Interview of Josephine Marcilhac, founder of Mademoiselle Josephine

Joséphine Marcilhac: "Mademoiselle Joséphine"

What role does fashion play in your life?

I have always been immersed in art and fashion thanks to my family, who were close to couturiers like Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, and Thierry Mugler. I grew up near this environment, and my mother's passion for fabrics and sewing also helped me appreciate and understand fashion. This led me to develop my passion by designing my own clothes from the age of 11.Fashion occupies an important place in my life, whether in my boutique with the discovery of new pieces brought in by clients, the iconographic research related to them, or in my readings with my specialized library, which grows day by day. Fashion quickly becomes part of our daily lives and allows us to see life from a new angle, which makes it so beautiful.

And how did you come to make it your profession?

Alongside my studies in Art History at La Sorbonne, I worked with an auctioneer. It was while working with him that I was approached by two fashion experts to become their collaborator. Subsequently, I started my own business, and my father had the idea that I should open a boutique to present my perspective on fashion. Indeed, in my boutique, I only present pieces that I love and select for their rarity, their cut, or their history.

A favorite House or designer?

Thierry Mugler, without the slightest hesitation. He is a legendary couturier who embodies excellence in the fashion world. His legacy is deeply rooted in his ingenuity in cuts and his talent for creating immersive and captivating universes. His shows truly shaped my childhood and imagination.

What is your favorite piece that you have had in your hands?

The favorite piece I have owned is the Spider Woman dress in black velvet, with its high collar in mesh on a rigid spider web-shaped frame, dating from the 1997 haute couture collection. This iconic piece embodies the bold aesthetics and technical mastery of Thierry Mugler's cuts. It evokes a unique blend of sensuality and power, transporting the wearer into a world of mystery and intrigue.

If I had to choose another, it would once again be a Thierry Mugler piece (as you can tell, it's a passion of mine). The second piece that left a mark on my mind is the two-tone suit from the 1998 collection, inspired by the ant silhouette dear to the designer and transposed into a black and white version to accentuate the forms of the Mugler Woman. This garment perfectly embodies the essence of the couturier, his ability to push the boundaries of cuts and materials while staying true to his vision.

Can you explain what attracts you to Mugler?

The importance of Thierry Mugler is, in my opinion, unparalleled. He remains my favorite couturier, and his influence endures through the decades, inspiring creators and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. By collecting Mugler pieces, one seeks his vision, his cut, and he continues to captivate our imagination and redefine the standards of beauty and elegance. He is one of the few who, with a few lines and cuts, created a unique and unforgettable silhouette. When you look at a piece, you immediately know if it is his or not.