Julien Fournié created his own fashion house, bearing his name, in Paris in 2009. From the very start, the brand displayed an unmistakable dedication to artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation, values deeply embedded in the DNA of haute couture.

Just four seasons later, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion) admitted Fournié as a guest member in the prestigious official French Haute Couture calendar. He achieved the ultimate distinction when he was officially awarded the coveted Haute Couture classification in June 2017. 

Fournié was invited to perform at Vietnam International Fashion Week (VIFW) for the first time in 2014. For his return to Việt Nam, the designer presented his latest haute couture collection named “First Circus” to the Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week (AVIFW) Spring/Summer 2025 in HCM City from June 5-8.

Việt Nam News reporter Phương Mai speaks with Fournié about his performance at the AVIFW and his thoughts on Việt Nam fashion.

Inner Sanctum: Would you talk about the reason why you chose the Vietnam International Fashion Week to present your latest haute couture collection, “First Circus”?

This year, I am turning 50 years old. I love Việt Nam. I already showcased at the Vietnam International Fashion Week in 2015, 10 years ago.

Now that I am one of only 10 fashion houses worldwide to have the official most coveted label of Haute Couture, I wanted to show at the AVIFW this year to mark the 10th anniversary of my first showing here in HCM City and to celebrate my 50th birthday with a very special collection called “First Circus”.

Inner Sanctum: How do you prepare for a haute couture collection?

It is different every time.

The inspiration for “First Circus” comes from my early teenage years when I was in high school. I was not ‘the star of the parties!’ because I was ‘different’. I did not play soccer, but the piano, for instance. I was harassed by my peers.

My shelter at home was in my bedroom. It was populated with dolls from the movies and cartoons I loved, Disney’s princesses and villains, manga heroes, superheroes, etc. They have always acted as protectors for me, my imagination and my creativity. Of course, they have been loved with time and grown in my mind since then.

I wanted to put on the runway these characters with the DNA of Haute Couture. My vision of them today for the future!

Inner Sanctum: How hard is it to become a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode?

Very hard.

You have to comply with several rules of creativity and quality. The final criterion is that you have to be elected by the other houses, which already have the label of Haute Couture.

Haute Couture is where fashion originally started and where it is at its very best. Where garment making meets art!

Inner Sanctum: What are your impressions of Vietnamese fashion and designers?

There is much energy among Vietnamese fashion designers. Sài Gòn [former name of HCM City] used to be considered the Paris of the East for fashion, and there is a lot of know-how here about fashion, stitching, swinging, and embellishing garments.

I intend to introduce Haute Couture here in Việt Nam. There is still a long way to go to master all the techniques, but I think the Vietnamese fashion ecosystem has a unique potential for this.

Inner Sanctum: Do you have any plans to promote the cooperation between you and the Vietnam International Fashion Week, as well as the Việt Nam fashion industry, in the future?

I am planning to investigate more and more the craftsmanship of Việt Nam (embroidery, lacquer, fabric makers of silk, lotus silk, etc.) because I think that if Vietnamese craftsmen agree to collaborate with me as a designer.

I could introduce their craftsmanship on the runway of Haute Couture in Paris, where the best craftsmen come to compete, thanks to the Haute Couture houses' runway shows! VNS