On my flight to Paris, seated right across from me was the iconic Timothy Pope. When the flight attendant asked me if I wanted dinner and also if I wanted to be awaken for breakfast, I said “yes, and yes.” When she turned to Mr. Pope to ask the same questions he said, “No, and no” as his sleeping mask and chair went down in unison. I laughed and thought to myself, “now he’s got the right idea.” I’ve seen Timothy through the years and have always respected and admired his professionalism and work.
In 1996, I attended my first Dior Haute Couture show with Mrs. Anette Caleel and had the pleasure of briefly meeting Mr. Pope. Timothy is one of the few people in the world who have access as a stylist to Haute Couture and for good reason. Lisa Marie and I ran into him at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show last week, had a chat and joined him for tea. We were captivated with his quick wit and by his incredible knowledge of the history of the Haute Couture. It seems to be a rare occasion these days to have the opportunity to talk about our businesses and experience such refreshing comradery with a contemporary. We asked him to answer a few questions to share with you his point of view. –Jesse
1996
What does owning a piece of Haute Couture mean to you? To own and wear an Haute Couture garment is the ultimate in personalized luxury. The experience is one of rigor as it requires an investment of time and concentration. The result of one’s investment is a garment that transcends fashion, one of perfect balance. If a woman is fortunate enough to experience the Haute Couture, there is (or should be) a complete lack of “hauteur”. The experience allows the client the opportunity to collaborate with the finest creative minds in the business with the most skilled hands in the history of fashion creating a garment exclusively for her silhouette. In short, Haute Couture is the closest thing to perfection in fabric and thread.
What were your favorite collections this season and why? Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier… relevant clothes for our time… and relevant for real women’s lives.. what a concept??!!
Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2014 Couture
What is the definition of a well dressed woman to you? A well dressed woman is one who exudes confidence, appropriately attired for the occasion with a dash of personal style.
What inspires you? Intelligence, kindness, beauty, wit and discretion.
Words you live by? Elegance is a party that you invite yourself to… dress appropriately!
