Maxime Simoëns

Maxime Simoens (born November 15, 1984 in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France) is a French designer who has been the artistic director of Paule Ka since 2019. He is an "invited member" of the Chamber of Parisian Couture union.

Maxime Simoëns
Born (1984-11-15) 15 November 1984
Lesquin
NationalityFrench
EducationChambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne
LabelMaxime Simoëns
Websitewww.maximesimoens.com

Early life and education

Simoens was born in Lesquin, near Lille, in 1984.[1] At first inclined to pursue filmmaking, he later deemed it too technical. At a Madonna concert in June 2001, the Drowned World Tour, he decided to make fashion his profession. The sketches of Jean Paul Gaultier, displayed in the program, were the trigger for his decision on his future profession.

His degree in hand, Maxime went to study applied arts at the School of Conde de Lyon, then joined the Paris Union Chamber of Couture. He came first in several fashion contests. Forever marked by the power of the costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier, he decided to force open the doors of this house in order to win his first contest in the realm of accessories. In 2006, he graduated top of his class and still learning from the creators of such large homes Elie Saab, John Galliano for Dior and Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga.[2]

Career

Maxime Simoens, 2009–2015

In 2009, Simoens created his own brand in 2009.[3] He strives to create his world free of influence and create its logo, a barcode, a nod to the consumer society. In February 2009 he was selected to Hyères Fashion Festival in April and thus presented the first 10 pieces of his first collection, an innovative vision, combining graphic design at the architectural level of the garment. His silhouettes combine structure and fluidity, and he's often compared in the press to a young Yves Saint Laurent.

In 2013, LVMH took a minority stake in Simoens’ own brand for an undisclosed sum.[4] That same year, the brand unveiled its first ready-to-wear collection, together with its first bag and shoes collection. His women’s label closed in 2015.[5]

Léonard, 2011–2012

From 2011 to 2012, Simoens briefly served as creative director of French fashion house Léonard.[6] In the Grand Palais in Paris he presented his first collection for Leonard on 5 March 2012.[7]

Azzaro, 2017–2020

From 2017 until 2020, Simoens was the artistic director of Azzaro,[8][9] with responsibility for the brand’s couture collections, ready-to-wear lines, and accessories for women and men; he was succeeded by Olivier Theyskens.[10]

Collections

Nourishing inspiration in art, music and movies from all eras and styles, Simoens creates narrative collections each season telling a new story full of icons and strong visuals. The identity of his style is marked by the structure refining the silhouette, cuts, contrasts, embroidery, incorporating printed and put into abyss of optical illusions, organza leaves miles to be desired.

Events

On several occasions, Simoens dressed Melanie Laurent and Astrid Berges-Frisbey. On the fourth season of Gossip Girl, he dressed the two main heroines, Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.[11]

In 2011, Simoens dressed singer Beyoncé for the cover of her album 4, the deluxe version, with one of his creations for Spring-Summer 2011–12.[12]

References
  1. Simoens, Tomek Kolarski. "Maxime Simoens". Retrieved 7 March 2012.
  2. « 26-Year-Old Maxime Simoëns Takes On Couture » sur Style.com, January 21, 2011
  3. Astrid Wendlandt and Pascale Denis (21 February 2013), LVMH buys minority stake in designer Maxime Simoens Reuters.
  4. Astrid Wendlandt and Pascale Denis (21 February 2013), LVMH buys minority stake in designer Maxime Simoens Reuters.
  5. Tina Isaac-Goizé (3 July 2017), At Azzaro, Maxime Simoëns Paves the Way for a Comeback Vogue.
  6. "Rising French star Maxime Simoens appointed creative director of Leonard". Global News. October 21, 2011. Retrieved Apr 29, 2022.
  7. « Leonard Paris Fall Winter 2012-2013, VIDEO », March 6, 2012
  8. Magali Moulinet (27 March 2017), Qui est Maxime Simoëns, le nouveau directeur artistique d'Azzaro ? L'Obs.
  9. Tina Isaac-Goizé (3 July 2017), At Azzaro, Maxime Simoëns Paves the Way for a Comeback Vogue.
  10. Jennifer Weil and Miles Socha (February 5, 2020), EXCLUSIVE: Azzaro Taps Olivier Theyskens as Artistic Director Women's Wear Daily.
  11. http://lashmagazine.blogspot.com/2011/01/maxime-simoens-wonder-kid.html « Maxime Simoens : The Wonder kid », January 28, 2011
  12. Jessica Michault, « For Her New Look, Beyoncé Goes Under the Radar » in New York Times, July 18, 2011
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