Maxime Simoëns

Simoens was born in Lesquin, near Lille, in 1984.[1] At first inclined to pursue after filmmaking he deemed it too technical. At a Madonna concert in June 2001, the Drowned World Tour, he decided to make fashion his profession. The sketches of the great couturier Jean Paul Gaultier, displayed in the program, were the trigger for his decision on his future profession.

His degree in hand, Maxime went to study applied arts at the School of Conde de Lyon, then joined the Paris Union Chamber of Couture. He came first in several fashion contests. Forever marked by the power of the costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier, he decided to force open the doors of this house in order to win his first contest in the realm of accessories. In 2006 he graduated top of his class and still learning from the creators of such large homes Elie Saab, John Galliano for Dior and Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga.[2]

In search of creative independence, the desire to create his own house was quickly born. He strives to create his world free of influence and create its logo, a barcode, a nod to the consumer society. In February 2009 he was selected to Hyères Fashion Festival in April and thus presented the first 10 pieces of his first collection, an innovative vision, combining graphic design at the architectural level of the garment. His silhouettes combine structure and fluidity, and he's often compared in the press to a young Yves Saint Laurent.

In the last quarter of 2011, Simoens became creative director of French fashion house Léonard.[3] In the Grand Palais in Paris he presented his first collection for Leonard on the 5th of March 2012.[4]

Nourishing inspiration in art, music and movies from all eras and styles, Maxime Simoens creates narrative collections each season telling a new story full of icons and strong visuals. The identity of his style is marked by the structure refining the silhouette, cuts, contrasts, embroidery, incorporating printed and put into abyss of optical illusions, organza leaves miles to be desired.

On several occasions, Simoens dressed Melanie Laurent and Astrid Berges-Frisbey. On the fourth season of Gossip Girl, Maxime Simoens dressed the two main heroines, Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.[5]

In 2011, he dressed singer Beyoncé for the cover of her album 4 the deluxe version, with one of his creations for Spring-Summer 2011–12.[6]