At Paris’ charming and dimly lit 11 Rue de la Banque, votive candles hang from the walls and people pass champagne and canapés. In the soft light, friends, industry insiders and Paris Fashion Week denizens take selfies, chat and line up to say hello to Stefano Pilati, YSL’s creative director from 2004 to 2012. The chance? The highly anticipated new collaboration between Pilati and Zara will be released on October 3, 2024.
“This whole series is my favorite thing,” he says with a laugh. “It’s okay, it’s all about me.” Marta Ortega Perez, president of Zara’s parent company Inditex, co-hosted the event, and some of Pilati’s closest friends have already worn some of the collection, including a suit inspired by the dramatic and oversized proportions with details including a deep V shape. The collection includes men’s wear, women’s wear and accessories that are instantly recognizable. “I think it’s the right time,” he said of the series. “The process has been spontaneous and fun and I know I’m part of the team.”
Steven Meisel shot a lookbook starring Gisele Bundchen and Pilati in a campaign that attracted a large number of fashion insiders. In addition to Bundchen, many fashion industry heavyweights were also in attendance, including Kate Moss, Lila Moss, Iris Law, Romeo Beckham and Pat McGrath, Guido Palau and Caroline Cerf de Dudzeele.
