Haute Couture
Of course, I have to run yet again to catch the press bus to Julien Fournié. I’ve followed this couturier closely for many seasons, met and spoken with him, and even been backstage. He may not be a global household name, but his dedication to couture has earned him devoted clients, fans, and followers. The Théâtre de Mogador is packed with them, and as the show begins, it’s clear this is more than just a runway presentation—it’s a full performance. Each passage assembles on stage before dispersing through the stalls, creating an immersive experience.
All of Fournié’s signatures are here, and later I learn he’s focused on what he truly loves—designing for his clients, not chasing celebrity placements or red carpets. The collection includes beautifully tailored pieces, often with velvet accents, iridescent drapery, and the long, siren-like gowns he excels at—evoking the glamour of classic cinema. There are coats, jackets, and practical couture pieces that cater to every moment of the day, from shopping and lunch to cocktails and dancing. There are playful touches, too, but the final sequence—charged with a space-age, lightning-bolt energy—has an unmistakable hint of Mugler. It’s sensational: fresh, sexy, and electrifying. Dancers weave in and out of the show, and for the finale, Julien Fournié joins them before being hoisted above the stage on wires. It’s a spectacle. Bravo.
Tony Glenville House of Solo
About Julien Fournié Haute Couture
More than a fashion brand, Maison Julien Fournié is a luxury experience that transcends trends and seasons. Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, Julien Fournié continuously redefines the world of ultra-luxury.
Founded in 2009, the house’s history is woven into its haute couture collections, presented in Paris every January and July during Haute Couture Week. For his debut collection, the young couturier was awarded the Grand Prize for Creativity by the City of Paris in January 2010. By his fourth collection in January 2011, Julien Fournié became a guest member of the official calendar of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture — a first step towards recognition among the great couturiers.
In January 2017, Maison Julien Fournié was officially classified as Haute Couture. This prestigious label, protected by the French Ministry of Industry, is held by only a handful of houses — currently ten — that unite the highest creativity in design with the finest standards of garment making.
Since its inception, the house has been invited to present its collections at prestigious events worldwide, bringing the couturier’s vision to luxury clients across the globe. In March 2023, a Julien Fournié gown worn by actress Audrey Fleurot entered the Musée Grévin in Paris. In April 2023, the first retrospective of Julien Fournié’s work was held at SCAD Lacoste, in an exhibition entitled Haute Couture, un point c’est tout.
While honouring tradition, Julien Fournié has forged bold partnerships with high-tech leaders such as Apple and Tencent, digitising the creation, design and personalisation of his haute couture pieces. He stands among the rare couturiers to fully master the new digital tools. Clients are no longer mere spectators of the creative process — they have become active participants in the singular experience of creating a garment, wherever they may be.
Since December 2020, Julien Fournié has been developing a line of luxury bags and accessories, initially conceived to offer the iconic pieces seen on the runway — previously reserved for haute couture clients — to a wider audience.
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