Exploring Movement and Contemporary Femininity
Alice Vaillant’s collections have consistently delved into movement and modern femininity, with each piece telling a story of its own. For SS24, we see Alice Vaillant venturing into territories untouched, exploring contrasting themes that bring the collection to life.
Unveiling the Beaubourg Collection
The Beaubourg collection, named after its show’s location, marks a significant turn in Vaillant’s design narrative. Here, we witness a fundamental interplay of opposites— the feminine and the masculine, motion and constraint, poetry and rigor, free-flow, and direction. Each piece draws the observer into a dialogue of contrasts, setting the stage for a unique sartorial experience.
A Symphony of Contrasts and Materials
The collection opens with a black leather ensemble, beautifully adorned with decorative raffia lace, highlighting Swarovski crystals’ delicate intricacy. This dance of contrasts continues as a structured leather skirt pairs elegantly with open-ended, airy taffeta ribbons, and bomber outerwear boldly meets fluffy faux-fur.
Arguably the brand’s most “serious” collection, the SS24 Beaubourg leans heavily into a monochromatic palette, emphasizing fit, finishing, and cut. The pieces showcase geometrical and architectural silhouettes, harmoniously blended with flexible and fluid materials.
Balancing Masculine and Feminine Silhouettes
Vaillant’s SS24 suits masterfully play with form— exuding a masculine rectangular shape while maintaining a refined feminine silhouette. The collection embraces asymmetry and deconstruction, with visible seams and linings becoming integral elements of the design. Beyond deconstruction, Vaillant’s SS24 “Beaubourg” collection celebrates the importance of materiality, both in aesthetic interplay and composition.
Embracing Sustainability and Innovation
Remarkably, over 80% of the SS24 collection’s fabrics boast Oeko-Tex certification. The faux-fur originates from recycled plastic bottles, and the lace, staying true to Vaillant’s commitment to sustainability, is predominantly sourced from pre-consumer Calais deadstock.
Stepping into Footwear and Sparkling Collaborations
SS24 marks Vaillaint’s debut in footwear, introducing an elegant mule adorned with a playful belt detail. This theme continues in the collection, featured as standalone belts and embellishments on two leather tote bags. The collaboration with Swarovski adds a layer of sparkle, culminating in a marvelously structured dress that perfectly closes the collection.
Poetry Meets Discipline
Vaillant’s SS24 Beaubourg collection poses an intriguing question— is poetry born from discipline, or is it the reverse? This exploration of opposites, interplay of materials, and venture into unexplored territories make this collection a testament to Vaillant’s innovative and thoughtful design approach.
