French Fashion – Andrew GN

Kobayashi

Backstage at Andrew Gn Autumn Winter Fashion Show Paris, early March 2018. Clutching pink invitations in chartreuse envelopes on a Friday night we stepped into a crowd of Andrew Gn followers and paparazzi snapping celebrities at the Westin Vendome.

We bypassed the mob at the cloakroom- as seasoned #pfw (Paris Fashion Week) veterans we brought stoles. At security, Andrew Gn’s director and partner Erick Horlin spotted us in the sea of people and whispered “VIP” to the guard and led us to our front row seats in the elegant ballroom.

I was seated next to the editor of a major fashion magazine, my friend a G7 ambassador. We spotted a friend in vintage Andrew Gn and took selfies until invited backstage. Models were being prepped and we enjoyed a quick chat with the ever charming Andrew Gn.

The lights darkened, Madensuyu’s music sounded and out came the models. Big sculptured ruffles at the shoulders, black velvet boots with bouncy strands of pearls, appliquéd flowers and fern fronds on luxurious velvet, crepe, wool, organza, and ostrich feathers.

Violet, red, coral pink, white, gray, and black dominated the A-line dresses, gowns, coats and skirts. The most spectacular was a platinum pleated gown with metallic filigree (see below). Andrew Gn’s gowns are red carpet favorites; clients include Amy Adams, Daisy Ridley and Emma Stone.

Let’s not forget the intricate and ornate craftsmanship…pietra dura, brocade, embroidery, and beading that Andrew Gn is renowned for.

The parade lasted ten minutes and we hopped off to the Ritz for cocktails and discussed our favorite outfits and what the celebrities were wearing. Life is Paris can truly be a dream sometimes.

About:

From his website: With his mixed Chinese and Japanese ancestry, his upbringing in Singapore, his further education in England, Andrew Gn is a citizen of the world, which fully reflects in his creations. After studying at Central Saint Martins in London and Domus Academy in Milan, Andrew Gn came to Paris to work as assistant to M. Emmanuel Ungaro. He then started his own house which has over the years grown into a full-fledged international label, available in the best stores around the world. His headquarters are based in the Marais area of central Paris.