For Julie de Libran’s haute couture défilé, which was staged as per usual in the verdant garden of her Paris flat, she recruited a number of the daughters of her closest friends in addition to a group of young models. Her method of commemorating the maturation of a new generation of young women, who are coming into awareness of their bodies and the seductive potential they possess, was to display expensive couture gowns on attractive young women who were just coming into their own. “It’s nice to make them appreciate the artistry that goes into making one-of-a-kind creations,” she added. “It’s a nice feeling.” As the proverb goes, you have to get them started young.

“These girls dress with natural ease, they mix everyday clothes with evening wear, they love to play with la mode,” said de Libran backstage, pointing to a pair of yoga leggings worn beneath a poofy silk taffeta gown, and an hourglassy black jacket contrasting with a sequined trailing skirt. “These girls dress with natural ease, they mix everyday clothes with evening wear, they love to play with la mode,” added de Libran backstage. On the same point, an immaculate men’s white shirt with jewel buttons looked fresh when dressed with a pair of glittering black shorts, while a navy blue tuxedo draped over a macho boxers/tank top combo established the case for the very French idea of nonchalance. Both of these examples are from the fashion industry.

The collection had an air of festivity and an air of being dressed up. What appeared to be built was actually featherlight, such as a rhinestone corset that was deceptively formed of an impalpable net; an impactful outfit was a sensual gold column dress with the hem morphing into a cape. “My débutantes may be young, but they’re not beginners,” de Libran added. “They’re not even novices.” They didn’t appear to have a great deal of educational requirements at all.

The Collection