Making the Minuit Collection

Where danger grows, so too does that which saves 

The inspiration

The designing of Minuit, the first SOMBRE collection,was a pivotal moment deeply interwoven with the establishment of the brand itself. As such, it stands as both a defining representation of our ethos and a unique collection in its own right. When I embarked on this journey, I was residing in New York, a city that offered an unmistakable sense of freedom. However, my design process was heavily influenced by a deep sense of nostalgia for France, and Paris in particular. This collection embodies the tension between the refined, sometimes restrictive elegance of Parisian chic and the unbounded liberty emblematic of New York.

Furthermore, playing with transparency and color emerged as a key aspect in designing this collection as it reflected the brand’s philosophy of shining both in and through the dark. My personal affinity for attire that exudes an element of allure also played a significant role in this direction.  In line with our focus on the contrasting aspects of existence, the Genesis offers a duality to its wearer, chaste in front and transgressive behind, a sexy dichotomy. Taking inspiration from Guy Laroche’s backless dress worn by Mireille Darc in “The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe” and from Irma Vep’s black embrace in “Les Vampires”, the Genesis dress is both modern and timeless.

The choice of Klein blue is not just a design statement referencing our dark nights of freedom but a nostalgic nod to my visit to Yves Saint Laurent’s Marrakech home, where I became enamored with the vibrant hue and its connection to fashion.

The incorporation of ribbons within the collection symbolizes the scars that connect us to our reality and to each other, reinforcing the theme of interconnectedness. The metal half ring featured in some pieces further elaborates on this concept, acting as a tangible link to the world and our shared realities. It's a reminder of the fleeting nature of escape and the importance of seizing the moment. This ring also signifies the connections we forge through our shared experiences and vulnerabilities. Minuit, therefore, is not just a fashion statement but a reflection of my journey, encapsulating the essence of my brand and the connections that define us.

A Conclusion

The SOMBRE Minuit collection serves as an introduction to a world where liberation cloaks our forms, highlighting the shadows that define us. Designed for those who see midnight not as an end, but as the beckoning of a new adventure—echoed in the distant hum of a bass—we merge comfort with movement.

Minuit strikes a delicate balance between sophistication and playfulness. From the intricately patterned lace that lets our skin shine through its deep black to the textured embrace of ribbed nylon, the Minuit collection transcends boundaries, welcoming all identities.