Julien Fournié’s haute couture collection presented in Paris in July was entitled "First Chimera," after the fire-breathing monster of Greek mythology that has the body of a lion, the head of goat, and a snake-headed tail. Recently in Singapore for Fashion Week, the French couturier discussed with Blouin Lifestyle some of the inspirations behind this collection – from the elongated silhouette of Amedeo Modigliani’s portraits to the warm color palette of Gustav Klint’s paintings, and the romance of Nina Ricci’s gowns.

Take a closer look at some of details that make his creations so exquisitely haute couture, from elaborate Gianfranco Ferré-inspired sleeves to mink pelts stitched onto organza, and gowns made with double-sided colored sequins that, just by the wearer ruffling them, create individualized abstract patterns on the dress.

The tireless designer is already working on his summer 2014 collection, which he will unveil in Paris in January. “This (fall/winter 2013) collection was a bit dark and somber and I want something a bit lighter for the next one, which is based on love. It’s a birthday collection of sorts, because it will be my 10th couture collection,” he said.