Best foot forward: Fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier and shoe manufacturer JM Weston are the newest members of the French luxury association Comite Colbert.
Although the Maison’s founder retired from the runways in 2020, Gaultier has kept the haute couture department thriving with one-off collections conceived by guest designers.
Following Chitose Abe from Sacai, Glenn Martens from Y/Project and Diesel, and Olivier Rousteing from Balmain, it’s Haider Ackermann’s turn to unveil his brand’s work on January 25th.
“I am very happy to join the Comite Colbert and its prestigious members. I am particularly proud to contribute to the influence of French know-how through a new collaborative approach to haute couture,” said Chief. Brand’s Vincent Thiroy said. Officer of Jean Paul Gaultier.
“The values of inclusivity and diversity inherent in our home will be central to our contribution,” he added.
Meanwhile, JM Weston rose to prominence in 2018 with the appointment of fashion historian Olivier Saillard as Artistic, Image and Culture Director. Saillard has directed numerous performances for the shoe brand, most recently leading dance classes led by leading choreographers Mathilde Monnier, La Ribault and Asha Thomas.
Recent additions bring the number of luxury houses that are members of Comite Colbert to 93. The organization also includes 17 cultural institutions and his six European members.
“The Comite Colbert welcomes the arrival of these two new members. Their history, craftsmanship and international influence make our industrial resilience a source of French pride. We promise mutual prosperity in the times.” Comité Colbert.
The organization’s aim is to promote luxury, preserve the Maison’s ancestral know-how, address legislative and regulatory issues, and anticipate future challenges in this area.
With luxury goods companies struggling to recruit young artisans despite rising sales, Comite Colbert last month organized a three-day educational fair aimed at promoting artisanal careers for students. held.