Paris Journal

Back in time: Travels with Queen Elizabeth inspire Andrew Gn's sultry springcollection

A favorite looks is the cropped silk “taj pants” in a soft pink with anembroidered duchess satin jacket.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn
A modern day dress is enhanced with jeweled anklets made of pearls.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn
Pale blue gown with crystal embrodiery evoked the look of an earlier era.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn
Gn’s signature embroidery also made an appearance down the runway.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn
Waist-cinching dress in metallic silver color palette.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn

PARIS — When I asked Andrew Gn about the inspiration for his spring 2013 collection, shown at Les Beaux-Arts de Paris, he responded, “We’re covering the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to India 1961, and it’s absolutely sultry.”

He went on to explain that during this time the queen had a stopover in Japan as well, so there were also influences he described as minimal and “simple, but not plain."

“We’re covering the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to India 1961, and it’s absolutely sultry.”

As a designer who is known for his embellishments and colors, these aspects of minimalism were quite new for him. But it was not a full-on departure; his signature style still crept in with jeweled anklets made of pearls and dramatic silhouettes and sleeves.

The show opened with simple, waist-cinching ladylike silhouettes accented with strong shoulders and leather and pearl buttons, all done in black and white. The opulence of the queen in India came through next, with georgette silk blouses and crystal embroidery on duchess satin, in a lilac and metallic silver color palette. One of my favorite looks was the cropped silk “taj pants” in a soft pink, with an embroidered duchess satin jacket.

Gn’s signature black-and-white embroidery was in evidence as well as some interesting brown tones he calls “caramel” mixed with cobalt blue and a bit of chartreuse. The final 15 looks were a series of dresses and gowns that embodied all of the details from the collection, from color to fabric to embroidery.

While backstage, I had a chance to talk with hairstylist Seb Bascle on the inspiration for the models this season. Trying to stay in line with the simplicity of the collection, Bascle decided on a Brigitte Bardot-inspired look, with a side-swept pony tail with a slight pouf in the back.

The make-up was minimal as well, focusing only on a strong red lip.

Gn successfully took us back in time, as a beautifully adorned royal, with the perfect touches of modernity and grand fantasy. As Gn elaborated “riding on a bejeweled elephant, seated beside the Maharaja of Jaipur…”

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BIJOU BAGS

Houston designers' diamond-adorned handbags turn heads in Hollywood

Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

Houston twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson are showcasing their Southern roots and global perspective with the launch of 11 Juillet. The brand's fine jewelry and luxury handbags are already favored by A-listers including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, Emma Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston.

11 Juillet, named after the twins’ birthday, debuted its first collection in March. The line blends Italian craftsmanship with modern elegance, featuring handbags made from Italian calfskin leather and jewelry made with malachite, mother-of-pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.

“I’ve called Houston home for about 20 years, and Kim’s been here for about four,” Bowden tells CultureMap. “We originally grew up in Kentucky, where we first began to appreciate quality craftsmanship. In our early twenties, we spent time in New York, where we were introduced to fashion and design, followed by countless trips to Paris that deepened our appreciation for Parisian art and elegance. Once we settled in Texas, we were inspired by the South’s distinctive style.”

Handbags range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on diamond selections. Each purse features a medallion made with diamonds and natural stones ranging from 3.4 to 17 carats. The medallions are removable and can be worn as jewelry.

Leslie Bibb 11 Juliet Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Each 11 Juillet handbag is made to order in Tuscany, where Italian artisans craft the designs from full-grain calfskin. “After visiting artisans across the globe, we found Italy’s heritage of leather craftsmanship is unmatched,” they explain. “We are closely involved in designing each silhouette and communicate with our Italian artisans daily, frequently visiting Italy to ensure every piece is made with the utmost precision and the finest materials.”

Their debut collection, Éclat de Joie, which translates to “radiance of joy,” represents what they stand for. “To us, the Éclat de Joie is the heart of 11 Juillet, a symbol of light, joy, and individuality,” said Wilson. “Each star medallion represents the harmony between natural beauty, technical mastery, and personal expression.”

Currently, 11 Juillet is available online only, though the brand hosts pop-ups in various cities where merchandise is available on-site.

“Success, for us, isn’t about chasing trends, but about creating heirloom-worthy pieces through timeless designs that hold meaning, reflect exceptional craftsmanship, and can be treasured and passed down for generations,” said Bowden.

As Houston’s fashion scene continues to grow, Bowden and Willson see the Bayou City as the perfect home base. “We are based in Houston, which is known for its effortless elegance and love of diamonds. We are inspired by Texas’s fashion scene and we wanted to create handbags that let you wear your diamonds not just as jewelry, but as modern heirlooms to be cherished and passed down.”

Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden 11 Juliet

Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

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