It was a first, a trial run that did not necessarily promise to be a masterstroke. A few months ago, the idea of organising fashion shows on the fringes of Fashion Week popped into the creative minds of the Paris editorial team. Having already tried the experiment at the Forbes Villas and in Ibiza, the exercise seemed feasible. But this time, the concept was completely different: to serve as a platform for talents still unknown to the general public in order to amplify the voice of their brand and allow them to showcase their creations in the capital.
Several months passed and the selection of designers was able to formalise this nascent project. Three names emerged: the Lebanese brand Glamoda Style, Maison Laurette, which specialises in hats, and finally Thalie Paris, an expert in upcycling leather goods.
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Having found this panel of designers, all that remained for the magazine to do was to organise an event worthy of the name, in the middle of women's fashion week. On Wednesday 28 February, near the banks of the Seine, within the walls of the Bridge Club Pont Alexandre III, the magic was set to begin. In front of more than 300 people, including fashion specialists, journalists and photographers, buyers, brand directors and international celebrities, each of the collections was admired and analysed at its true value. This first event was hailed by the guests, heralding a bright future in the world of fashion for your magazine.
Glamoda Style : Unique, high-quality designs
In 2018, Abeer Stouhi, a social worker by profession, took the plunge. Having been passionate about classic and elegant fashion lines for years, she decided to launch her own brand. Although she had no formal training in the field, Abeer met with resounding success with her elegant and feminine designs.
The Lebanese businesswoman draws inspiration from her heritage. According to her, women in her country are known for their unrivalled elegance, unwavering determination and pronounced taste for sophisticated fashion.
At the first OniriQ Fashion Show, Abeer Stouhi opened the designers' ball with her ‘Elsa’ collection and then shared her thoughts.
2 questions for... Abeer Stouhi
This was your very first show in Paris, wasn't it? How was it?
Abeer Stouhi: It was a first for us. Paris is known to be every designer's dream. In my home country, Lebanon, there are many designers who show their collections during Paris Fashion Week, but it's only accessible to big names and haute couture houses. As a Lebanese ready-to-wear brand, it was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our creations. Which, incidentally, are always associated with Parisian charm and glamour.
How would you describe the collection you presented?
A.S.: It's called ‘Elsa’ and, for me, it clearly reflects the Glamoda brand. In other words, it embodies timeless elegance, combining femininity and strength. I was particularly inspired by icons who are dear to me: Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.
According to the designer, this silhouette is inspired by Grace Kelly's look in her film Mogambo. The two-piece ensemble consists of a short blazer jacket, cinched at the waist with a crossover belt, and flowing trousers. The whole outfit is made of soft white linen to reflect the pure elegance and grace of a Glamoda woman.
Maison Laurette: artisan craftsman
This is an unusual family story. In 2018, Laure Fessard establishes her brand specialising in hats in Paris and quickly moved to Deauville. The name of the brand, Maison Laurette, is a direct tribute to her grandmother, who was a milliner based in Brussels between the wars.
Her creations are inspired by the incomparable chic of women in the 1920s and 1930s, with a retro style featured in many pieces. She also develops more contemporary designs to meet the demands of her customers.
In 2023, her traditional mastery of millinery and her expertise earned her the prestigious title of Artisan d'Art (artisan craftsman). A year later, she decided to showcase her creations on the catwalk.
2 questions for... Laure Fessard
It is very rare to see milliners at fashion shows. What does it mean to you to have been able to showcase your art?
Laure Fessard: It is indeed difficult to showcase a hat brand on the catwalk. It was very moving; I didn't realise it until the first model came out. When I launched my brand, I never thought I would have such an opportunity one day. But everything happens for a reason, and we always try to aim higher.
What was your inspiration for designing these unique hats presented at the Bridge Club Pont Alexandre III?
L.F.: It was a combination of many ideas and inspirations from different eras. I worked with lace and revisited Audrey Hepburn-style cloche hats, while also playing with more modern styles such as fedoras.
On the catwalk, the Inaya model by Maison Laurette captivated the guests. More than just a hat, this work of art reveals sculpted lace shaped by hand. Three materials are used to make this hat: wool felt, sisal and guipure lace.
Thalie Paris, alternative luxury leather goods
Founded in 2020 in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Thalie brand offers a new interpretation of the world of bags. Its creator, Nathalie Dionne, has a wish that is close to her heart: to use materials with a low carbon footprint.
In early 2023, she unveiled her first collection made from marine leather. More specifically, salmon leather sourced from food recycling. Following her participation as a designer in the OniriQ Fashion Show, we met her at Printemps Haussmann, where she is exhibiting her creations in a pop-up store.
2 questions for... Nathalie Dionne
What did it mean to you to show your creations in Paris?
Nathalie Dionne: A huge boost for the brand, without a doubt. It was our first fashion show. We were able to bring together our partners, friends and other professionals. The feedback was also incredible. Today, we have so much that it's difficult to respond to all the messages. So, lots of visibility, a real boost, but also new orders.
What was the main inspiration for the collection?
N.D.: For the OniriQ show, we unveiled our upcoming bags for autumn-winter 2024. We were particularly inspired by our iconic ‘Sushi’ collection, with its signature triangular patchwork, and we adapted it for evening wear, still using upcycling techniques with dormant stock. With these refined and energetic new designs, we are targeting Generation Z more than with our brand's other icons.
In her collection, Thalie unveiled her new red Amour clutch bag, with gold finishes and a heart-shaped clasp. The bag is made from the brand's signature recycled salmon leather. Entirely handmade in Italy, it requires complex craftsmanship and around eight hours of work.
Article written by Tom Kuntz, featured in issue no. 7 of OniriQ magazine and translated by Bethszabee Garner
