After the successful premiere of the UNITED DIVERSITY COLLECTION on the Frankfurt STYLE AWARD Catwalk at ApparelSourcing Paris, our OUTSTANDING TALENT 2014 went on an exclusive tour of the Paris fashion world. Together with Dominque Deroche, the former right-hand of Yves Saint Laurent and the present representative of the Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent, she received a first-hand glimpse into the holy temples of the French Haute Couture fashion houses.
From Dior to Jean Paul Gaultier and Givenchy to the Fondation Pierre Berge Yves Saint Laurent: Melissa Schulz told us all about her personal goose bump moments.
Day 1
An amazing start to an amazing trip
“The day started at the the Dior Haute Couture House on Avenue Montainge. Monsieur Bernhard Danillon, Press speaker of Dior, led us through the historical building. We went through historically kept rooms to the showrooms of the current couture collections and into the Dior store. I still get goose bumps when I think the perfect master plan of the store. For example, the design of the historical flooring can be found in the designs of the present collections.
In the beaming sunlight of the afternoon, the trip continued to the studio of Jean Paul Gaultier. Concentrated tailors worked on custom-fit pieces for customers of the last collection and we were able to get a close-up view of the quality craftsmanship. On the first floor, we were viewed the Showrooms in which the couture shows are held. There, I was given some time to look around and ask questions about the exhibited outfits.
Day 2
The next morning, the PR Agent from Givenchy Haute Couture came with her hands full of bags – books about Givenchy and make-up as gifts. Shortly thereafter, we went to the newly opened flagship store.
With its unique concept, the shop on Avenue Montaigne is the new symbol of Givenchy and is over 370qm spread over two stories large. The PR-Agent brought reoccurring details to my attention, such as the Shark’s teeth or a cross on various shoes and purses as well as the scent in the air specially created for each new collection.
After a short dash across the Avenue des Champs Elysees, we met with Madame Dominque Deroche in the Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent. We were taken to Yves Saint Laurent’s office, where everything is still in its original state. In the archives of the Fondation, we had the pleasure of viewing over 5,000 originally kept outfits protected in archive’s strongboxes.
My time in Paris went by as if in a dream and I am more than grateful to the Frankfurt STYLE AWARD and Madame Dominque Deroche for this unforgettable trip. My participation in the Frankfurt STYLE AWARD 2014 opened many new doors and opportunities. This year, I will definitely step up to the challenge and fight for a spot in Top60 at the Finale once again. Being able to come together with other young fashion designers from all over the world is inspiring and a truly unique experience.”
The trip was made possible with support from Air France, who sponsored two travel vouchers and the Boutique W Design Hotel Opera. In the exclusive Boutique W Design Hotel Opera from Starwood Hotels &Resorts, the design “Parasite Technology” from our OUTSTANDING TALENT 2014 was on display all through February. An exclusive Dinnerfor2 in the famous Restaurant Prunier Paris completed the fabulous fashion trip.
Off to Paris with Air France
The winning outfit “Parasite Technology”on display in the Foyer of the Boutique W Design Hotel Opera