One for all, all for Jan

Yesterday, the normally strictly closed doors of the residence at the Dutch embassy in Paris opened once for a highly esteemed guest: Jan Taminiau. The favorite designer of our queen presented his collection there, and only a very select group was allowed to attend. I turned green with envy when I saw that my friend Sophia Tienstra from 101 Media Strategies (here and here already featured in the Look of The Day) was one of them. I naturally had to know more, so I called her this morning for some inside information.

“The PRESENTATION was really a presentation, and not a show”

“At 04:45 my alarm went off to go to Paris with my client from Arma-leather on the Thalys. When we arrived at the embassy, we were nicely received and taken to the room where the presentation would take place. By the way, did you know that Intouchable was filmed here? In the presentation room, we were placed in a circle on white chairs. There were several groups throughout the day that got to see the collection, and per group, I think there were about 30 to 40 people, so it was very intimate. All around me were very beautiful women, somewhat older. I think they were mainly clients. Those beautiful stylish wealthy women in lovely couture outfits, a bit like Máxima. Humberto Tan was also there with his wife. The presentation was really a presentation, and not a show. Jan stood by each model in the room and explained the idea behind each piece, what kind of materials and techniques were used, and the audience could then ask questions or give comments. There was quite a bit of interaction compared to how it usually goes. He also indicated where the possibilities lay to adjust certain pieces to each person's taste. For one, a certain dress might be just a bit too revealing, and then he explained that a more concealing piece could easily be made. What I found most beautiful was to see that he really works with a kind of 3D mind. As in, something that looks like a jacket and skirt from the front, but when the model turns around, you see that the back is made from one piece. What I also found very beautiful was a large leather jacket, inspired by a jacket that his grandmother always wore.”

Couture is about details, Jan writes in the letter welcoming the guests. “That was what I found most beautiful,” says Sophia. “The art of making, all those different layers, it was really craftsmanship. It took about an hour altogether, and it was more of an exhibition than a show. A few hours later, I was already taking the train back to Amsterdam; it was a quick visit. But really, I found the dresses so beautiful; if I get married later, it will definitely be in a dress by Jan.”

Well Fie, can I borrow that dress from you sometime after?