock the public.
Gautier chose the most unexpected places for his shows, for example, a boxing ring or a museum of old carousels, a former prison building or a tram depot.
He also had different models: dwarfs, old men or fat women.

The Hi-tech collection brought its creator the status of a "fashion hooligan". Garbage-style clothes were presented here. Garbage buckets, cans - these are the main elements of decor. From electronic circuit boards and packages of cat food, beautiful bracelets turned out. So Gaultier opened the theme of reusing waste in fashion. This idea will soon capture the whole of Europe, concerned about environmental problems.

Then Jean-Paul released the first fragrance of his brand "La Classique". The glass female torso, owned by the singer Madonna (Madonna), in the Gauthier version was in a tin can. A little later, the first men's perfume from Jean-Paul Gaultier appeared - the Le Male fragrance, which is a fresh oriental fugère composition enclosed in an unusual bottle in the form of a male torso.
Now there are 93 fragrances in the collection from Gauthier. Perfume Jean Paul Gaultier for bright, bold, extraordinary men and women.
Gauthier also created a perfume for mature women Ma Dame. But in his understanding, this is not an aristocratic lady in multi-layered outfits, but a woman who does not feel her age, is able to enjoy life and its happy moments.

Jean-Paul in further work continued to return to the traditions of art of the early twentieth century. They have become the creative credo of the designer. It was here that his trademark "corset style" was born. The cut of the dress matched the cut of the corset with bones and cups. In the eyes of the people of that time, these clothes looked too vulgar.

The fashion designer owns a huge number of unexpected design inventions, such as corsets and skirts for men, jackets with open backs and much more. Gauthier is a true adherent of postmodernism, in his work he sought to erase the boundaries between man and woman.
This idea was even in the name of his collections: “And God created a man”, “Wardrobe for two”, “History of a man”, “French gigolo”, “Indiscreet charm of the bourgeoisie” and “Dear monsignor”.

The "talisman of good luck" of his show is the transgender model Andrei Pejic, who has become a regular participant in the designer's fashion show. Starting with shows of men's collections, the fashion model-station wagon gradually mastered the women's podium.

By the end of the 80s, Jean-Paul Gaultier became the recognized leader of all French fashion. Madonna, who had an incredible flair for new trends, met with the designer in Paris in 1987. Gaultier begins to design all of the singer's stage costumes. Thanks to this union, the French fashion designer soon gained worldwide fame.
Perhaps Gaultier's most famous invention was Madonna's pointed bra, which debuted during her 1990 world tour.
Among the famous clients of Gauthier are Marilyn Manson, Mylene Farmer, Dita Von Teese, Kylie Minogue and many other luminaries of today's scene.

Jean-Paul Gaultier also actively designs costumes for cinema. That's where you can bring his ideas "to life", even if it's on the screen.
Remember the action movie The Fifth Element by Luc Besson? Good example :)

The fashion designer has always paid great attention to his own image. It was another tool to attract attention. He was easily recognizable by his bleached hair, vest and boots.
Not only he walked in a vest, men's perfume was “dressed” in it, and many haute couture collections repeated this motif.

1997 - Jean-Paul Gaultier begins to develop full-fledged haute couture collections. Although earlier he spoke negatively about high fashion, and stated that she did not interest him. In his opinion, it was a fashion that "smelled of mothballs."

Jean-Paul Gaultier entered the 2000s no longer as a rebel, but as a classic of French fashion. The designer said that the main thing in clothes for him is the timeliness and democracy. Both features were characteristic of all the creations of Gauthier: from jeans to evening dresses.

Today, the experience and knowledge of the master have been added to the originality of the ideas of the fashion genius. His products are distinguished by their perfect cut and virtuoso handling of materials.

Jean-Paul Gaultier has often been called "the most ingenious designer of the late twentieth century." His work ideally corresponded to the postmodern era. The surrounding reality seems to be mixed in his models into some unimaginable cocktail of style.

In addition, Gauthier deserves the title of "great hatter" no less than Philip Tracy!

Gaultier loves beige and semitone, distinct tones are not to his taste. His images are refined, and the cut is processed carefully and in detail. T-shirts with open backs, single-breasted jackets that have more cutouts than fabrics, skirts for men - this is the whole Gaultier.

He works in the spirit of minimalism. Starting with a classic, such as a familiar blazer or shirt, gives it a new silhouette through tying and marking, while maintaining the classic look. The 21st century fashion for Gaultier is simple and affordable clothing, without seams, defiant cutouts, which is put on as it is taken off - with a slight movement of the hand.

How to recognize Gauthier's clothing style? If you see vests, kilts, boots and models with bleached hair on the podium, it means that He is conjuring behind the scenes.

According to wiki.wildberries.ru

To be continued...

Next year, the legendary French fashion house celebrates its 130th anniversary, but under the auspices of the Chinese investment company China Fosun International, which bought a stake in the brand. The reason for the forced auction is a decrease in profits after the departure of Alber Elbaz from the post of creative director of the brand in 2015.

The fashion house Lanvin has, since its inception, placed emphasis on the role of the individual in the development of the brand.

Mademoiselle Jeanne Lanvin began sewing in 1885 as an apprentice in a large factory. Having improved her skills, she began to make a career in the fashion industry. Her first boutique was founded in 1889 in Paris. In 1893, she acquired the premises that became the famous coordinates of Mademoiselle's flagship boutique: house 22 on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore.

Eight years later, Jeanne had a daughter, Marguerite Marie Blanche, who became the main source of inspiration for the young mother. The brand began to produce stylish children's outfits, including dresses for girls that could exactly repeat the mother's toilet. We can say that Zhanna became the progenitor of Instagram trends in 2012, when it was incredibly popular to photograph parents with their babies in identical outfits. In 1901, the writer Edmond Rostand asked Lanvin to make him a dress suit for the admission ceremony to the French Academy.

It was with this friendly request that the brand began tailoring menswear to order.

In 1907, Jeanne and her daughter attended a costume ball, impressing the audience with the same outfits. The moment of tender maternal and daughter love was immortalized by the photographer at the ball, when over time the Lanvin house grew, there was a need for a logo that could reflect the philosophy of the brand (there was no such word then, but there was a philosophy). Then the graphic version of this photo began to decorate the signs of their Parisian boutiques.

To talk about the time when Lanvin became a Haute Couture brand is to think back to 1909. It was then that Jeanne Lanvin opened a department for Young Ladies and Ladies and joined the Syndicale de la Couture, or High Fashion Syndicate, an organization that was created in Paris in 1868 by English-born Frenchman Charles Frederick Worth. Around his House of Worth and privileged fashion houses began to unite.

Lanvin is considered to be the first fashion house in France and the oldest French brand. The oldest is among those who have remained afloat through an incredible number of changing years, winters and creative directors. The houses of Lucien Lelong are long gone, and the house named after Jeanne Lanvin has held up well all this time.

Actually, he held on thanks to the efforts of Alber Elbaz - he kept the honor of the fashion house for 14 years. During this time, he released many iconic collections for women's and men's clothing, and also organized an exhibition in honor of the brand's anniversary, where the first outfits, sketches of Jeanne Lanvin, her numerous photographs with her daughter and images of Mademoiselle's influential clients were presented.

Elbaz has made the label one of the most sought after in the world of haute couture with his unique vision and memorable designs.

The elegance he sang was suitable not only for cocktail parties, but also for important events in the life of every wealthy man, woman and child. During the heyday of feminism, his clothes were incredibly popular, because he always relied on a wardrobe for a strong and independent woman from head to toe. The simple yet luxurious silhouettes were different from anything the French fashion industry had to offer.

Jeanne Lanvin, 1929

A sufficient number of stars shine in Lanvin outfits on the red carpet: Oscar winners, and, the brand is loved by singer Beyoncé, actress Blake Lively and, of course, loving. The latter married rapper Kanye West precisely in the multi-layered work of art of this fashion house.

In the spring of 2017, Buhra Jarrar became the creative director. Early in Bukhra's day as a brand designer, CEO Michel Wiban made a statement: "Her timeless style echoes the style and values ​​of our company." Well, things didn't look so rosy very quickly. Her contract ended after 16 months and after only two released collections.

The frequent change of creative directors of the brand is the surest proof that it is not all right with either creative directors or financial ones.

In 2016, the post was taken over by Olivier Lapidou. The Business of Fashion portal called his clothes for the fashion house "French", which cannot be a worthy epithet for any luxury brand. It's funny: while the profit of the aforementioned Michael Kors fell by 2.3%, Lanvin's revenue fell by 23%.

Apparently, even the oldest house in France should not have borrowed unique styles from others, and the cruel system did not provide any discounts to pensioners.

Will anything change after the Chinese company's investment, or will the brand be forced to change course again with a different creative team? We'll find out at the next Fashion Week.