“Julien Fournié at the Musée Grévin”
In a spectacular tribute to Marie-Antoinette, the last queen of France, fashion designer Julien Fournié has unveiled a series of creations at the Grévin Museum. Known for her undeniable influence on fashion, Marie-Antoinette inspired this new collection that celebrates both her historical role and her status as a fashion icon.
“Whatever one thinks of her role in history,” says Julien Fournié, “Marie-Antoinette was a style model for all the courts of Europe. She initiated the movement at the very origin of fashion: preferring what is new to what has always been considered beautiful.”
A Majestic Outfit for a Fashion Queen
Commissioned by the Grévin Museum to create an outfit for the statue of Marie-Antoinette “in majesty,” Julien Fournié designed a dress that reflects the opulence of life at Versailles while highlighting her role as a fashion icon. The statue, now a centerpiece of the museum, is adorned with a sumptuous outfit in triple organza of bright white silk, embellished with embroidery motifs in silver and moon gold. Ribbons, feathers, and pearls animate her hair, topped with a gallion adorned with the royal coat of arms.
A Collection Inspired by the Legend
In addition to this creation, Julien Fournié presents six looks inspired by the codes of Marie-Antoinette’s legend, reinterpreted for modern haute couture. These pieces include corsets and voluminous ball gowns, as well as looks that flirt with the masculine-feminine.
First Look: Under a trench coat of washed prune silk embroidered with old silver vegetal motifs, a set made entirely of saddle leather in pastel colors dear to Marie-Antoinette, with inlays of fleur-de-lys on the pants and flat bows on the bust. A leather crown with medallions and royal gaiters complete this outfit.
Accessories: Earrings and “Ex Voto” brooches, a monogrammed tote bag in “lenticular” coated canvas, and three versions of the new “Big Bang” bag in the soft colors of the 18th century.
Tailored Suit: In Prince of Wales wool, embroidered with clusters of lilac on a garden trellis motif, worn with a lavallière shirt and a jeweled bicorne, adorned with a feather in the style of “Incroyables.”
Boyish Jacket: Azure embroidered with silver, over a short silk and lurex nightdress, revealing the length of the legs barely covered by “nude” leggings embroidered with royal jewels.
Merveilleuse Dress: A large embroidered dress, revealing a range of peony, soft pink, and eglantine under a capeline, in various precious materials playing on the layering of their transparencies.
Jeweled Bustier: In canary tones on a giant matching tulle petticoat, worn by Tobi Momoh, Julien Fournié’s muse.
Final Look: Inspired by the legend surrounding the last queen of France: shepherdess, pastry lover, devoted mother, playing with her coat of arms in anime-like tattoo styles on a “gothic rockabilly” ensemble with a black crater collar jacket embroidered with black crystal.
A Unique Exhibition
From June 28 to September 1, 2024, the six looks from Julien Fournié’s Haute Couture “Last Queen” collection will be on display at the Grévin Museum. This exhibition will allow the public to admire the haute couture craftsmanship up close.
“I am very happy to make this luxury accessible to a popular audience eager for fashion culture,” rejoices Julien Fournié, “especially during the period when Paris welcomes the world for the Olympic Games.”
With this collection and the exhibition at the Grévin Museum, Julien Fournié pays a vibrant tribute to Marie-Antoinette, highlighting her enduring influence on fashion and celebrating her legacy as a pioneer of haute couture. This exhibition is a unique opportunity for the public to admire the meticulous and creative work of one of today’s greatest French fashion designers.
Gil Zetbase
