Stéphane Rolland and his partner Pierre Martinez expanded the reach of haute couture. Instead of only showing his own exclusive pieces at the Salle Pleyel theater, Rolland first invited fashion conceived by 20 students from Paris's elite schools (ESMOD and the Institut Français de la Mode) to the catwalk to be seen by 1,600 guests. . Then, the students themselves bowed.
For Rolland and Martínez, haute couture is about know-how, heritage and transmission. “We did master classes, trained them and helped them do their jobs to the best of their ability,” Rolland said.
“We have to share,” Martínez added.
“It's a human adventure,” Rolland continued.
When creating his spring 2024 couture collection, he had in mind a new world, a new chapter and an atmosphere of serenity. Rolland's vision was a mix of East and West.
He set the stage with images of sunrise and sand on a big screen. “It is the desert to show infinity and peace,” Rolland said. “I wanted to bring this atmosphere to haute couture with the creation of new volumes.”
The curvilinear silhouettes were reminiscent of dunes. “There's also this notion of sensuality and comfort, lightness,” Rolland said.
This sumptuous collection included a long hooded tunic in rosewood silk gazar, a Tuareg blue organza thobe embroidered with gold, and a long white wool gazar dress embroidered with silver mosaics.
Rolland channeled the tones from the beginning of the day in the desert, with pinks, to the night, with almost black, navy blue and a touch of gray.
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