- .Kim Kardashian and Kanye West welcomed guests to pre-wedding celebration in iconic Hall Of Mirrors
- .Kanye let slip during speech confirmation that wedding will be held in Florence, Italy on Saturday May 24
- .Lana Del Rey serenaded Kimye with THREE songs including Kim's favourite song Young And Beautiful
- .Beyonce and Jay Z were a no-show but may still attend wedding
- .1000 bottles of champagne were on hand for the estimated 100 guests in attendance
- .The menu was French and 'everything was truffled...the caviar blinis were other-worldly'
Kanye West has arrived at Fort Belvedere in Florence ahead of his wedding to Kim Kardashian on Saturday - as the rest of the wedding party have touched down by jet.
Wearing a white T-shirt, jeans and sand-coloured boots, the 36-year-old rapper looked relaxed as he climbed out of a blacked-out Mercedes and walked through the grand entrance of the fort. Members of his ensemble travelled with him in a black SUV, which followed close behind.
Crowds of excited fans greeted Kanye - screaming as his car passed through security guards located at the entrance to the site. He caught a private jet from Paris and arrived in to Florence at about 1.30 local time.
It's all happening: Kanye West was pictured arriving in Florence ahead of his wedding to Kim Kardashian on Saturday at Fort Belvedere
Bruce Jenner and Scott Disick were also pictured stepping off a private jet as they prepared to join the ceremony.
A source told MailOnline that the wedding cake has also arrived at the historical venue: 'It's seven tiers and about six feet tall. It has white icing with gold ribbon around the edges.'
Last night, the wedding party had a night to remember as they kicked off their weekend at the Palace of Versailles on Friday night, with Kanye, 36 delivering a beautiful speech about wife-to-be Kim Kardashian, 33.
Let's hope they didn't stay up too late as the couple - collectively known as Kimye - welcomed guests to their pre-wedding cocktail celebration in the iconic Hall Of Mirrors, which no doubt provided the guests and the happy pair ample opportunity to admire themselves
He's arrived! Kanye was spotted arriving at Fort Belvedere soon after
Let's do this: Jonathan Cheban and La La Anthony arrive ahead of close friend Kim Kardashian's wedding on Saturday
According to US Weekly, Kanye spent the night gushing about his love for Kim. A source said: 'Kanye kept making the cutest remarks to her. He said, "It's amazing to look around this room, there are so many talented people.'"
'Then Kim said, "And beautiful people."' Kanye replied, "Yeah, but Kim's way more beautiful than I am talented." It was so sweet -- he said a couple adorable things like that. They seemed so happy.'
Lana del Rey supplied the entertainment at the opulent engagement party, taking the stage to serenade Kimye - upon Kanye's special request - with her song Young And Beautiful and went the extra mile by performing three songs in total.
Kim is said to be a 'huge fan' of the 27-year-old singer and Kanye hired an orchestra to play her hit Young And Beautiful when he proposed to the reality show star at the San Francisco AT&T park last October.
Special guests: Kim's stepfather Bruce Jenner (left) and Scott Disick (right) were pictured disembarking from the jet
Touchdown: Scott Disick and Bruce Jenner, accompanied by two minders, arrive in Florence for Kim's nuptials
The rapper then requested the singer to perform his bride-to-be's favourite song - which was made famous in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Great Gatsby - at their lavish party in the Hall Of Mirrors.
Although, according to Entertainment Tonight, the Summertime Sadness artist was late to the event, forcing Kimye to take the stage and entertain their guests, even poking a bit of fun at Del Rey's tardiness.
Earlier that same day Lana was spotted rehearsing in the hallways of the Palace, preparing for her performance later that night.
Moving on: Kim's stepfather Bruce Jenner was dressed casually as he left the Four Seasons George V hotel on Friday
Nearly time: Kim's step-father was sporting a ponytail as he was thought to be making his way to the wedding in Florence
Smooth operator: Scott was rocking his personalised 'Lord Disick' slippers when he left the hotel and wore a salmon-coloured suit
Plane sailing: Kim's buddy Larsa Pippen posted this image to her Instagram account writing: 'We are outta Paris! Jet setting w/ crew! #pippensinparis'
'Best man' Jay Z and Beyonce were not thought to have been at the event but are still thought to be attending the wedding.
According to tmz the rapper hired controversial magician David Blaine who worked his way around the crowds performing tricks.
From inside the party Giancarlo Giammetti, the honorary president of the Valentino Fashion House, shared snaps of the happy couple as they took the stage to greet guests.
Family affair: Kim was joined by sisters Kourtney, Khloe, Kylie, Kendall and her mother Kris Jenner at the lavish celebration on Friday night
Kim's treat: Singer Lana Del Rey serenaded the couple in the iconic Hall Of Mirror (left) wearing a gold foil dress and later posed with guests (pictured second from right)
Going off with a bang: Fireworks were set off at the end of the night at the Palace Of Versailles
Explosive evening: The couple put on quite the display for their guests
Giammetti also posted a family portrait of the bride-to-be with her mother Kris Jenner and sisters Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall and Kylie with the caption: Keeping up with a great family'.
The fashion maven even captured a rare moment with Kanye smiling as he gazed lovingly at his fiancee as they greeted guests within the Hall Of Mirrors.
Fireworks were said to have been fired off over the Palace grounds during Del Rey's performance as female musicians wearing Marie Antoinette-inspired frocks and wigs were seen preparing to perform.
Opulent celebration: Guests shared views of the Hall Of Mirrors and the estate grounds during the celebration, which featured a fireworks show as the sun set
Enjoying every minute: Kris Jenner uploaded a photo of herself with designer Alexander Wang and Olivier Rousteing from Balmain
Having fun: Kendall uploaded this picture writing: 'last night dancing in the rain with @olivier_rousteing' while Kris uploaded a glam image of shoes
Full orchestra: Musicians, pictured inside the event, wore classic 18th century gowns and wigs
From dusk 'til dawn: Kris Jenner uploaded a picture of the palace, writing: 'Uh huh honey #herecomesthebride'... and Kim's best friend Jonathan Cheban posted a picture of himself outside the venue as night fell
Attendants at the fete wore baroque costumes, in keeping with the 18th century Palace, as ornate cakes were brought in, according to E! News, for the decadent wedding feast - that is reported to have featured wild salmon and a large salad buffet.
A source told tmz that there was no expense spared when it came to the food: 'It was all French stuff. Pretty much everything was truffled.' The site adds that the jars of caviar with blini were 'other-worldly.'
A Palace worker at Versailles told Entertainment Tonight that 1,000 bottles of rosé champagne was on hand for the 100 guests in attendance.
That bride should be blushing: Kim wore a low cut tuxedo jacket dress as she and Kanye stepped out for dinner at the Palace Of Versailles, where they hosted a party to celebrate their impending nuptials amongst family and friends
Chic: Kim wore her hair in a knotted updo for the special evening at one of France's most famous historical landmarks
Party-goers were also given full access to roam the Chateau grounds, and even explore any of the many rooms in the Palace. Horse drawn carriages were also provided for attendees.
US Weekly reports that guests were greeted by men on horseback and handed a glass of Armand de Brignac champagne, before being shown into the famous Hall of Mirrors, where an orchestra dressed in 17th-century ensembles sat underneath the chandeliers.
According to the insider, the baroque costumed workers at the Palace were given instructions not to speak to Kimye's guests, who were given free reign to enjoy the Palace's many delights.
The soon to be married pair also announced to their guests that the wedding would be in Italy the next day, ET reports. Although, Kanye got a bit more exact saying that the destination was in Florence, which got a rise out of Kim as she playfully explained that her fiance was only supposed to say Italy and not the specific city.
Protective: The American rapper tries to stop fans from getting to close to Kim as they make their way into their vehicle
Leading the way: Kim and Kanye are said to be marrying in FLorence, where preparations are busily being made at Forte di Belvedere in Florence
Crowd: Fans gathered outside the couple's Parisian residence to try and get a picture of the two
Dramatic: Kardashian opted for a very smokey eye make-up design to contrast with her white dress
Later that night Kim's BFF Jonathan Cheban tweeted a snap of himself on the Palace grounds with a caption that seemed to a bring a close to the festive evening: 'Goodnight Paris...'
Earlier that day, the couple were spotted leaving their Parisian residence to make their way to the pre-wedding celebration at the Louis XIV estate.
Kim, 33, showcased her cleavage by strategically positioning the lapels of her Maison Martin Margiela white tuxedo jacket dress over each boob.
Kanye, 36, also showed off much of his chest in a low cut T-shirt under his suit as they made their way to their first stop in what is set to be a whirlwind weekend of parties and celebrations spanning Paris and Florence, Italy.
However, onlookers would never guess from their stony impressions that this couple are preparing for the happiest day of their lives in just 24 hours, with speculation about the ceremony is at fever pitch, with rumours circulating that the guest list has blown out to now include 600 people, the amount who attended Friday's bash, according to People.
Touching moment: An excited young fan grabs Kanye's hand as he makes his way into his custom-designed Porsche in matte black
One more sleep: The couple will be officially be man and wife after they walk down the aisle on Saturday in front of their friends and family
Here they come: Kanye drives his wife-to-be towards the Palace of Versailles as eager fans try to get a picture
Arrivals: Kim and Kanye chat to staff at Versailles ahead of their pre-wedding party on Friday night in Paris
KIMYE'S WEDDING TIMELINE
FRIDAY: Kim, Kanye and family enjoyed a pre-wedding brunch hosted by designer Valentino Garavani at his home Chateau de Wideville, the magnificent French residence where King Louis XIV used to keep a mistress. On Friday night, the couple hosted a glamorous party with close friends including music producer Rick Rubin and 12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen at their first-choice wedding venue the Palace Of Versailles
SATURDAY: Palace Of Versailles had denied Kim and Kanye permission to marry at the famed former residence of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette so they have turned to their second choice; Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy.Guests are said to have 'no idea' how they will get between Paris and Florence or even where they will stay on Saturday night after the ceremony
SATURDAY: Palace Of Versailles had denied Kim and Kanye permission to marry at the famed former residence of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette so they have turned to their second choice; Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy.Guests are said to have 'no idea' how they will get between Paris and Florence or even where they will stay on Saturday night after the ceremony
SUNDAY:The party are thought to be getting out of the romantic city of Florence and heading to a villa six miles out of town, called Corsini Villa of Costello
Kim pursed her lips and did not even crack a smile as she made her way to a waiting car, although she may simply have been concentrating on ensuring her gravity defying dress stayed in position.
No doubt plenty of double sided tape was involved in order for her to wear the ensemble and it’s unlikely Kim will be showing off her dance moves at the party if she wants to keep her ensemble in place.
Maison Martin Margiela tweeted a picture of Kim and Kanye in their outfits and wrote: 'Congratulations Kanye and Kim. We are really glad to be part of your special day. Wishing you all the happiness in the world. MMM'.
Kanye first introduced his bride-to-be to Maison Martin Margiela back in 2006.
Speaking about boots Kanye bought her from the avant-garde French fashion house, Kim previously said: 'I was like, "What’s Margiela?" back then.'
Kim’s white outfit was also slashed to her upper thigh, ensuring that guests could see almost every inch of her body which has undergone a dramatic 50lbs weight loss since the birth of her first daughter last year.
She opted for very unbridal make-up, despite her white outfit.
Dramatic black eye-liner and lashings of mascara made her eyes pop while her bronzer and blusher – along with her pursed expression – combined to show off her cheekbones.
Kanye left the residence with his default expression firmly in place, looking no happier than Kim.
And he wasn't letting his fiancee 's cleavage get all of the attention, showing off his own pecs with a very low cut grey T-shirt under his tan suit.
A gold chain also drew the eye to his chest.
There was no sign of their baby daughter North West, who was no doubt sound asleep so she will be on her best behaviour for her parents’ big day on Saturday.
Preparations had been underway all day at the famous Palace of Versailles for the private bash with their close family and friends.
Catherine Pegard, president of the Palace of Versailles, previously said it just 'wasn't possible' for the couple to wed at the palace, even though it was their first choice but revealed their plans for the Friday night bash.
Ms Pegard said in a statement: 'Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have decided to visit the Chateau of Versailles with their guests in a private surprise tour organised for Friday, May 23rd, on the eve of their marriage.'
However, there is still speculation that they could in fact marry at the palace.
If not, second choice and the site of their reception in either case is the Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy, which they have rented out for the weekend. This is the most likely choice given that guests are staying at the Westin Excelsior nearby, although Kim and Kanye will stay somewhere more private.
Bridesmaids: Kendall Jenner and Khloe Kardashian opted for glamorous floor-length gowns for the evening
Textured: Kourtney Kardashian wore a ruffled pink and cream suit while her partner Scott Disick opted for a pin-striped suit as they left the Four Seasons Georgie V hotel
Father of the bride: Bruce Jenner was snubbed at their brunch with Valentino but he was at least joining his family at the pre-wedding dinner
Her palace awaits: Kim is driven into Versailles as she readies herself for the night of her being the centre of attention along with her rapper husband-to-be
KIMYE'S WEDDING BY NUMBERS
Kim's third marriage and Kanye's first
200 guests originally invited to the wedding but rumours that it has expanded 600
Kim celebrated bachelorette party at Eiffel Tower with 15 bottles of champagne
$650k celebration dinner at Versailles on Friday night with $6k bottles of champagne and a $200k fireworks display
Refused permission to marry at palace so have paid $420k to rent Forte di Belvedere in Florence
Beyonce and Kanye's best man Jay-Z will receive $2 million to perform at reception
Kim is set to wear a $2 million designer wedding gown
There is one main entrance to the Florence fort - which will be cordoned off from the public from noon tomorrow, security sources suggested. The first guests on the guest list are expected to arrive at 2pm.
Barriers and 'no entry' signs were delivered to the entrance throughout the day. Signage had already been put up this evening at another side entrance warning the public the area was closed.
Scores of confused tourists approached security guards throughout the day - only to be told the fort was closed 'for a music and entertainment event'.
The security presence also increased during the afternoon. Meanwhile, sound checks took place - but no specific songs were played, keeping the identity of those performing at the event a close secret.
A crane could be seen lifting in large amount of wood, perhaps for the stage, at one point in the afternoon, while work men busily rushed about the area.
A temporary, nude-coloured partition, stationed in front of unsightly generators, was also put up near to the entrance of the fort.
Food catering vans arrived at the venue. One contained cuisine from Spain and another was a gellato van. However, it's rumoured three Michelin star chef Giorgio Pinchiorr may be behind the menu.
Meanwhile, a huge arch was erected in front of the Palace Of Versailles on Friday and truck loads of flowers were spotted arriving all day.
Regal: Guests arriving a the Palace of Versaille were greeted by traditional guards on horseback as they drove through the palace gates
Convoy: Town cars and SUVs carrying guests queued up outside the French landmark to enter the party on Friday night
The full list of guests was not announced but along with close family, music producer Rick Rubin, 12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen, personal trainers Gunnar Peterson and Harley Pasternak, Madonna's manager Guy Oseary and Jennifer Aniston's hairstylist Chris McMillan were set to attend.
Other guests included Lindsay May Palevsky, the daughter-in-law of multi-millionaire LA philanthropist Max Palevsky, who died in 2010. (She’s married to his son Jonathan.)
Aaron Michaelson, one of the owners of the Chicago White Sox, Tracey Mills, a designer at Kanye's fashion label and Jerry Lorenzo, who designs Kanye's favourite brand Fear Of God, also made the cut.
Denied: Kim and Kanye originally wanted to get married at the nearby Palace of Versailles, where Louis lived but permission was refused
Grandiose: The Château de Versailles, is considered one of the most beautiful architectural achievements of 18th-century French art.
Keeping it tight: The couple are leaving nothing to chance and sources claim non-uniformed Italian militia have been drafted in to assist the pair's personal security team
Drum roll please: Drummers in traditional dress look like they are readying themselves for a procession at the wedding party for Kim and Kanye
PALACE OF VERSAILLES: A HISTORY
The Palace of Versailles was famously the home of Louis XIV and his wife Marie Antoinette.
Marie was and still is distinguished for her frivolity and perhaps best known for suggesting 'let them eat cake' when she was told her subjects were dying of hunger because they had no bread.
Located in Île-de-France around 20 kilometres southwest of Paris, Versailles was a rural village when the famous chateau was built.
When Louis XIV moved there from the French capital in 1682, it became the centre of political power in France.
The court remained this way until October 1789, when the royal family had to return to Paris after the French revolution began.
The chateau is nowadays one of the biggest tourist attractions in France, but is still used for some political affairs.
In the palace’s Hall Of Mirrors, Heads of state are regaled, while the Sénat and the Assemblée nationale make amendments to the French Constitution when they meet in congress in Versailles.
According to People, 600 guests - although Entertainment Tonight estimates 100 guests - arrived for the pre-wedding dinner in 90 vehicles. Guests had to pass through two checkpoints at the palace before they were allowed access to the bash, while hundreds of fans queued for hours to catch a glimpse of Kanye - who arrived at a side gate in a porsche - and Kim.
The sky over the palace was reportedly made a NO-FLY ZONE on Friday, but according to TMZ, it is uncertain if the order was given because of Kim and Kanye's presence.
Also spotted in Paris was singer Lana del Rey, who has supposedly been asked by the happy couple to sing her song Young And Beautiful.
Kim and Kanye weren't the only ones who pulled out all the stops for the glamorous occasion.
Younger sisters Khloe Kardashian, 29, and 18-year-old Kendall Jenner were styled to perfection as they prepared to celebrate at the royal venue.
Leaving their Parisian hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Kendall showed off her fantastic figure in a simple navy silk sheath, which featured a small train.
Like Kim's dress it was slashed to her upper thigh to show off her toned pins and a pair of heeled gladiator sandals completed the look.
The dress featured spaghetti straps and Kendall opted for just a small clutch to complete the look.
She left her long dark hair loose around her shoulders and, like Kim, chose dramatic eye make-up.
Khloe’s gown was more ostentatious than Kendall's, an embellished floor length kaftan which was slashed almost to her navel.
The estranged wife of basketball player Lamar Odom styled her Ombre hair in loose curls around her shoulders and carried a gold clutch bag.
While usually only the bride can wear white, Kim's older sister Kourtney, 35, opted for a white trousersuit with a ruffled peplum jacket.
She was accompanied by her partner, and the father of her two children, Scott Disick, who looked dapper in a dark suit, white shirt and sunglasses.
Sporting designer stubble, handsome Scott showed no signs of jet lag despite flying in after the rest of the family.
Who could it be? Crowds of people peer into the cars of the guests as they arrive at the 'Chateau de Versailles' ahead Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's pre-wedding dinner
Florals: Thousands of flowers were delivered to the Palace of Versailles, the former home of the French monarchy and now a historical building
Extravagance: Truck after truck can be seen delivering white flowers to the Florence venue for Kim and Kanye's actual wedding
Guest list: The names of all the attendees were printed and checked off by the guard, and it seems 12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen is joining the party
Sprucing up: An archway was being erected at the Palace of Versaille before Kardashian and West's party
Epic maintenance: The Garden needs vast amounts of earth had to be shifted to lay out the flower beds, the Orangerie, the fountains and the Canal, where previously only woods, grasslands and marshes were
The angels came out: Kim suggests her wedding day will be blessed by the heavens because of the lights she captured in a picture of the gardens of Valentino's Chateau
AS KIM BANS KUWTK CAMERA, WILL FANS GET TO SEE WEDDING SNAPS?
While Kim's second marriage - to Kris Humphries in 2011 - was televised on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kimye have decided to keep their nuptials private.
Kim tweeted: 'We are not filming our wedding for Keeping Up With The Kardashians. You will see everything leading up til and maybe even photos. As much as we would love to share these memories, privacy is our main priority.'
The couple have turned down offers of up to $1 million for their wedding photos despite a bidding war.
According to the Daily Star they have issuing a contract which 'bans guests from uploading anything on social media, taking pictures and even talking about the big day with friends and family who weren't invited to the wedding'.
They are currently in talks with Anna Wintour to feature the nuptials in an upcoming issue of US Vogue.
Kim and Kanye covered Vogue earlier this year leading to around 250,000 sales - about 20 percent more from the previous issue featuring Rihanna.
Kim's stepfather Bruce - who will walk her down the aisle at her third wedding just as he did for her ill-fated second in 2011 to Kris Humphries - appeared to be in high spirits as he got in a car to zoom off to the palace.
While preparations were underway for the party at Versailles earlier in the day, the family was enjoying a pre-wedding brunch hosted by designer Valentino.
They spent the day at the magnificent French home where King Louis XIV used to keep a mistress, called Chateau de Wideville, a 17th Century residence to the west of Paris.
The brunch venue is now the home of the fashion designer Valentino Garavani who was 'absolutely thrilled' to welcome the wedding party.
Police and other security officials could on Friday morning be seen securing its main gate and perimeter wall and fresh flowers were also delivered.
All eyes were on bride-to-be Kim as she made her way to her luxurious pre-wedding brunch with her family in tow.
The reality star was pictured pushing baby North, 11 months, in her stroller as set off for the brunch flanked by fiancé Kanye and her mother, Kris Jenner to head to the lavish event.
Kim and Kanye originally wanted to get married at the nearby Palace of Versailles, where Louis lived but permission was refused - they will take guests on a guided tour at the venue instead.
‘Both of them think the French chateaus are awesome,’ said one of the US organisers of Thursday’s festivities at Wideville. ‘They love all that old fashioned style – they think it’s really classy.
Kanye - who Kim has previously called a perfectionist - has taken charge of most of the details in order to surprise Kim, according to TMZ, and is doing everything he can to stop her from finding out what he has in store including trying to keep her away from her phone and the internet.
While Kim was busy with bachelorette parties, pre-wedding brunches and final dress fittings, her 'groomzilla' was thought to be working day and night on the final touches for the big day with venues in both Paris and Florence being prepped.
Guests are said to have have 'no idea' how they will get between the France and Italy or even where they will stay on Saturday night after the ceremony.
The men in her life: Kanye dressed in a light suit for the rehearsal dinner as he stopped to chat to a fan while Kim's step-father Bruce was dapper in a dark suit
Kanye announced last month that he has postponed his Australian tour to finish work on his new studio album, but it has been claimed he actually called it off in order to work on wedding plans.
His concert dates Down Under were pushed from May 2 to May 11 to September 5 to September 15 later this year.
A statement on Ticketek's website read: 'Due to unexpected timing requirements to finish his highly anticipated new studio album, scheduled for a 2014 release, Kanye West regretfully announces the postponement of his upcoming tour dates in Australia.'
Wedding singer: Lana Del Rey shared this image of herself rehearsing for the ceremony after she originally turned down Kanye's request to perform while he proposed
But the move has led many to speculate on social media sites that the postponement could be more due to the fact he needed that time to help prepare for his wedding day, rumored to be May 24, in Paris.
'Kanye West postponed tour cuz he’s a control freak and needs to stay and oversee the minutia of the wedding,' @TAndre6 said on Twitter.
While @oliviajc wrote: 'Everyone calm down about the Kanye shows being postponed. Y’all know this means the Royal Wedding is about to happen, a small price to pay.'
And @EastAfricaChild added, 'I feel bad for [his Australian fans]. Kanye’s on wedding mode.'
And a source told Radar that Kanye has taken the reins and the plans have now gotten 'out of control.'
'It’s just insane. Kanye has basically billed it as breaking the boundaries of what to expect when it comes to a wedding. This will be the event of the year,' the source continued. 'Think fashion runway, stage show performance. Think avant grade. Think nothing like you’ve ever seen.'
Designer seal of approval: Earlier in the day Kim and her family enjoyed an elegant brunch hosted by designer Valentino at his magnificent French home, Chateau de Wildeville , a 17th Century residence to the west of Paris
Designer family: The Kardashian/Jenner/West family were warmly received by the famous designer at the brunch which is set to be featured in Vogue magazine
‘WHAT’S MARGIELA?’:KIM'S DRESS DESIGNER REVEALED (BUT SHE'D NEVER HEARD OF IT UNTIL SHE MET KANYE)
by Tamara Abraham, US Femail Editor
Making an entrance: Kim made sure she was centre of attention in her Maison Martin Margiela gown
Kim Kardashian certainly made an entrance this evening when she arrived at her pre-wedding dinner in that sculptural Maison Martin Margiela gown.
The reality star was likely having her final fitting when fans spotted her and Kanye yesterday at the Belgian label’s Paris showroom.
But while the label has been operating since 1988, it was still a foreign name to her in 2008 when Kanye presented her with a pair of Margiela boots as a gift.
She admits in the April edition of Vogue: ‘I was like, “What’s Margiela?” back then.’Of course any fashion lover worth their couture will know that the famously reclusive Martin Margiela is one of Belgium’s most famous fashion exports.
His avant garde designs reject the typical tenets of luxury fashion and instead embrace unlined edges, recycled materials and any manner of repurposed items.
Even the most dedicated of fashionistas would struggle to identify the man though. He refuses all publicity, communication is handled only by fax, his staff are clad in lab coats and even his label is a mere square piece of cloth marked with the numbers 0 to 23.
The Maison Martin Margiela brand was sold to Diesel owner Renzo Rosso in 2002, and in 2009 it was officially announced that Mr Margiela had left the business. The label continues to thrive nonetheless. This week actress Marion Cotillard wore a heavily embellished creation by the label at Cannes, and yesterday it launched its second collection for Converse.
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