Jacquemus Dresses Veuve Clicquot’s Limited-Edition La Grande Dame 2018

An aesthetic harmony envelops the new collaboration between fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus and Veuve Clicquot. It’s more than a love of vibrant yellow hues—like the maison’s signature since 1877, as well as a fixture within the work of the independent French fashion label (including its summertime makeover of Monte-Carlo’s Beach Club Pier). There is an effervescent spirit to both, literally and symbolically, and a sense of celebration. This informs the release, aptly titled Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 Limited Edition by Simon Porte Jacquemus.

“We have so much in common,” Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot, explained at the launch event in Central Park’s Boathouse. “People call him the prince of the sun; le prince soleil. Veuve Clicquot is soleil. But that is one of the many things—we both love meaning, and purpose. We like when there is a cultural depth to what we do.” Gallot drew parallels between the maison’s La Grande Dame—Madame Clicquot, the widow who took over the champagne house in 1805—and Jacquemus’ late mother, his muse.

“You know this story,” Jacquemus added. “[For my first collection] I was dreaming so big because my mother gave me that. She gave me that love.” For the collaboration, Jacquemus wrapped La Grande Dame 2018 bottles in white linen drape, embroidered with the logo in calligraphy that suggests handwriting. Further, he imagined sculptural, silver-plated rafraîchissoirs (vessels for chilling champagne) that reference historic Medici vases. These were produced in collaboration with metalwork maison Camille Orfèvre, founded by Camille Gras, a recipient of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France award for excellence in craftsmanship.

“Beyond fashion, I have all these obsessions around design and contemporary art,” Jacquemus said. “For Veuve Clicquot, I envisioned how people would feel the warmth, craft, and emotion in the appearance of this fine La Grande Dame 2018 vintage.” The collaboration marks the designer’s first release in the wine and spirits space.