In the midst of the Paris Prêt-à-Porter shows, the lovely Aurélie Demel hosted a cocktail party at L’Eclaireur on rue Boissy d’Anglas, to launch an unusual collection of jackets. Aurelie’s fascination with armor and the history of medieval Europe led her to collaborate with Simon Azoulay, who’s had an amazing career designing his own signature line of chain mail clothes.

Simon Azoulay is a good friend of mine (I own a few of his amazing metal mesh pieces), and he asked me to meet him at the soirée, so of course I did! It was interesting to see Aurélie’s jackets, and to really examine them–they combine a newcomer’s fresh ideas with the sure-handed touch of a veteran.

A DJ on the boutique’s second floor kept the mood lively

Aurélie’s sharply-cut jackets are wearable, well-made (of luxurious materials, including fur, leather, cashmere and, of course, that chain mail) and just plain chic. One of Simon’s added touches–plexiglass shoulders–seem stiff to the touch but not on the body. In fact, they’re so light, you don’t feel them once the coat is on: they just add definition to the shoulder line. It’s a great idea, and I wish Aurélie and Simon much success with their collaborative project!

On the scene, from left; Etienne Rousseau, Aurelie Demel, Giulio Sappio and Wendy Hadida

Susan with the star of the evening, designer Aurelie Demel

Photographs by Stéphane Israël