Puey Quiñones’ collection transports MEGA back to the golden age of the fifties set within his beautifully designed atelier
The air was thick with nostalgia and the sofa soft with serenity as Puey Quiñones unveiled his Holiday 2024 collection, a resplendent homage to the golden age of the 1950s. Held in the designer‘s meticulously curated atelierAtelierA designer's private workshop or studio where garments are conceived, cut, fitted, and finished, often by hand. The term is closely tied to couture and made-to-order fashion, evoking craftsmanship, exclusivity,Go to Atelier Glossary—full of color, personality, and a dog named Lily—the show was a reminder of the true essence of haute couture; a craft too often forgotten in the age of fast fashion and fleeting trends.
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A Return to Opulence
“In this collection, I wanted to recapture the essence of haute coutureHaute CoutureCustom-fitted, handmade high fashion created for individual clients in a Paris atelier. The term is legally protected and awarded by a French governing body, requiring strict standards of craftsmanship andGo to Haute Couture Glossary,” Quiñones mused, his eyes reflecting the fervor of his vision. “The inspiration is the golden years of the ‘50s.”
The 1950s were a time of exceptional decadence, where couture houses brought fashion shows to life in their own ateliers. It was when fashion was about the entire experience—the ambiance, the tactile quality of the fabrics, the intimate interaction between designer and client.
The line is made of silk, and every curve inspires the luxury of the past. The materials are of the highest quality, reinforcing the sense of opulence and skill.
An Evolution in Elegance
Quiñones’ show showcased ten finely created sculptures that valued elegance over avant-gardeAvant-GardeExperimental fashion that pushes boundaries and challenges conventional ideas of shape, material, and beauty. Avant-garde designers treat clothing as art, presenting sculptural silhouettes and unexpected textures on runways, and theirGo to Avant-Garde Glossary innovation. “The volume is still there, but now I’m using more silk chiffon, draping more closely to the body, yet maintaining a sense of flow,” he explained. The designs, with their fine ruching and pleating, drew inspiration from the legendary Madame Grès.
As one moved through the atelierAtelierA designer's private workshop or studio where garments are conceived, cut, fitted, and finished, often by hand. The term is closely tied to couture and made-to-order fashion, evoking craftsmanship, exclusivity,Go to Atelier Glossary, the distinction from his previous collections was evident. “This time, it’s more about elegance,” Quiñones noted. The methods have evolved, but nature remains true to the haute couture spirit.
The Atelier Experience
Quiñones’ atelierAtelierA designer's private workshop or studio where garments are conceived, cut, fitted, and finished, often by hand. The term is closely tied to couture and made-to-order fashion, evoking craftsmanship, exclusivity,Go to Atelier Glossary itself is a work of art, a space where his lifestyle as a designer is on full display. “For me, fashion is a lifestyle. The atelier represents who I am and my brand,” he remarked. Stepping into his atelier, clients are enveloped in an atmosphere of cultivated taste, fancied by the designer’s eccentricity, where every detail speaks of a personal touch. “It’s about showing the clients what to expect—the finest materials and impeccable service.”
This philosophy is a direct challenge to the superficiality of social media-driven shows. “It’s not just about visuals,” Quiñones asserted. “Clients need to touch the fabric, feel the quality, and see the garments up close.” Often, there’s an element involved that’s missing today in the grand production of the runway: intimacy.
A Personal Influence
The decision to pivot towards elegance over avant-garde was deeply personal for Quiñones. “People evolve, and so do designers,” he reflected. “My husband is a curator at the Getty Museum, and he’s very classy. He’s from Boston, he’s from an Ivy League, so it’s very fine. I enjoy watching him, how elegant he is. He influenced me to be like that, and it reflects on my collection.” This personal evolution is evident in the collection, which exudes a sophisticated restraint and enduring captivation.
True to his aversion to the expected, Quiñones chose not to title his collection. “I just call it Holiday 2024,” he said with a knowing smile. “Titles can be too predictable. I wanted something unexpected.”
In revisiting the grandeur of the 1950s, Puey Quiñones has created a tribute to an era where fashion was an art form and luxury was a given. His Holiday 2024 show is a celebration of the true essence of haute couture.
Photographed by GRANT BABIA
