Simon Porte Jacquemus and Veuve Clicquot Pay Tribute to Joy and Optimism
The designer and Champagne house have unveiled a limited edition of the classic cuvée, La Grande Dame 2018
Veuve Clicquot and French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus have unveiled a limited-edition reinterpretation of the Champagne house’s La Grande Dame 2018, paying tribute to artisanal tradition and the legacy of Madame Clicquot. The collaboration results in a thoughtful, symbolic release with nods to the designer’s Mediterranean roots featuring the House’s iconic yellow labeling.
For inspiration, the Galerie Creative Mind turned to the story of Madame Clicquot, who took over the House in 1805 at a time when women had few rights, and was posthumously named “la grande dame de la Champagne.” The story captivated Jacquemus, who unexpectedly lost his own mother while he was at fashion school and has since named his brand and collections after her.
“La Grande Dame 2018 is the outcome of simple materials, meaningful gestures, and strong women’s stories, yet it is ultimately a celebration of—and for—optimistic and memorable moments,” says Jacquemus. “From the bright and joyful spirit to the excellence in savoir-faire, I admire and share the same values as Veuve Clicquot.”
The bottle itself is cloaked in white linen, which nods to the Italian practice of keeping bottles cool in warm summer months, and features yellow embroidered calligraphy that imparts a surreal appearance. Encased in a “toile du Marais” fabric, the gift box features Jacquemus’s signature and an irregularly edged yellow label embossed with poetic sun rays.
“It is a great honor for Veuve Clicquot to partner with such an inspiring designer as Simon Porte Jacquemus. We found common values in joy, optimism, and conviviality that the House has upheld for 250 years,” comments Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot. “This collaboration is a new expression of these values and of our effortless chic Art de Vivre.”
The second part of the collaboration includes the designer’s approach to a custom rafraîchissoir, which is limited to 50 pieces and only manufactured on request. Taking cues from Medici vases, the champagne bucket and glass cooler nods to Jacquemus’s Mediterranean roots while showcasing the precision of French silversmith traditions through a collaboration with Camille Orfèvre.
“Beyond fashion, I have all these obsessions around design and contemporary art,” says Jacquemus. “For Veuve Clicquot, I envisioned how people would feel the warmth, craft, and emotion in the appearance of this fine La Grande Dame 2018 vintage.”