La Belle Époque: The Inspiration Behind Our Rue Lepic Collection

In October of 1889, a new music-hall called ‘The Moulin Rouge’ famously opened its doors at the bottom of a hill in bohemian Montmartre. Identified by the red windmill flanked with sparkly lights sitting on its roof, The Moulin Rouge opened itself up as an extravagant destination: complete with a huge dance floor and wall-to-wall mirrors, a majestic elephant garden statue and hidden galleries for après-heures activities. Simply said; it was a world sans rules and rigid social cues. A place that celebrated the euphoria of the French people in the ‘fin de siècle’ decade before the turn of the century: where truth, beauty, freedom, and romance unleashed and reigned supreme.

Just imagine a world where the bon vivants and middle-class bohemians were free to party with the riffraff of society, just to see how the other half lived. Where artists including writers and painters (such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Vincent Van Gogh) gathered in joyful songs of Operetta and music of ‘The Can-Can’ amongst a gleaming background of flamboyant decorations, lavish champagne-filled parties, and impromptu drop-ins by international artists. Where every level of French society, from the poor to the prosperous; could gather and rediscover their heightened sense of joie de vivre.

The Moulin Rouge: A Romantic Love Story

Even today, the theatrical frivolité of the Moulin Rouge continues to inspire and uplift us on a global scale - with a musical love story. 'Moulin Rouge – the Musical', now touring Australia, centres on the relationship between Christian, an ambitious yet penniless writer who arrives in Montmartre and who dreams of writing stage plays for a living; and Satine, the star performer and beautiful courtesan at the Moulin Rouge, who is already unfairly promised to a rich Duke by the owner of the Moulin Rouge in exchange for financial favours. As they cross paths, and their love grows deeper and deeper throughout their time together, it seems that Satine herself is keeping her own secret too – that she is afflicted with the disease of consumption, and that her time is limited with Christian and their shot at living happily ever after. As Satine dies in his arms, this story ends with a romanticised view of art, love, and mortality; in Satine asking Christian to use his art of storytelling to maintain a connection with her even after her death, so her memory will still live on in his heart forever.  

Our Rue Lepic Collection

Inspired by the lively bohème culture of Rue Lepic, a romantic thoroughfare steeped within the coeur of Montmartre’s famous Moulin Rouge district, and the striking jewelled tones of Vincent van Gogh’s most celebrated works; Blue Illusion's latest collection, Rue Lepic, is a masterpiece in itself: capturing the alluring, sumptuous charme of old-world flamboyance with a touché of romantic feminine flair. From standout floral prints and floaty textures to vivid blues and moody violine laid against crushes of noir – Rue Lepic is no doubt a statement of playfulness à la bohème… with bedazzling finishes echoing the lights of the Moulins that remain tied to this epic destination. 

Whether you long to make a statement in our floaty floral georgette print dress, or marry a parfait look in a crushed violine top with The Classique 25 Bengajean®, our Rue Lepic collection is no doubt a mélange of the Moulin Rouge: echoing romance, drama, and chic diversité.