Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

A talented young man has recently joined the group of promising designers: Maxime Simoens. Max has expressed his views during a Swide interview.

 

He is French, only 25 years old and has already founded his own label that has a bar code for logo. A man of his times so to speak, who has an edgy practical approach to luxury. Indeed, the bar code logo underscores Maxime's primary concern: deliver quality at a reasonable price.

No compromise is made on the design as showed by the mille-feuilles dresses and oversized shoulder jackets. An ode to the twenties is not to be missed, they are Maxime’s favourite decade and Louise Brookes or Marilyn Monroe are his fashion icons when it comes to visualize the woman who will wear Maxime Simoens next season.

I do not know for you but I have definitely embraced this young guy’s vision and I am ready for the journey. While waiting to walk out of my home glamorous and not broke, I had the opportunity to meet with Max. He is full of energy, generous, optimist… He just rocks!

1/ What does the Maxime Simoens label stand for?

MS: It stands for a  modern French take on couture and elegance.
 
2/ For who do you design?

MS: For a modern and independent woman who wants to have some fun. The garment must support her in gaining self confidence and never betray her.
 
3/ Are you a one outfit for many occasions or a one outfit for one occasion type of designer?

MS: I like the idea to work on both concepts. Of course it’s really interesting to create a strong sophisticated outfit for one occasion but a designer must bear in mind that women nowadays need versatile clothing to suit their lifestyle. For everyday it should be simple but nevertheless original.
 
4/ Who are your fashion icons?
MS: Marilyn Monroe for a glamourous appeal and Louise Brooks, the twenties artists’ muse.

5/ Which fashion era inspires you?
MS: I love the twenties that are characterised by architectural shapes and embellishments.
 
6/ Looking back, when do you think the fashion industry was the most creative?
MS: During the twenties of course!

7/ Is fashion meant to remain exclusive or do you believe in fashion for the masses?
 MS: Fashion is made to be worn! People need accessible fashionable clothing but I am totally against counterfeiting.

8/ Does fashion belong to a country or a culture?
 MS: Fashion belongs to a culture that values good taste and supports creativity!

9/ Would you be interested in collaborating with other designers in the future?
 MS: It is really interesting and challenging  to share ideas and visions, it encourages anyone to go beyond his or her assumed limits.

10/ Would you like to design something else than clothes?
MS: When you are creative, why should you restrict yourself to one area! I love painting, designing…

11/ Do you sell to create or do you create to sell? (Since your logo reminds me of a bar code)
 MS: I create with a vision of a woman wearing my collection, I think that clothing has no reason to be if it is not to be worn and altered. 

12/ What is your trademark?
 MS: I love contrasts, mat vs glossy, black vs white (referring to a bar code).
I love layers, mille-feuille types of cuts are among my favourites as well as photograph inspired prints. I love geometric shapes it balances a sensual yet elegant look.

13/ What is the best moment of the day to create?
MS: At night, when I am alone; I put some music on and I let my imagination lead the lines of my drawing.
 
14/ What was your biggest challenge when you decided to set up your own brand?
MS: To bank it, money is always the primary concern.
 
Swide’Q/A:
 
Colourful or monochrome?
MS: Colourful but not too much, moderation is key!
 
Accessories or embroideries?
 MS: Embroideries forever, it’s qualitative and gives a luxury finish. It has a definite handmade appeal.

Silk or satin?
MS: Silk.

Loose or fitted?
 MS: Fitted

Short or long?
MS: Definitely short when the legs are beautiful.

To watch a video with Maxime: maxime-simoens-and-his-butterflies

Sources: www.maximesimoens.com

Text by Delphine Hervieu.

TAGS: maxime simoens young french upcoming deisgners dolce&gabbana d&g fashion designer interview with a fashion designer luxury label mille-feuilles fabrics oversized shoulder pads giant shoulder jackets online luxury magazine fashion & lifestyle magazine fashion trends 2010