Alain Paul, the creative force behind the emerging fashion label ALAINPAUL, has unveiled his Spring 2025 collection, marking a significant milestone in his career. A trained dancer with the Opera de Marseille, Paul’s background deeply influences his designs, creating a unique blend of movement and style that sets his brand apart. The Spring 2025 collection, presented at the Chatelet Theatre, is a testament to his commitment to environmental responsibility and his dance-inspired aesthetic.
Paul’s approach to fashion is rooted in his dance training, which began at the age of 9. This disciplined background is evident in his designs, where clothing becomes an extension of the body’s movement. His collections are not just clothes, but expressions of freedom and spontaneity, inspired by the work of choreographers such as Merce Cunningham. The designer’s ethos is clear: “I’m trying to bring my ballet wardrobe into our day-to-day wardrobe“.
The Spring 2025 collection, titled “Impro,” features innovative shapes that play with restraint and release. Stretchy stirrup styles, sheer layers and signature tailoring with shoulder pads tilted forward create a strong yet elegant posture. Paul’s use of organic cotton and 100% wool reflects his commitment to sustainability, a value he cultivated during his time at major fashion houses such as Vetements and Louis Vuitton.
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Paul’s journey in fashion began with his pivotal experience at the House of VETEMENTS, where he witnessed the brand’s success under the artistic direction of Demna and the executive direction of Guram Gvasalia. His subsequent work with Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton further honed his creative vision and instilled in him a sense of limitless possibility and the importance of questioning convention.
The ALAINPAUL brand is a collaboration between Paul and Luis Philippe, who oversees strategy. Philippe’s extensive experience in the fashion industry, including his tenure at the iconic concept store Colette, complements Paul’s creative vision. Together, they ensure that each ALAINPAUL piece is not just a fashion statement, but an investment in quality and sustainability.
The fashion show at the Theatre du Châtelet is conceived as a performance, which Paul sees as choreography. The immersive experience includes sound design by Antwerp-based composer Senjan Jansen, creating a dramatic tension similar to that of a dance performance. The use of Merce Cunningham’s choreographic drawings in the prints adds a layer of artistic depth to the collection.
Paul’s commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in his choice of materials and practices. He avoids polyester and blended fabrics in favor of materials that are easier to recycle. His partnership with Nona Source, LVMH’s resale platform for exceptional materials, underscores his commitment to sustainability.