House of Gilles Debuts Haute Couture at New York Fashion Week

House of Gilles Debuts Haute Couture at New York Fashion Week for the collection 02 – A New Era in Haute Couture.

The House of Gilles is honored to present its debut presentation and celebrate Haute Couture Collection 02 at Lincoln Center’s Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse on Thursday, September 5^th during New York Fashion Week. The House of Gilles, founded by the visionary duo of Gilles Mendel and daughter Chloé Mendel Corgan, presents a seamless blend of timeless experience and modern innovation in haute couture. Together, they embody a shared vision of creativity and craftsmanship, redefining the art of fashion.

Collection 02 is a testament to the power of collaboration, where the vision unfolded naturally through the shared creativity of long-time collaborators. The dream was fully realized when reunited and brought to life through a photoshoot with Ruven Afanador and Christina Kruse, the brand’s muse. Bringing the essence of a Parisian atelier to New York City, the haute couture collection merges European couture traditions with a modern metropolitan spirit, celebrating the art of movement and structure through the meticulous craftsmanship and visionary artistry of the House of Gilles.

Inspired by the ethereal beauty of ballet and the evocative work of renowned photographer Ruven Afanador, the latest collection from the House of Gilles is the realization of a long-held dream. At the heart of this collection lies the elegance of corsetry, originally inspired by the brand’s development of the costumes for the NYC Ballet. These inspirations have transformed into new shapes and volumes, bringing both structure and grace to each piece. This homage to the house’s enduring DNA infuses a sense of lightness into every garment and silhouette, creating a harmonious blend of form and movement. The interplay of black and white, accented by delicate drama symbolizing timeless grace, flows through the designs like a dance.

The House of Gilles also unveils its “Made to Order” (MTO) collection, an exclusive offering that redefines bespoke luxury. This collection allows clients to tailor signature pieces to their exact desires, each garment meticulously crafted over 6-12 weeks to ensure the highest standards of artistry and precision. The MTO collection invites clients to select their preferred colors, ensuring a personalized and refined experience. Each piece embodies the spirit of the House of Gilles, enabling those who cherish our designs to wear them with the regularity they deserve, all while maintaining the unmatched craftsmanship and elegance that defines the House of Gilles.

The House of Gilles woman seeks to feel elegant, supported, and confident, knowing that her gown is perfectly fitted and crafted with the utmost care and precision. This dedication to craftsmanship, personal connection, and unparalleled service makes the House of Gilles a truly unique and cherished name in the world of haute couture and bridal.

House of Gilles: In the vibrant heart of New York City, House of Gilles stands as a testament to Gilles Mendel’s unparalleled savoir-faire, a legacy of craftsmanship that merges artistry with innovation, redefining the essence of fashion as an art form. We believe in the importance of personal service—a quality often lost in today’s fast-paced world. Gilles Mendel and daughter, Chloe Mendel Corgan, personally collaborate with you to bring your dreams to life. Our couture isn’t just about the meticulous craftsmanship of our pieces; it’s about the entire experience we provide.

Gilles Mendel: Gilles Mendel is a renowned figure in the fashion world with over three decades of experience in haute couture and luxury ready-to-wear, revered for his unparalleled craftsmanship and gift for creating exquisite garments. Gilles was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2003, received the prestigious Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Achievement in American Design in 2011 and became a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in 2016. He successfully expanded the J. Mendel brand into a globally recognized name in fashion, developed the sustainable brand CHNGE and founded the couture brand “House of Gilles” in 2023. The House of Gilles was conceived as a realm without boundaries, where creativity flourishes and the artistry of couture is celebrated. Gilles is devoted to crafting beautiful garments for discerning clients, embracing their dreams and collaborating to create something unique. Each creation is a testament to his unwavering commitment to luxury, ensuring every client feels elegant, supported, and genuinely special.

Chloé Mendel Corgan: Chloé Mendel Corgan, daughter of Gilles Mendel, is the co-founder of House of Gilles, where she brings a unique perspective that creates a dynamic balance within the brand. Recognized globally, including as one of Positive Luxury’s “Women to Watch” in 2022, Chloé is also a dedicated philanthropist, serving on the boards of PAWS Chicago and the Ravinia Women’s Board. In addition to her role at House of Gilles, she co-founded the luxury brand Maison Atia in 2017 and oversees global marketing for The Smashing Pumpkins. Chloé began her career as a design intern at J. Mendel, working her way up in the industry before co-founding her first company. She also co-owns Madame Zuzu’s, a plant-based restaurant and music venue in Highland Park, IL. Chloé is a devoted mother and wife, balancing her career with family, married to musician Billy Corgan with two beautiful children. Chloé is deeply committed to ensuring that every client feels celebrated and valued at every step of their journey. Her approach is one of true collaboration, working intimately with Gilles to craft a personalized experience that embraces each client’s unique story through the art of Haute Couture.

Unique Service: The House of Gilles distinguishes itself with an exceptional focus on service. We believe that the creation of a wedding gown, a special occasion gown, or any bespoke piece is a journey where every client deserves to be celebrated and cared for at every turn. Our approach is akin to a refined concierge service, deeply embedded in the essence of our brand. Unlike other fashion houses, we offer direct collaboration with the designers and founders, ensuring a seamless, exquisite experience. From the initial sketch to the final fitting, each client witnesses the creation of a garment crafted exclusively for them, making the experience as unforgettable as the gown itself.

Haute Couture: At the House of Gilles, Haute Couture is the pinnacle of luxury and artistry. Each creation is a timeless expression of individuality, meticulously crafted to the highest standards. Every garment is unique, and tailored to embody the personal style and dreams of our clients. The process is an intimate journey of bespoke craftsmanship from the initial sketch to the final stitch. At the House of Gilles, haute couture is not merely a label—it is a refined experience of elegance, creativity, and unparalleled personalization.

Bridal: The House of Gilles is the ultimate destination in NYC for the bride who seeks a gown that is as unique as her love story. Each bridal creation is an intimate, one-on-one collaboration with the designer, offering a truly unique opportunity to bring your vision to life. We specialize in gowns that are beautifully constructed, feminine, and distinct. This personalized and exclusive process ensures that every detail reflects the bride’s individual style and story, resulting in a masterpiece of couture that celebrates love in the most exquisite and personal way.