Cher Roland Mouret: Je Vous Aime!

Cher Monsieur Mouret:

Je vous aime. No, not because of your dark, smoldering good looks (not that I haven't noticed) but rather because of what you do and how you do it. I'm writing this open letter to you as I wear my new 'Madeleine' dress in black from your Fall 2008 collection. I just received it from Net-A-Porter and slipped it on. It's simply stunning. I had initially thought I would buy it in dark blue but I opted for the black version instead - I was seduced by the effect of the long, sexy red zipper in the back - a detail you cleverly incorporated as an homage to Christian Louboutin (I'm in love with him too by the way).

It's less how the dress looks (although it does look stunning) than how it makes me feel. In fact, the moment I slipped it on with a pair of plain black Louboutin stilettos, I felt as glamorous and powerful as Wallace Simpson (not that I have any designs on the future king of England mind you). I simply mean by this that your designs capture the drama and glamour of a bygone era when dressing and style were about subtlety and elegance. Your dresses never scream "sexy" from across the room. Instead, they whisper it suggestively in your husband's ear. I love that. So does he.

As a customer, I also appreciate the little note you attach to your garments. It shows me that you care deeply about your craft and the petites mains who help you make them. Finally, I love wearing your dresses not because of their "it" status but because of what they represent - subtle elegance, impeccable craftsmanship and timelessness. For all of this, I thank you. Merci Monsieur Mouret. Merci beaucoup.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Images of RM 'Madeleine' dress courtesy of Net-A-Porter.com; Roland Mouret, photo by Don Ashby, courtesy of Style.com.

Comments

[Helene]

Wow! Thank you Dahlia. You flatter me! The "Madeleine" dress seduced me because it exudes a certain 1930's sophistication that I've always loved.

To be honest, Roland Mouret will probably be my only splurge this fall. I justify it to myself in part because his designs are truly timeless and I can see myself wearing this particular piece for a long time to come. I also justify it because I think his aesthetic and the level of craftsmanship he brings to his garments makes him one of the truly bright lights in the industry. I therefore think his pieces will hold their value over time the way Balenciaga's creations have (I'm collecting one or two of his dresses from each of his collections).

Helene

P.S. I look forward to reading your upcoming thoughts on the future of fashion. I agree with you that there is a shift in how people approach fashion - it seems individuality is making a comeback (thankfully).

[Dahlia]

Helene,

You have impeccable taste! Every time you point out a few outfits that you've bought or loved, I have loved as well. Mostly because I see myself in these dresses. Unfortunately, I simply cannot afford them. In due time, perhaps when I'm older...In the mean time I will live vicariously through you and your exceptional wardrobe taste!