Translated by Bethszabee Garner
It was a new challenge that did not promise the same success as the first edition. Last February, OniriQ organized its first fashion shows on the sidelines of Paris Fashion Week. Within the walls of the prestigious Bridge Club Pont Alexandre III, three designers, Thalie Paris, Maison Laurette, and Glamoda Style, took to the catwalk and unveiled their new collections under the auspices of the Parisian magazine. After a well-received trial run, the teams wanted to try the experience again.
With the Cannes Film Festival and the Forbes Villa approaching, the editorial team saw an opportunity... To combine the luxury and fashion DNA of OniriQ Magazine with the business and entrepreneurial spirit of Forbes France, while taking advantage of the appeal of the Cannes vortex.
A few months earlier, the search for emerging designers, which is becoming something of a tradition at OniriQ, began. As with the first challenge, a promising trio emerged: Nayades the Label, a luxury brand focused on resortwear and beachwear; Jemma Russo, with sophisticated and modern designs; and Sanz Couture, whose delicate pieces focus on environmental issues.
On May 22, in the gardens of a Belle Époque mansion nestled in the hills of California, guests, journalists, influencers, and other friends of the magazine gathered in this idyllic setting to admire the bold creations of these equally bold designers. Like a “cruise” version, the OniriQ Fashion Show has been revamped and is now officially part of the luxury press's calendar.
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NAYADES THE LABEL: Luxury resort wear
Conscious, inclusive, and versatile luxury in the world of resort wear, Nayades the Label was founded in June 2023 in Florence, Italy. At the time, its founder and creative director, Ilhame El Moumouhi, wanted to offer a new take on “vacation wear.” A high-quality version with a refined design and luxurious fabrics.
According to the designer, the Nayades woman is bold and does not consider swimwear to be just any old item, but rather an essential part of her wardrobe for all occasions. At Villa Forbes, she opened the OniriQ Fashion Show with her fresh, on-trend designs.
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2 QUESTIONS FOR... Ilhame El Moumouhi
With a collection and brand DNA steeped in sunshine, was Cannes the obvious choice to unveil your latest pieces?
Ilhame El Moumouhi: This collection is a celebration of pure elegance with a touch of the French Riviera. Each piece has been designed to accompany women through every stage of their sunny days. From the sea to the red carpet, what better place than Cannes and its Villa Forbes to unveil my new collection? Without a doubt, yes, it was an obvious choice.
You talk about creations that accompany women through every stage of their beautiful days. Can you tell us more?
I.E.M.: A true ode to timeless elegance, our new collection, “Carrara,” is inspired by the graphic lines and timeless beauty of the majestic marble quarries of Carrara, Italy. These quarries are renowned for their pure white marble, which has been used for thousands of years to create iconic works of art and architecture. Our pieces are distinguished by soft, natural colors inspired by the delicate shades of this rock and the surrounding nature.
JEMMA RUSSO: The modern and refined woman
Jemma Russo is more than just a fashion brand, "it's the realization of a dream," explains the designer. Nurtured by fashion from a young age, Jamila Russo took her first steps in the industry by designing her own prom dress. This exciting and stimulating endeavor quickly became a clear vision: the desire to create a label that embodies quality, elegance, and individuality.
During the OniriQ Fashion Show, she unveiled her vision of the Jemma Russo woman: graceful, confident, and discreetly beautiful, just like her.
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2 QUESTIONS FOR... Jamila Russo
What did it mean to you to show your designs in Cannes, especially in a setting like the Villa Forbes?
Jamila Russo: The feeling of fulfillment I felt when my vision came to life in the midst of such a prestigious gathering, with so many other enthusiasts and professionals, is indescribable. It was also unsettling, like a new source of inspiration for my future projects, but also a reminder of why I fell in love with fashion in the first place.
What message did you want to convey with the pieces in your new collection?
J.R.: As a fashion designer, I have always strived to push my boundaries. My latest collection reflects this philosophy, as it represents a break from my previous work and a bold step into uncharted territory. The most striking features are the introduction of new bright colors, including red with its bold aura, as well as new fabrics that I had never explored before. This collection is not only a reflection of my creativity, it is a celebration of the spirit of experimentation and the relentless pursuit of artistic evolution.
SANZ COUTURE: Conscious and responsible couture
Its pillars are slow fashion and sustainability. In her daily life, Sanjuna Madonakendi draws inspiration from her travels around the world, different cultures, and the issues that surround her. Within her label Sanz Couture, the young woman of Indian origin, now based in London, uses lots of pearls, crystals, stones, and feathers, as well as fun and vibrant colors in her creations.
“Something appealing to your heart, your soul, and your eyes,” as she puts it. Mindful of the environment, she even offers a six-month return system that allows you to recycle or upcycle your purchase to support sustainable fashion. In the midst of the Cannes Film Festival, she presented her latest designs for spring-summer 2024.
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2 QUESTIONS FOR... Sanjuna Madonakendi
Showing your collection in Cannes was a first. How was it?
Sanjuna Madonakendi: With such a beautiful venue and this opportunity with OniriQ, I immediately thought of beautiful red carpet looks to include in my collection. Something very elegant and timeless that, in my opinion, highlights the beauty of the French Riviera and the glamour of the Cannes Film Festival.
Speaking of the pieces you presented... what do they represent?
S.M.: It's a continuation of my recent exhibition in London. It's inspired by an introspective journey to an island and its wonders. To convey this idea, I used lots of pearls, shells, and even real oyster shells. The colors of the collection are also light and bright to echo the sea blue, green, yellow, coral, and powder pink of the sunset, as well as sky blue and white.
Article written by Tom Kuntz to be found in issue n°8 of OniriQ Magazine.
