The house of Jean Paul Gaultier has announced its next guest couturier, and it’s none other than Nicolas Di Felice, the creative director who breathed new life into the Space Age fashion label Courrèges.
This news comes hot on the heels of Simone Rocha‘s successful guest stint at the helm of Gaultier’s haute couture line. Di Felice will present his one-off collection during Paris Couture Week, which runs from June 24th-27th, 2024.
After retiring from catwalk shows in 2020, the legendary Jean Paul Gaultier established a unique concept: inviting different designers to reinterpret his vast and eclectic design vocabulary. Di Felice joins a prestigious list of guest couturiers who have already presented their interpretations of Gaultier’s legacy, including Simone Rocha, Julien Dossena of Rabanne, Haider Ackermann, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, Glenn Martens of Y/Project and Diesel, and Chitose Abe of Sacai.
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Why Di Felice? The legendary designer is known for his keen eye for young talent, and Di Felice certainly fits the bill. Gaultier himself expressed admiration for Di Felice’s boldness and creativity, highlighting his ability to bring fresh influences to established brands. “He has very successfully reinterpreted the style of Courrèges while bringing in new influences on the table,” said Gaultier.
Di Felice, for his part, said he was honored to be chosen, especially after only three years as Artistic director at Courrèges. He’s eager to delve into the Gaultier archives and explore the world of haute couture, a departure from his usual focus on practicality at Courrèges.
Di Felice, like many others, hails Gaultier as a pillar of French fashion and a true outsider. “I’m from a little village in Belgium where you couldn’t find Vogue or real fashion magazines. Jean Paul was the only figure that was famous in my hometown,” recalls the graduate of La Cambre fashion school in Brussels. “He was on the television; everybody would use his perfumes. He completely changed fashion and offered it to a wider audience.” Interestingly, Di Felice shares a connection with Gaultier through Nicolas Ghesquière, who began his career at Jean Paul Gaultier before moving on to Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton. Di Felice himself worked under Ghesquière at both Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton.
While keeping details under wraps, Di Felice promises a sincere and daring collection that honors Gaultier’s legacy while showcasing his own design sensibilities. With a focus on exceptional craftsmanship, this collection is poised to be a highlight of Paris Couture Week.
Beyond his work with Gaultier, Di Felice has a busy year ahead. He’ll head the jury at the prestigious Hyères International Fashion Festival, which takes place October 10th-13th. In addition, Courrèges is experiencing significant growth under his leadership, particularly in accessories and menswear.
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