The Tamesis
This year marks Monique Lhuillier’s 30th anniversary, so when she sat down to craft her new fall collection, she decided to go back to her roots and focus on eveningwear, and her customers are still flocking to her. “We really dug into our archives,” she said.
At the same time, Lhuillier also wanted to modernize and update her signature cocktail dresses and evening gowns to reflect what today’s women want to wear. Her formal designs are imbued with a relaxed and unfussy feel. Her clients didn’t want anything too restrictive or complicated, so she prioritized a relaxed approach. Think about it: dressing up in style, with nothing pretentious about it.
This strapless chiffon gown in pink has an airy, iridescent feel to it; you just put it on and you instantly feel the flow, without needing a whole glam team or degree to get involved. Separate styles also appeared in unexpected ways: Her gold sequined “column gown” was actually a separate two-piece set, consisting of a bodice and maxi skirt that blended seamlessly together. “There’s a modern feel to this collection,” Lhuillier said. “It feels easier than if everything fits super well.”
Of course, more traditional evening wear is also part of the mix. The long-sleeved lace gown came in shades like stunning pink, while her maxi skirt felt more architectural and bold, with a form-fitting velvet bodice. A fiery red ballgown made from over 80 yards of tulle is a head-turning dress perfect for the red carpet. “She just floated into a room [wearing this]”, Lhuillier said. More like blocking traffic in it.
The lineup of daytime pieces is small but powerful, including a tailored jacket with floral appliqués in silk organza and feathers for movement. Elsewhere, her jeans looked fresh; denim is a category she could expand into. The collection ranges in style from conservative to adventurous, and Lhuillier says this apparent dichotomy is intentional. “We have a multi-generational clientele – we dress daughters, mothers and grandmothers.”
