Working on this new project makes Kévin Germanier “enthusiastic, but also more nervous and anxious than usual”.
AFP
Kévin Germanier joins the fashion elite. The 32-year-old designer will make history on January 30, 2025 by closing the prestigious Haute Couture week in Paris. “I’m very proud,” he told us the day after the announcement. Le Romand, who launched his eponymous brand in 2018, quickly became a benchmark for innovation and up-cycling. In just a few years, he has won over stars like Björk, Heidi Klum or Taylor Swift, collaborated with Galeries Lafayette for Christmas decorations and even created the costumes for the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.
For this first Haute Couture show, the couturier is thinking big. The designer, the second Swiss to access this prestigious universe after Robert Piguet almost a hundred years ago, wishes to demonstrate the extent of his know-how thanks to his talent, but also his contacts. “The important thing is that I am proud of my work,” he summarizes.
How do you feel after this announcement?
I feel good, but more stressed than usual. With ready-to-wear, everything generally goes smoothly. Now, with Haute Couture, deadlines become really tight. (Laughs.) I want people to notice our progress in finishes and craftsmanship. I’m excited, but also more nervous and anxious than usual.
You are not the first Swiss designer to join Haute Couture…
Before me, there was my model, Robert Piguet (editor’s note: Vaudois fashion designer who died in 1953, who took Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy under his wing). But I am very honored and proud to be the first Valaisan! Haute Couture is the A league of fashion.
What does Haute Couture mean to you?
Haute Couture is not limited to France or Switzerland. It is also an opportunity to highlight crafts from around the world. I collaborate in particular with the designer Gustavo Silvestre in Brazil, knitters in Valais, embroiderers in the Philippines, and we will soon work with Indian artisans. My ambition is to present excellence on a global scale.
“The criteria for joining Haute Couture are extremely strict and the process is very long”
Is it difficult to enter the world of Haute Couture?
The criteria for joining Haute Couture are extremely strict, and the process is very long. First of all, each piece must be made entirely by hand. Then there are several maintenance steps. To access this circle, you must be sponsored by one of the members of the Executive Committee of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, who selects the participants. I was fortunate to be supported by the two presidents, Pascal Morand and Sidney Toledano. It’s a real honor.
Why was Germanier chosen?
I hope it’s for our sense of innovation. We have a resolutely futuristic approach and bring a fresh look to fashion.
What can you tell us about your show on January 30?
Not much. (Laughs.) Almost the entire collection is ready. For this first show, I want to present the best of the brand, because the Haute Couture client does not necessarily know Germanier. I also want to prove our ability to work on detail and refinement, without always focusing on volume like during the last ready-to-pot fashion shows.
What will be most important during this first experience?
That I am happy with the result. The rest doesn’t matter to me. I want to be comfortable with what I presented. I want to be sure that Kevin is good with Kevin.
