The iconic Lincoln Center buzzed with excitement on Thursday afternoon as Vogue100 hosted a unique event celebrating the harmonious blend of fashion and the performing arts. The event marked the unveiling of the second collection for House of Gilles, a couture atelier founded by the renowned designer Gilles Mendel and his daughter, Chloe Mendel.
Gilles, known for his eponymous ready-to-wear label J.Mendel, has a long history of dressing First Ladies and movie stars in elegant creations. The father-daughter duo, based in Midtown Manhattan, brings a distinctly American perspective to the world of French couture. The exceptional gowns, displayed on mannequins throughout the Stanley H. Kaplan penthouse, showcased a captivating fusion of classicism, form, and creativity.
This convergence of tradition and daring perfectly embodies the spirit of the New York City Ballet. The company will debut a new work by Caili Quan this fall at the twelfth annual Fall Fashion Gala, with costumes designed by House of Gilles. This collaboration marks Mendel’s third with the company, an initiative spearheaded by vice chair and Vogue cover star, Sarah Jessica Parker.
Vogue’s Lilah Ramzi, a renowned dance connoisseur and fashion historian, served as the day’s gracious hostess. Known for her appreciation of classic silhouettes, Ramzi felt right at home amidst the graceful creations of House of Gilles.
After enjoying Champagne and exploring the collection, guests ascended to the sixth floor for a private rehearsal of Quan’s performance. Following welcoming remarks from Kathy Brown, the NYCB’s executive director, guests observed the young dancers meticulously working through the choreography. The rehearsal provided a glimpse into the rigorous training and meticulous detail required to create the illusion of effortless movement on stage.
As a special preview, some dancers debuted the first iterations of the House of Gilles skirts and corsets, adapting to the unique restrictions of the garments. Unusually, even the male dancers will be corseted, inspired by Mr. Pearl and his legendary 18-inch waist.
Upon returning from the studio, guests were greeted by a transformed space. The once moody, museum-like atmosphere had been replaced by a radiant, light-filled prism. The colossal windows showcased a breathtaking view of New York City’s skyline, bathed in the fading sunlight.
Gilles, momentarily delayed as he tended to the dancers’ skirts, rejoined the group. Ramzi engaged the designer and his daughter in a wide-ranging conversation about the ballet, their company, and the future of dressing.
“When you get to work with talented people,” Chloe remarked, “it encourages you to push boundaries yourself.” This dedication to celebrating beauty seems ingrained in the Mendel family, from designing Chloe’s wedding dress to creating a sophomore collection together.
“In a way, I am kind of an artisan,” Gilles shared. “My dad was an artisan, my grandfather was an artisan. They were people who worked with their hands and taught you the inside of a garment is as beautiful as the outside. I have a certain pride in the making and I think I transmitted that to Chloe.”
