Blackpink's Jennie Makes Her Runway Debut at Jacquemus' 15th Anniversary Show
Celebrating 15 years since the label's launch, the Fall 2024 ready-to-wear collection, with a collaboration with Jennie, has become the centre of discussion and fashion buzz.
"There is no beauty that does not involve risks!" declared Simon Porte Jacquemus a day before realizing "the biggest dream of his life" at Casa Malaparte. "I decided to create my brand after watching Jean-Luc Godard's 1963 film Le Mépris, which captures a macro vision of beauty and modernity," Jacquemus shared on Instagram. The film's iconic setting, the Casa Malaparte villa perched high on the cliffs of Punta Masullo, provided the venue for Jacquemus's latest show, a dream come true for the designer.
This architectural marvel on the steep cliffs of eastern Capri, with its terracotta-tiled terrace and panoramic views, was the stunning backdrop for Jacquemus's 15th-anniversary collection. Accessible only by boat, weather permitting, the location epitomised the brand's penchant for dramatic and challenging settings. Equipment was flown in by helicopter to accommodate the 40 guests on the rooftop space. Remarkably, in a season plagued by summer storms, the weather cooperated splendidly.
— JACQUEMUS (@jacquemus) June 9, 2024
On June 9, Jennie of BLACKPINK was spotted at Capri with Simon Porte Jacquemus, fueling speculation about her involvement in the show. The video of them at Casa Malaparte hinted at Jennie's role, and her subsequent posts mimicking Brigitte Bardot’s Camille Javal from Le Mépris intensified the buzz. True to the rumours, Jennie closed the show, becoming the second BLACKPINK member to walk in a fashion show (Lisa walked the Celine runway in 2022 for the maison's FW22 show). Her catwalk video quickly went viral, captivating the fashion world and beyond, underscoring the brand's marketing prowess.
The collection, celebrating Jacquemus’s 15-year journey, featured the brand's signature elements. The show commenced with a boat gliding smoothly on the sea, reminiscent of past Jacquemus muses like Dua Lipa and Gwyneth Paltrow. The destination was Casa Malaparte, designed by Adalberto Libera in the 1930s for writer Curzio Malaparte.
A short panoramic video shared by the brand showcased the poetic scenery of the cliffside venue. Models ascended 99 steps to the stage, where guests sat on ivory-white chairs. The first look was an off-the-shoulder gown, evocatively draped as if just out of the bath. This was followed by an elegant gray outfit featuring a signature off-the-shoulder pleated shirt, a bright blue headband, and a light blazer. Subsequent looks connected with matching bags, belts, or dresses in complementary hues. The collection boasted vibrant reds, blues, and yellow beige, long jackets with deep chest slits, oversized collars, and zebra-patterned bermuda pants. Navy stripes subtly adorned shirts, ties, and tank tops, reinforcing the brand's distinctive style.
"15 years. 1 dream. 1 house. 99 steps. 47 looks. 40 guests. 25 degrees."
Jennie concluded the show in the 47th look, a simple black flared dress with deep slits and a blue clutch. The collection not only showcased Jacquemus's hallmark designs but also celebrated a decade and a half of creative evolution, culminating in an intimate yet spectacular anniversary party.
