Veuve Clicquot & Simon Porte Jacquemus Unveil a Tribute La Grande Dame 2018

In a celebration of joy, optimism, and artisanal craftsmanship, Veuve Clicquot has partnered with renowned French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus to reimagine its prestige cuvée, La Grande Dame 2018, as a limited-edition masterpiece. This collaboration merges two creative worlds united by their shared passion for vibrancy and elegance, resulting in a poetic expression of savoir-faire that exudes sunlit warmth and timeless sophistication.

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The collaboration is a harmonious blend of Veuve Clicquot’s iconic heritage and Jacquemus’ solar-inspired aesthetic, deeply rooted in his Southern French upbringing. The Maison’s signature yellow, introduced in 1877 and symbolizing the radiance of the sun, intertwines with Jacquemus’ love for the luminous hues of Provence. This vibrant yellow plays a starring role in the design, draping the bottle in a glow that evokes warmth, modernity, and optimism. Paired with silver and natural tones, the palette reflects both brands’ commitment to joy and conviviality.

At the heart of this partnership lies a shared homage to remarkable women. Simon Porte Jacquemus, whose mother remains his eternal muse, was inspired by the story of Madame Clicquot, the trailblazing “Grande Dame de la Champagne” who boldly led the House in 1805. Her legacy of strength and innovation resonates in Jacquemus’ designs, which celebrate the sensuality and resilience of women. “La Grande Dame 2018 is the outcome of simple materials, meaningful gestures, and strong women’s stories,” Jacquemus notes, “yet it is ultimately a celebration of optimistic and memorable moments.”

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The limited-edition La Grande Dame 2018 bottle is a visual and tactile masterpiece. Its irregularly edged yellow label, embossed with sun rays and adorned with Jacquemus’ handwritten logo and signature, radiates warmth and personality. The bottle is elegantly draped in white linen, a nod to cherished family heirlooms and an old Italian method of wrapping bottles in water-soaked cloth to keep them cool during sultry summer days. Delicate yellow embroidery, with fluid calligraphy, adds a surreal, almost living presence to the design, as though each bottle has been touched by hand.

The accompanying gift box, sheathed in “toile du Marais” fabric and accented with a ribbon bearing both the Veuve Clicquot logo and Jacquemus’ signature, reflects the designer’s love for the poetry of everyday objects. This fusion of couture and champagne encapsulates an effortless chic that aligns with Veuve Clicquot’s Art de Vivre. “It is a great honor for Veuve Clicquot to partner with such an inspiring designer,” says Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot. “We found common values in joy, optimism, and conviviality that the House has upheld for 250 years.”

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Elevating the collaboration to new heights, Jacquemus has reimagined the traditional champagne rafraîchissoir (cooler) as a functional work of art. Inspired by Medici vases, Le Rafraîchissoir consists of a champagne bucket and a glass cooler, which can be used together or separately. The design incorporates personal touches, such as rounded square handles and a fish trompe l’oeil that nods to Jacquemus’ Mediterranean roots. Crafted in collaboration with Camille Orfèvre, a master metalsmith and recipient of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France award, the piece is made from silver-plated metal and requires over 40 hours of meticulous handwork.

This limited-edition rafraîchissoir, customizable and restricted to just 50 pieces, is a testament to the artistry of French silversmithing. Each piece involves up to seven distinct crafts, including repoussé, polishing, engraving, and enameling, ensuring unparalleled precision and beauty. The set includes a glass set and a flight of exceptional La Grande Dame vintages—2018, 2012 in Magnum, and 1990 (Jacquemus’ birth year) in Jeroboam—offering a sensory journey through the evolution of the cuvée’s aromas.

The La Grande Dame 2018 itself is a testament to Veuve Clicquot’s centuries-old mastery of L’Art du Pinot Noir. As the 25th vintage of the cuvée, launched in 1972, it reflects an extraordinary year where the grapes achieved near-perfect maturity. Under the expertise of the Cellar Master, this wine embodies finesse, freshness, and a luminous, solaire soul. Its bright, luminous color and deep, precise style, marked by subtle salinity, offer a perfect balance of harmony and intensity.

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To mark this unprecedented collaboration, Veuve Clicquot and Jacquemus will unveil the limited edition during the opening of New York Fashion Week on September 9, 2025. An accompanying advertising campaign, directed by Jonas Lindstroem with photography by Jack Davison, imagines a poetic journey between Reims, the historic home of Veuve Clicquot, and the sun-drenched South of France. Following the U.S. launch, the collaboration will roll out in the UK, Italy, and France through September and October 2025.

The recommended selling price for La Grande Dame 2018 by Simon Porte Jacquemus is 220 euros, offering connoisseurs and collectors a chance to own a piece of this radiant tribute to joy, craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of strong women.