To You Paris! Stephane Rolland Haute Couture
During Haute Couture Week in Paris, we were invited to one of the season’s most emotional moments: the show by Stephane Rolland.
The spectacle took place at Salle Pleyel in the heart of Paris. The City of Light was one of the honoured inspirations. Stephane presented his Fall/Winter 24/25 collection in an atmosphere brimming with emotion. "Paroles de Prévert à Brassaï" was the name Stephane gave to this journey through the universes that inspire him so deeply.
A plunge into love told through the poetry and songs of Prévert, and portrayed through the photographs of Brassaï.
In entirely black and white looks, the French designer transported us through the nights of Paris—sometimes obscure, sometimes brilliant. The room was filled with emotion; one could feel the goosebumps, see the sparkle in eyes, and even witness tears of joy from the privilege of attending such a couture spectacle.
The love that is always felt in Stephane Rolland’s creations was evident in every detail, meticulously chosen and crafted by the designer and his team. Indeed, behind every great creative director is a great team, and the hearts beating with love could be felt from afar.
A cloud of white smoke enveloped the immaculate stage, revealing a melancholic, mysterious Paris that hides and reveals itself in its alleys and lanes. Paris in obscurity, Paris illuminated—the City of Light. Paris à toi, Paris à moi, Paris à nous!
Thirty-two looks floated down the metaphorical streets of Paris. Stephane brought silhouettes inspired by masculine tailoring and smoking jackets, infused with sensuality. Many kimonos, structured shoulders, sheer fabrics, geometric forms, and a masterful play of proportions graced the runway.
Black and white sometimes married, sometimes shone solo. Feathers echoed the poetry of Prévert’s "L’oiseaux," bare trees, bronze sculptures, and the penumbra—all part of this collection's inspiration.
The elegance and sensuality of Parisian nights, told in poetic form by Stephane Rolland, were wrapped up like a gift with sparkling waistlines.
Brilliant is the path of the French designer who began sketching his first designs at just four years old. Passionate about architecture and art, he joined the prestigious École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in 1982. By 1986, he debuted at Maison Balenciaga and, at just 21, was named Director of the men’s prêt-à-porter line. He continued his journey at Maison Jean-Louis Scherrer, where he took his first steps in haute couture. In 2007, Maison Stephane Rolland was born, soon integrating into the Fédération de la Haute Couture. The designer has built a beautiful history in fashion and is arguably in one of the most mature phases of his work.
Stephane Rolland explained, “Voilà ma Collection d’hiver, Noir pure essence, Blanche tachée d’encre, Dessinée comme on écrit sous le regard lointain des deux poètes."
ET VOILÀ LA MARIÉE:
The bride arrives to crown this unique moment of pure magic, with a grand cape hood entirely embroidered with porcelain petals, proclaiming love through the poetry "Cet Amour" by Jacques Prévert, voiced by Jeanne Moreau. A magical moment to be relived over and over again! The curtains open one by one, revealing silhouettes crossing the room with a mix of strength and lightness, elegance and sensuality, like a true magical and poetic dance.
By providing a rich and detailed account, this article not only captures the essence of Stephane Rolland's show but also immerses the reader in the emotional and artistic journey experienced during the event.
Photography credits: @victorttelles
Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
