Charles de Vilmorin’s collection « Reveuse Bourgeoise, » which debuted at Paris Fashion Haute Couture Week Fall/Winter 2024-2025, depicts a dramatic and intriguing story. The runway was transformed into a moonless night for the presentation, and everyone, including the audience, became suspects in a fashionable murder mystery. De Vilmorin deviated from convention with his second effort as an independent couture designer. With a plot reminiscent of a « Clue on Lies, » the collection immersed viewers in a tense and suspicious milieu. The designer’s concept tasked viewers with unraveling the mystery behind each ensemble by combining elements of Tim Burton-esque fantasy with Agatha Christie’s intrigue.
Behind the scenes, de Vilmorin meticulously produced each piece over a two-month period, working closely with a team of assistants. Rather than traditional patterns, his couture designs utilized elaborate jacquards and vivid colors. Feathers and intricate needlework were used to decorate the clothes, displaying the designer’s love of exquisite craftsmanship and telling stories through clothing. De Vilmorin’s imaginative vision brought a plethora of characters to life for the runway show. Models moved with a sense of suspense and drama, dressed in avant-garde costumes, some of which shackled their arms. Notable visitors appeared in the show’s finale, including dancer Marie-Agnes Gillot, who wore an orange veil to finish the mysterious story. With this collection, de Vilmorin abandoned commercial considerations in favor of the sheer joy of telling a story through couture. His ambitious plan and dramatic delivery had a profound impact, sparking speculation about the future adventures of his fictional cast of characters. Charles de Vilmorin’s « Reveuse Bourgeoise » is a captivating mystery that illustrates his ingenuity, ability, and determination to expand the possibilities of haute couture narrative, even as the fashion industry awaits his next step.
