Madeleine Vionnet, a french fashion designer (June 22, 1876 – March 2, 1975) is my new fashion hero.
My reasons?
We’ll, first and foremost she discovered the bias cut—a method of cutting fabric diagonal to the grain—which allows the fabric to beautifully drape and follow the natural contours of the body. With this simple, yet groundbreaking discovery, she revolutionized the world of high end fashion. If you’ve ever worn a bias-cut dress or skirt, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Secondly, she had a knack for creating very simple yet beautiful and at the same time brilliantly modern pieces—she was a perfectionist at heart, sometimes taking over a year to study, drape, re-pin and perfect the garments she created.
Thirdly, she remained true to her design ideals, never compromising the elegance, beauty (yes, I believe in objective beauty), and quality of her carefully crafted masterpieces, for fleeting trends. She is, and will remain an inspiration!
I will leave you with a couple of quotes from Madeleine:
“Insofar as one can talk of a Vionnet school, it comes mostly from my having been an enemy of fashion. There is something superficial and volatile about the seasonal and elusive whims of fashion which offends my sense of beauty.”
‘“Taste is a feeling that makes all the difference between what is beautiful and what is merely showy – and also what is ugly!”
I couldn’t agree more. =)
S.K.
