 Alaïa/Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud Building the bridge between fashion design and modern furniture, the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa presents “Lightness in Creation.” Capturing the delicate balance and profound synergy between Alaïa’s powerful, elegant haute-couture garments and Shiro Kuramata’s sleek, angular creations, offering a mesmerizing encounter through the intersection of fashion and design.  Alaïa/ Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud Azzedine Alaïa, a passionate admirer of Kuramata’s otherworldly furniture designs, began collecting his pieces well before Kuramata’s passing in 1991. At this captivating exposition, you'll encounter dozens of works by both Alaïa and Kuramata, showcasing the dynamic interplay between their delicate, yet robust styles.  Alaïa/ Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud Despite working in different mediums, Alaïa and Kuramata’s creations share many striking similarities. Kuramata aimed not just to defy gravity with his designs, but to craft a world where gravity was entirely irrelevant.  Alaïa/ Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud With Japanese simplicity in mind, Kuramata designed his floating, fluid pieces with simple materials, such as acrylic, glass, and metal. Not only did he find ways to experiment with matter and space, but also still managed to create functional pieces of furniture.  Alaïa/ Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud Azzedine Alaïa had similar goals throughout his career. Shunning visual impurity, he sought to create dresses and garments with elegant silhouettes and ghost-like stitching. Additionally, Alaïa wanted to create garments that celebrate femininity and the timelessness of beauty. He sought for his pieces to become a part of the feminine human body, seamlessly blending the garment with the human soul.  Alaïa / Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud It’s evident that the two artist’s designs both blur the lines between fabric and form. Alaïa’s iconic bandage dress clings to the body, slowly losing form and parachuting into a sumptuous white gown. Similarly, Kuramata’s Oba-Q lamp mimics the folds of sheer white fabric, levitating effortlessly over the ground. Both of these pieces blend artistry with illusion.  Alaïa / Kuramata @lesvisitesdemaud To see both Alaïa’s and Kuramta’s floating worlds in dialogue with one another, visit the Fondation Azzedine Alaia in the Marais. A tranquil, yet enchanting experience to get familiar with two artists awaits you.
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 Undoubtedly the pinnacle of luxury handbags, the Birkin has kept its status as one of the top items in the leather goods hierarchy. Favored by celebrities and socialites alike, the Birkin bag is a timeless piece and one of the most exclusive designs from the illustrious maison Hermès.  Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a humble saddle workshop, this legendary fashion house boasts a rich and storied heritage in exquisite leather craftsmanship. Today, Hermès still works in the equestrian scene, artfully producing luxurious riding gear, bridles, and harnesses. As the house evolved, Hermès would pivot in new directions and begin crafting a variety of leather goods, from small accessories to jackets.  Hermès fashioned its first bag in the 1920s, followed by the Kelly bag in 1935, known by the same name as le sac à depèches. Designed on a whim, the Birkin didn’t come about until the mid 1980s, due to a fateful encounter on an evening flight from Paris to London.  British-French actress, singer, and style icon Jane Birkin boarded the flight and sat next to the Hermès chief executive, Jean-Louis Dumas. In addition to her chic style and effortlessly cool allure, Jane was a busy mother of three daughters. Everywhere she went, she carried a large wicker basket of all her essentials. Upon placing her basket in the overhead compartment on the plane, her items spilled out of the unsecured bag all over the cabin.  This prompted a casual conversation between Jane and Jean-Louis. Not knowing he was an executive for Hermès, Jane said she had always been searching for the perfect tote or weekend bag without success, stating that not even Hermès made a suitable bag. Upon hearing this, Jean-Louis sought more of Jane’s feedback and began to sketch out a rough design for the “Birkin” on the airplane sick bag.  A few years later, the Birkin bag made its debut, with Jane Birkin receiving a special commemorative version that she often personalized with stickers and keyrings. With a quiet launch, the Birkin bag wasn’t an instant sensation. However, the bag’s popularity steadily grew throughout the ‘90s and into the 2000s. By the time the bag had made a memorable cameo in "Sex and the City" in 2001, the Birkin had firmly established itself as an iconic piece.  Now, the birkin can be found crooked on the wrist of a select few around the world. A symbol of status and wealth, as well as a bold fashion statement, the Birkin will never fail to leave a lasting impression. Whether you are looking to find your own bag or are simply admiring the products, you might be able to find something special at the Hermès Boutique in Paris. To visit the boutique:
24 Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré 75008 Paris  An integral part of the Cartier maison, the Trinity jewelry line has long been an influential item in the public scene since its birth in 1924. Uniquely, the Trinity ring is fashioned out of three interlocking rings, each in yellow, white, and rose gold, creating a brilliant mix of metal. Once glistening on the hands of Grace Kelly or Gary Cooper, the ring can still be seen today on famed figures like Kate Middleton to Kylie Jenner.  Now celebrating 100 years of the Trinity ring and collection this year, Cartier has released a completely new commemorative version with a bold and modern twist: La Trinity de Forme Coussin. Now you can elevate your jewelry collection by adding this squared, geometric version of the Trinity ring.  Although interlocking rings can be traced back to Celtic or Russian origins, this triple gold, mixed metal design was brought to life in France. Inspired in part by the French poet and playwright, Jean Cocteau, the Trinity was initially influenced by the cosmic rings of Saturn. Cocteau was enamored with the ring belted planet, desiring a piece of jewelry that mimicked Saturn’s system. Passing this message along to jewelry master Louis Cartier, the Trinity would soon be born.  For Maison Cartier, the Trinity ring was a much different approach compared to their previous work. Even though the Trinity has an elaborate composition, the design itself exudes a simple elegance, first created without the presence of diamonds. This would quickly become an iconic and distinct design from Cartier, perfectly encapsulating an unmistakable French allure.  Within the Trinity, the theme of three interlocking pieces is strong. Although there is no strict interpretation of the ring, it can be said the pieces represent the past, present and future as well as love, loyalty and friendship. Buyers have even found ways to make the trio their own, showcasing how the ring can represent familial bonds and be passed down through generations. Even though Cartier has continued to release sister lines of jewelry, like the Love or Juste un Clou collections, none have remained as classic or successful as the Trinity. The ring’s three piece composition allows for there to be hundreds of variations, all while remaining true to the first design’s silhouette and integrity. Whether or not you seek to bring a Trinity ring home or admire from afar, Cartier’s Trinity is both a piece of artwork and a classic investment. With 100 years of timeless elegance, the Trinity ring remains a global style icon. Its enduring charm and sophistication ensure it will continue to captivate fashion and jewerly lovers for generations to come.   @lesvisitesdemaud At the École des Arts Joailliers in Paris, step into a world of theatrical splendor dedicated to the Comèdie Française at their newest exhibition. With exquisite jewelry dating back to the early 18th century, you are destined to be dazzled with these historical pieces. Along with the jewelry which takes the main stage, you will find an extraordinary pairing of manuscripts, paintings, and costumes that all truly set the scene.  @lesvisitesdemaud Located in the Palais Royal in Paris, the Comèdie Française has been enchanting its audiences since the institution was founded by King Louis XIV in 1680. Rich in history, as well as in theatrical costumes, the Comédie Française has had no shortage of jewelry that will catch your eye.  @lesvisitesdemaud A wide variety of plays from diverse cultures and time periods calls for an equally grand selection of jewelry. At this exhibit, you'll discover pieces inspired by Ancient Greece, Northern Africa, and the Victorian Era, among others. The École des Arts Joailliers boasts a vast collection that celebrates this rich diversity, ensuring there is something to captivate every visitor.  @lesvisitesdemaud Although most pieces are costume jewelry, which are not crafted from real diamonds or metal, there is a striking symbolic value found in their aesthetic influence and historical significance. With the artisan’s goal to create pieces that appear as real jewels and precious metals on the stage, these pieces won’t fail to trick the mind with an expertly fashioned illusion.  @lesvisitesdemaud Oftentimes, actors were given creative liberty over what pieces of jewelry to wear on stage. Not only are these jewels a part of theatrical history, but also curated directly by those under the spotlight. In an effort to remain authentic to the play, to the time period, and the character, actors put much thought into their selections.  @lesvisitesdemaud Offering deeper insight into artistic direction, the exhibit features drawings and paintings that showcase the jewelry in action, alongside costumes and set pieces that complete the vision. If seeing the holy grail of theatrical jewelry is on your to-do list, visit the École des Arts Joailliers before September 1st. Catch a glimpse of these treasures before it's too late!  École des arts joailliers - Until 1st September
Hôtel de Mercy-d'Argenteau 16 Bis, Boulevard Montmartre 75009 Paris  One of the most important haute couture brands to show in Paris, Balenciaga has been turning heads since 1919. Despite Cristobal Balenciaga facing hardships after the house was founded in Spain, Balenciaga began modernizing fashion’s main stage after relocating to Paris in 1937.  Every great fashion house comes with a series of iconic looks and Balenciaga is no exception. Although the brand’s identity today has evolved significantly from its original ethos, Cristobal’s pieces continue to captivate both old and new fans.  One of Balenciaga’s most early, yet radical creations is the sack dress. In the 1950s, when most fashion houses favored garments that hugged the hips and promoted a tight hourglass figure, Balenciaga sought to relax typical tailoring. Instead, he opted for a loose, fluid form. Pushing past the status quo, Cristobal Balenciaga wanted to release women from constrictive dresses and provide a fashionable, yet comfortable alternative.  Another of Cristobal’s creations called upon his heritage: the infanta dress. The design was based upon the baroque portraiture of Diego Velázquez, the first painter in the court of Philip IV of Spain. Known for dramatic and intense compositions, Velàzquez painted portraits of royals in elaborate 17th century garments. Paying homage to the painter and the history of Spanish fashion, the infanta dress was born. With a dramatic waistline, tight fitting bodice, and unfurling skirt, the infanta dress was immensely popular.  Further in his career, Cristobal Balenciaga crafted the tulip dress. With a deconstructed shape, the tulip dress uses multiple layers of fabric to delicately unfold into the form of petals. Hugging the body, yet also delicately balancing negative space, this garment is a striking example of Balenciaga’s inventive mind and creative genius.  Continuing to play with broad, elegant garments, Balenciaga created the balloon silhouette in 1953. Fashioned into dresses, skirts, and jackets, these pieces redefined the feminine form in fashion. Not only would this look become a classic part of Balenciaga’s house, but would also become a permanent installation in the womenswear industry and influence many designers' creations in the future.  With a diverse history and an incredibly wide range of pieces and styles, Balenciaga has no shortage of garments to reflect on. Not only were these pieces pivotal in the house of Balenciaga, but also in how haute couture developed all throughout the mid and late 20th century. Cristobal Balenciaga’s complex world of fashion has not and never will fail to amaze.  Get lost in a handpicked vintage world at Heristoria, a new endeavor by LVMH found exclusively at la Samaritaine in Paris. Ranging from spirits to fashion to high jewelry, Heristoria is an all encompassing experience ready to take you by surprise. Whether you are a vintage fashion fan or an aficionado of the finer things in life, Heristoria’s perfect blend of heritage and history will certainly impress you.  Heristoria @lesvisitesdemaud With all pieces thoroughly documented, expertly authenticated, and preserved in pristine condition, la Samaritaine is ready for you to come and take a look. While also holding memories of the past, items are more than ready to be given a new life. In this ingeniously curated collection pulled from LVMH houses, you will find an impressive mix of artful bags, ready to wear items, and haute couture pieces.  @lesvisitesdemaud Today, you can find the Game Changers collection at Heristoria. Not only are these pieces remarkable in nature, but are also considered game changers for how they changed the fashion world at the time of their birth. This includes delicately sequined and bejweled Fendi baguettes, which symbolized the 'it bag' surge in the early 2000s. Looking further into the past, we find decorative Fendi pasta bags created by Karl Lagerfeld in the late 1990s.  Heristoria @lesvisitesdemaud In the high jewelry collection, discover a lineup from Chaumet and Fred, ranging from art deco-inspired pieces to timeless classics. Between rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, Heristoria has a piece for every jewelry fan. Likewise, for timepiece enthusiasts, the collection includes exquisite watches from both Zenith and Tag Heuer. With some rare and uncommon wristwatches, this collection will not disappoint.  Heristoria @lesvisitesdemaud For haute couture lovers, the selection of Givenchy dresses and skirts is a dream come true. Even if couture isn't your passion, you’ll find plenty of ready-to-wear pieces from Fendi and Kenzo, all waiting to be taken to their next home. Dive into a realm of fendi leopard print and signature monogram, or relax with a playful Kenzo floral jacket.  For a unique experience that bridges together the past, present, and the future, browse Heristoria’s living collection online or schedule a visit at La Samaritaine. With treasures that suit every taste and style, Heristoria ensures a captivating journey through ever-changing fashion history.  |
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