JACQUEMUS’ “LE PAYSAN” AT VERSAILLES: A RURAL FAIRYTALE WITH A TWIST

A CHILDHOOD DREAM UNFOLDS AT THE ORANGERIE

On June 29 2025, Simon Porte Jacquemus brought his Fall/Winter 2025–2026 collection, Le Paysan, to the Orangerie of the Château de Versailles. This venue, a rare and symbolic choice, set the stage for a show that blended childhood nostalgia with haute couture sophistication.

The collection, deeply personal and autobiographical, paid homage to Jacquemus's Southern French heritage, weaving together elements of rural life with the refined elegance his brand is known for.

The show commenced with a cinematic moment: a barefoot child in white sprinting down the sunlit hall, opening the towering wooden doors to signal the start of the runway. This poignant gesture symbolized the designer's journey from his humble beginnings to the grandeur of Versailles, merging past and present in a single, powerful image. And then, Loli Bahia opened the ball.

THE SILHOUETTES: RURAL ROMANCE MEETS COUTURE

The collection's silhouettes were a masterful blend of rustic charm and couture precision. Models graced the runway in voluminous white dresses that evoked the innocence of childhood, crafted from luxurious fabrics like linen, cotton, and Italian leather. These garments, with their delicate embroidery and refined draping, transformed everyday rural attire into high fashion statements.

Each piece told a story, from the flowing gowns reminiscent of vintage linens to the structured yet soft tailoring that paid tribute to traditional workwear. The use of pure white and subtle ecru tones created a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere, while the occasional pop of color added depth and interest.

PLAYFULNESS AND SUBTLE IRONY IN EVERY DETAIL

Jacquemus’s genius lies not only in the craftsmanship of his clothes but also in his playful commentary on rural life elevated to couture. There is a delightful irony in seeing oversized straw hats paired with meticulously tailored jackets, as if the models had just stepped off a Provence farm and into Versailles without missing a beat. The choice of fabrics: linen, cotton, and soft leather creates a tactile conversation between utility and luxury, reminding us that elegance does not always need a crown to be effective.

Even the tiniest details, like exaggerated pockets or whimsically tied sashes, seem to wink at the audience, acknowledging that fashion, at its core, is a game, and Jacquemus is clearly having far too much fun to care about rules.

THE ACCESSORIES: FUNCTIONALITY WITH A FASHIONABLE FLAIR

Accessories in Le Paysan were both functional and fashionable, reflecting the practicality of rural life infused with Jacquemus's signature style. Market baskets, traditionally used for gathering produce, were reimagined in leather, offering a chic twist on a classic item. These bags, along with other accessories, complemented the collection's theme, grounding the high fashion elements in everyday reality.

THE SETTING: A SYMBOLIC BACKDROP

The Orangerie, with its historical significance and botanical ambiance, provided a fitting backdrop for Le Paysan.

The venue's connection to Louis XIV's citrus trees added a layer of depth to the show, aligning with the collection's themes of nature and heritage. The interplay of light through the Orangerie's arches cast a warm glow on the models, enhancing the collection's rustic elegance.

CONCLUSION: A POETIC HOMAGE TO THE PAST AND PRESENT

Le Paysan was more than just a fashion show; it was a poetic homage to Simon Porte Jacquemus's roots, a celebration of rural life, and a testament to the designer's evolution.

The collection seamlessly blended the simplicity of the countryside with the sophistication of couture, creating a narrative that was both personal and universal.

In a world where fashion often leans towards the avant-garde and the extravagant, Jacquemus's Le Paysan offered a refreshing return to simplicity and authenticity. It reminded us that true elegance lies not in opulence but in the beauty of everyday life, captured through the lens of high fashion.

Watch the full runway here: