Roland Mouret: The Evolution Of A Fashion Love Affair

As many of my regular readers know, one of my favorite designers is Roland Mouret. Like many of his diehard fans, I was initially seduced by his 'Galaxy' dress. But while seduction may play an important part in any love affair, especially at the start, something more is needed if that affair is to move beyond the initial romantic stages and grow into a mature, mutually satisfying and lasting relationship. Otherwise, it's nothing more than a fling - the fashion equivalent of a one-night-stand. I've had my share of fashion flings (some are still hanging in my closet) and while they can undeniably be a lot of fun, they inevitably leave you dissatisfied and in search of something more meaningful. By the time Roland Mouret and his 'RM' brand of elegance entered my life, let's just say I was ready for a more long-term fashion commitment.

I'll admit, our relationship remains a tad one-sided - I pursue him (or his dresses rather). Truth be told, I don't mind because he's totally worth it. I consider the official start of our fashion romance to have begun with his exquisite 'Moon' dress in a sharp, prim navy blue (Spring/Summer 2007) but it was his 'Chara' silk chiffon shirt dress (exclusive to Net-A-Porter) that sealed the deal for me - so very "Belle de Jour", I simply couldn't resist. So far, my fashion love affair with Roland Mouret is thriving. I typically earmark enough of my clothing budget to purchase at least two looks from each of his collections. I would buy more but, as you know, I'm also involved in a passionate love affair with Christian Louboutin (his shoes that is) although lately, I've had a few dalliances with Pierre Hardy. And maybe one or two with Bruno Frisoni ... I never claimed my relationships were exclusive.

One of the things that keeps me committed to our relationship is his distinct aesthetic. I love the subdued palette, the figure-hugging fit and the edgy details. In fact, I can spot one of his dresses from miles away. I also undeniably love how his dresses make me feel - sexy but still strong and confident. Yet, despite the depth of my feelings, even I know that we need more if our relationship is to beat the odds. Fashion relationships like all romantic relationships can be so fickle after all. To put it succinctly, our relationship requires mutual respect. He needs me to continue buying his dresses and I need him to keep making dresses I want to wear over and over regardless of fickle trends and increasingly speedy fashion cycles. Given the current economic climate, longevity is an increasingly important factor in my shopping strategy. Luckily for me, he understands exactly what I need. My internet friend and fellow fashion blogger Dahlia from Dualite - Montreal Fashion Blog very thoughtfully sent me a link to an interview my beloved Mouret gave to the 'WSJ.' magazine entitled The Shape of Things to Come. The interview is peppered with unvarnished truths about the current state of the fashion industry and why he believes in doing things differently. While he may not have known it, he could not have written me a more touching, more eloquent declaration of love if he had tried. Go ahead and read it for yourselves. I dare you not to fall head-over-heels for him too.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[Helene]

Well said! I think Azzedine Alaia belongs in that category as well.

[Dahlia]

I am slowly becoming entranced by Roland Mouret as well and I definitely applaud his resistance to the globalization of brands, as I'm sure he speaks from experience.

I wholly believe that when you save up your money to buy that one special item (if it's still available...!), it would be worth more than 10 pieces of clothing combined.

I find that Roland Mouret and Christian Louboutin both have business models that work without being grossly swallowed up by the commercialization of their brands. The French still have it!