Unboxing: The Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 Limited Edition by Simon Porte Jacquemus

Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame 2018 is the 25th vintage expression of the original blend crafted in 1972, and it’s got Madame Clicquot written all over it. Inspired by her legacy, the blend honors the fearless woman who once led the House. Everything French ready-to-wear designer Simon Porte Jacquemus creates is a celebration of a special woman in his life as well: his mother, after whom the brand is dedicated. Uniting two creative universes that revel in the beauty of the everyday, Jacquemus and Veuve Clicquot joined forces to reinterpret La Grande Dame 2018 through Simon’s refined lens.

Jacquemus and Veuve Clicquot are heavily influenced by their French backgrounds, and this essence finds its way into the limited-edition bottle. The Veuve Clicquot iconic yellow is reflective of the sun’s radiance, and the bottle itself displays a yellow label embossed with sun rays, accented by Simon’s handwritten signature. The bottle is also draped with a white linen, evoking the elegance in Simon’s clothing and accessory designs.

Simon also helped design a custom rafraîchissoir, or cooler, for the release. The champagne bucket and cooler are inspired by Medici vases. There are also fish trompe l’œl details that evoke the French and Mediterranean coasts — personal references from Simon’s life.

Camille Orfèvre, a master artisan who specializes in metalsmithing and one of the last remaining in Paris was also a collaborator. She brought her expertise in the form of silverware pieces meticulously crafted from silver-plated metal. This endeavor took over 40 hours to handcraft, making the full range only available upon request. Le Rafraîchissoir comes with a glass set as well as a set of vintage iterations of La Grande Dame — 2018, 2012 in Magnum and 1990, Simon’s birth year.

The Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 Limited Edition by Simon Porte Jacquemus will be revealed during New York Fashion Week, as the partnership brings the South of France to New York City. In tandem, the collaboration will go global as the two roll out a campaign directed by Jonas Lindstrœm and photographed by Jack Davison.

The special edition bottle launches in the US on September 9 and will follow in the UK, Italy and France later in the month. Visit veuveclicquot.com to learn more.