BEHIND THE SCENES WITH GEORGES RECH

A couple of weeks ago, I joined Parisian brand Georges Rech on location for the shoot of their new collection. When the email popped into my inbox inviting me on set inside Maison Louis Carré – a house designed by one of my favourite architects, Alvar Aalto – with a French fashion house, I jumped at the chance. What unfolded was a beautiful marriage between two of my favourite things: style and interiors.

It was a cold and dreary grey day, but nothing could dampen my enthusiasm as I excitedly watched the team re-create afternoon light - bathing corners of the house in a golden glow – and photograph eleven beautifully put together outfits against the incredibly modern (for its time) 20th century Finnish backdrop, well into the early evening.

Built between the years 1957 and 1960 for the French gallerist and art collector Louis Carré, the house is the only example of Aalto’s work in France. In 2006 the Finnish Cultural Foundation bought the house and opened it to the public. Incidentally Karl Lagerfeld photographed one of his favourite models in the house for an issue of Wallpaper magazine in 2009. The minimal, architectural lines of the property and beautifully crafted mid-century furniture perfectly complemented the new Georges Rech collection.  

The fashion house was founded in 1962 by French stylist, Georges Rech who took the essence of haut-couture and re-worked it into wearable clothing that offered everyday luxury to the modern woman. He drew inspiration from elegant Parisiennes in their natural habitats – pounding the pavements on the way to work or sitting in cafés, such as the famous Café de Flore – to create a brand that is quintessentially Parisian and has stood the test of time.

Since the 60s, Georges Rech has been synonymous with elegance, sophistication and good taste. The brand is characteristically Parisian and provides women with elevated basics – shirts, suits and knitwear that come in muted palettes, with pops of colour and luxurious fabrics such as leather, tweed, silk and fake fur – to create items that can be worn with everything and will last for years.

At the heart of the collections is timeless and elegant tailoring. From softened masculine tuxedos that instantly flatter the feminine form, but emphasise the strength and beauty of an independent, powerful woman – to stand-alone blazers that transform basic outfits into elegant evening wear. When choosing items to wear, I was immediately drawn to a white suit and tweed blazer teamed with leather trousers. Anyone following me for a while will know that I love a good blazer. It’s a piece that instantly elevates an outfit – turning a pair of jeans and white tee into an easy, yet elegant look. After a day fulfilling childhood dreams of playing dress up in beautiful clothes, surrounded by equally alluring interiors, I took a few pieces home and wore them in the sun around Paris.

Discover the new Georges Rech collection here.

Created in collaboration with Georges Rech.