Series: Fashion Thoughts
In an industry synonymous with exclusivity, Stéphane Rolland is breaking boundaries and rewriting the rules of haute couture. On January 28, 2025, Rolland’s spring couture show at Salle Pleyel in Paris will not only present breathtaking designs but also make an extraordinary social impact. For the first time, attendees from the public will be part of this high-fashion spectacle, and the proceeds will benefit teenagers at risk through a collaboration with the Foundation des Hôpitaux.
Traditionally, haute couture shows are shrouded in secrecy and reserved for an elite circle of clients and press. However, Rolland and his business partner Pierre Martinez have chosen to challenge this convention by offering half of the 1,500 invitations for sale, priced between 20 and 50 euros. This bold move is part of the Fondation des Hôpitaux’s annual “Pieces Jaunes” fundraising drive, a campaign established to improve the lives of patients in French hospitals.
“Selling invitations to a fashion show is usually a big no-no, but it was important to make an exception for charity”, said Rolland, explaining his deep connection to the cause. He chose the foundation as a tribute to Bernadette Chirac, the organization’s president from 1994 to 2019, who famously wore one of Rolland’s design during a state dinner honoring Queen Elizabeth II in 2004.
Founded in 1989, the Fondation des Hôpitaux has raised 120 million euros and supported over 17,000 programs aimed at enriching the lives of patients and caregivers in hospitals and retirement homes across France. Guests at Rolland’s show will also have the opportunity to donate directly to the foundation via QR codes featured on invitations and screens as the venue.
Workshops, Mentorship, and Inspiration
Since September, Rolland and Martinez have spearheaded a series of six workshops, designed to inspire and empower a group of 12 teenage girls aged 13 to 18. These young women, many of whom are grappling with mental health challenges such as eating disorders, were introduced to the multifaceted world of fashion and the arts.
The workshops included a visit to the Musée des Arts Déecoratifs, a behind-the-the scenes look at the Paris Opera costume workshop, and meetings with luminaries like director Claude Leouch and Marilyn Fitoussi, the costume designer for Netflix’s “Emily in Paris”. The participants also explored embroidery and drawing techniques alongside students from the ESMOD fashion school. Two of the teens will not intern at Rolland’s atelier, an invaluable opportunity to explore potential careers in fashion.
“The fashion industry sends a lot of negative messages, from unattainable beauty standards to the relentless consumer culture”, said Martinez. “Through these workshops, we wanted to counteract that narrative by showing them the creativity, artistry, and craftsmanship at the heart of this industry”.
Rolland’s spring collection draws inspiration from the legendary Josephine Baker, the American-born French performer and activist who supported the French Resistance during World War II and championed civil rights in the U.S. Her humanitarian efforts resonate deeply with the foundation’s mission to support teenagers in need. Rolland, who attended school with Backer’s daughter Stelliana, noted the parallels between Backer’s philanthropic legacy and the Maison des Ados, a network of 125 centers across France that provide critical support to struggling teens.
Rolland hopes his initiative will inspire other couture houses to follow suit. “The experience has given our team a renewed sense of purpose”, he said. “We would love for other houses to join us. It would be great if, for example, every season the couture houses did a fashion show to benefit a charity”.
This season’s show not only challenges the boundaries of what haute couture can be but also redefines its role in society. By merging fashion with philanthropy, Stéphane Rolland proves that couture is not just about creating beauty – it’s about making a difference.
Through efforts like this, the runway transforms into a platform for empathy, creativity, and societal progress. In Rolland’s vision, fashion becomes a powerful medium to weave together elegance and purpose, leaving an indelible mark on both the industry and the world.
