Jacquemus honoured in Milan by Camera della Moda and Zalando

While in Milan, Simon Porte Jacquemus reminisced about his ties with Italy, as he readies himself to hold a fashion show in Capri in June. The French designer was honoured on Wednesday, March 20, by the Italian Chamber of Fashion (CNMI) and the German e-commerce giant Zalando, as part of the ‘Changemakers in Luxury Fashion’ program.

The visionary behind the Jacquemus brand was named an Artisan of Change for his “disruptive approach to fashion communication,” alongside Renzo Rosso, chairman of the OTB group (home to Diesel and Margiela), distinguished in the ‘Innovation’ category; Alfonso Dolce, CEO of Dolce & Gabbana, in the ‘Craftsmanship’ category; and Simone Marchetti, the director of Vanity Fair Italy, in the ‘Value’ category.

During the ceremony, Porte Jacquemus, who was also recently awarded the Neiman Marcus Prize for “innovation in the realm of fashion,” emphasized the paramount importance of preserving the autonomy of his maison.

“It is always important to be independent and free,” he emphasized. He also spoke of his love for the transalpine peninsula, revealing that his maternal grandmother hailed from the country.

Porte Jacquemus also reminisced about the unwavering support and encouragement he received from Italian retailers throughout his journey. “For me, Italy epitomizes love, love, love,” said the designer, who commands admiration in a market where he boasts a plethora of suppliers.

This stop in Milan provided an opportune moment to divulge details of his upcoming runway show, slated for June 10 in Capri, at the illustrious Villa Malaparte, immortalized by Jean-Luc Godard’s cinematic masterpiece ‘Le Mépris’ (1963), starring Brigitte Bardot and Michel Piccoli.

“The film’s opening credits have long captivated me. They inspired me to build my brand. The name of my collections always start with ‘le’ or ‘la,’ like the title of the film,” he revealed.

With its modernist architecture and expansive rooftop terrace, the mythical villa made of Pompeian red stucco, erected in 1937 by writer Curzio Malaparte atop a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, is not accessible to the public and only opens its doors on rare occasions.

“The villa has never played host to a fashion show,” confided Porte Jacquemus, who had the privilege of sojourning within its confines, drawing inspiration for his forthcoming collection. Following Jacquemus’ recent showcases at the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence and in the Palace of Versailles gardens, this impending event is poised to mark another significant moment for the Parisian house, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary on this occasion.​