Maitrepierre, a French collection brand that is proactive in creating products that are in harmony with the environment, such as upcycling and technology, announced its third collaboration with Desigual on Thursday, October 17th. The first collection expressed the hybrid nature of living creatures, focusing on mantises, and the second collection incorporated black holes, solar punk, and jacquard into the iconic jacket that is the origin of Desigual. The keyword for this third collaboration is “Duality.” We spoke to designer Alphonse Maitrepierre.
Harmonious hybrids update the concept of sustainability
The duality in this collection is a fusion of femininity and grunge. I believe that to be creative in the first place is to be dualistic. In this collection, the punkiness of Desigual and the Parisian DNA of Maitrepierre are expressed in bolero bomber jackets, paint-spray jacquard knits, and pointed boots with sneaker soles. The trench coat, in particular, is absolutely Maitrepierre. This is because it was originally inspired by something designed for Maitrepierre, but not a collaboration. As for the construction and tailoring, I was inspired and tailored from Poiret’s old archives.”
His creativity is rooted in hybrids between nature and chemistry, savoir-faire and high technology. He also relates them to all forms of life, including humans and the environment, animals and plants, and incorporates them into his collections. The basis of their ideas seems to be the way humanity develops in harmony with nature and the technology for energy to expand it, and one cannot help but feel a strong connection to sustainability for the future.
“Sustainability is part of all my processes. I like to create things from scratch, and I add new elements to existing garments by draping or cutting them. Originally, Maitrepierre also incorporated upcycling, but now I often use recycled fabrics, deadstock fabrics and leathers. It was essential for the collection with Desigual to have the sustainability standards. I am proud to be able to present the collection while maintaining its beauty in an ethical way, and I am happy to share the common values of sustainability with Desigual.”
The support of LVMH makes the brand better
Maitrepierre has been an ambassador for Nona Source, which was launched by LVMH in 2021. Nona Source is a system that provides high-quality deadstock held by luxury brands in a digital catalog by weight, color, and motif. It has a wide selection of fabrics such as lace and leather, and any brand can purchase it by registering. In particular, it encourages brands and young designers active in Europe to reuse deadstock. As the garage is located in France, only designers or brands in Europe can reach them at this time.
Maitrepierre has been an ambassador for Nona Source, which has launched by LVMH in 2021. Nona Source is a system that provides high-quality deadstock held by luxury brands in a digital catalog by weight, color, and motif. It has a wide selection of fabrics such as lace and leather, and any brand can purchase it by registering. In particular, it encourages brands and young designers active in Europe to reuse deadstock. As the garage is located in France, only designers or brands in Europe can reach them at this time.
“Being an ambassador for Nona Source is an irreplaceable opportunity. You have access to great unused materials. This platform is suitable for young brands and designers. I am proud to be part of this initiative by LVMH, and I think more large companies should embrace sustainability.”
DESIGUAL × Maitrepierre FW24
A philosophical approach connects the past with the future
Maitrepierre, which always incorporates new technology and expresses new sensibilities, is also characterized by its influence from old movies and culture. For example, just like the eccentricity and eccentric aesthetics of designer brands in the 1980s became the brand identity, there are few designers today who have the same energy as back then. Maitrepierre definitely has a similar strong energy and essence that those brands had back in 1980.
”I want to tell a story through my collection. I create a character in my head and build a visual from there. For this collaboration, I imagined a strong, bold woman, but also a sensitive sci-fi heroine. Each collection is a process. The next collection is like an answer to the previous one. I like to think about the past and the future, and I believe that by learning from the past, we can create a better future. I am inspired by philosophical movements, but the root of it all is the idea of creating a world in harmony with nature, humans, and technology.”
When he was a child, he was taken to the garden by his grandmother – the place in Normandy where Christian Dior spent his childhood – and that was the awakening for him. This incident led him to fall in love with fashion and archives, and he always looks through old books and archives when he is creating. He incorporates things that may seem “old-fashioned” at first glance into his creations and sublimates them into works that the current generation can relate to. What kind of future does designer Alphonse Maitrepierre see, who creates the future from the past?
“A full of hope. We hold the key to creating a better world. There is light that can only be found in the darkness. This leads to solutions and new processes. strong>I believe in an optimistic future in order to continue creating and dreaming.”
DESIGUAL × Maitrepierre FW22
Maitrepierre designer
Alphonse Maitrepierre
Maitrepierre designer Alphonse Maitrepierre
After graduating from La Cambre, French designer Alphonse Maitrepierre gained experience at Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel, and Acne Studios, before founding his own brand, Maitrepierre, in 2018. While working on sustainability, he develops designs that combine art and digital perspectives. Winner of the 2021 Grand Prix de la Création in Paris. A rising star in the European fashion world who will be presenting a collection that will be a highlight at Paris Fashion Week.
Brand Credit
Desigual（デシグアル）
Contact Information： Desigual Ginza
03-6264-5431
writer
Atsushi Nakayama
Born in 1995. Born in Kochi Prefecture. After studying abroad in the U.S., he went to Australia for a working holiday and joined the 2024 Tender Party. She is in charge of sustainability and fashion related issues. Sometimes modeling. Occasional cat sitter.