By Stanley Lui

Julien Fournié had on his first runway show as newly inducted guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture Française in January 2011, made Haute Couture history for presenting an all model cast of African descent for his “Premières Couleurs" (French for First Colours) Spring Summer collection.

The designer has made it a point to make a première of sorts for all his collections.

Since then, he has showcased his "Première Extase" (First Ecstasy) Spring Summer 2012 collection inspired by the quest for physical pleasures as well as the "Première Mutation" (First Mutation) Fall Winter 2011/2012 collection marked by the futuristic Haute Couture take on traditional street looks.

In a declaration of his love for the fine Art of Haute Couture creation, French designer Julien Fournié's latest Fall Winter 2012/2013 Haute Couture collection titled "Première Déclaration", is his fashion interpretation of the fantasy world of superheroes and their powers.

Deriving the colours and the collection's distinctive character from the famous illustrations of the Marvel comic artist Alex Ross, Mr. Fournié enhances the slender figures of his models and turns their feminine vulnerabilities into superhero-like strength while finding the sensuous appeal of the collection from the more adult content of the science fiction comic series, "Sky-Doll" by Alessandro Barbucci and Barbara Canepa.

Integrating the latest technical know-how with the luxury of Haute Couture fabrics, Julien Fournié had made use of the three-dimensional virtual designing assistance provided by the French Dassault Systèmes' Fashion Lab to produce a range of metallic glitters, silicon pipings and innovative zippers that are unique to the brand.

Implementing these new hardware into the collection, Julien Fournié then formed interesting combinations between different materials such as the mixing of soft organza with the harder elasticity of neoprene, the contrasting textured leathers and the furriness of the mink and feathers with the shimmer of the rhodoid plastic. The look with stretch tuxedo suit inlaid with swakara fur from a Karakul sheep carries off a luxurious charm while the emerald rhinestone appliques gives the collection just that finishing touch of glamour and shine.

The evening dresses marked by the voluminous bottoms, are adorned with pleated tulle produced in the Marvel comic colours of absinthe, fuchsia, lime, amethyst and tangerine to balance out the darker materials.

Sensuality here is played out by the sculpted body shapes made possible by Fournié's distinctive cuts and designer inlays while the diaphanous fabrics and the dishabille in extra-fine nude latex offers the audience a tantalising glimpse of the wearer's skin.

Sexy, glamourous, vulnerable and yet strangely empowering, the Julien Fournie collection is one that appeals to younger women who want to look and feel like they are the fashion equivalent of the Wonder Woman superhero.