"I am one of the few male couture clients in the world" A day during haute couture week with Fredrik Robertsson

On Monday, the utterly glamorous week that showcases the most delicate and extraordinary craftsmanship arrived, as the spring/summer 2022 haute couture week commenced in Paris, where the fashion industry glitterati have been busy hurrying from one show to another. Stepping into the dazzling world of Fredrik Robertsson, creative director and Sweden’s sole couture collector, Vogue Scandinavia joined the “Mystery Man” of fashion for a whirlwind of a day filled with celebration, champagne and of course, couture.

It’s the third day of the haute couture week and for Fredrik Robertsson, the upcoming day is looking non-stop in the most lavish way, his show agenda consisting of Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier and Viktor & Rolf. Fashion has always been close to Robertsson’s heart, and the 36-year-old has been wearing couture for years. “It’s what I invest in, art and fashion. And couture is the perfect combination,” he tells me as we talk on the phone after the shows and unpack the day whilst he recharges for the night.

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“I always start the day with a swim and steam at the spa at my hotel, Ritz. It’s my favourite hotel in the world and it’s the best way to start [the day]. Sweat all the toxins out, relax, breathe. Because it becomes crazy,” Robertsson says. After a light breakfast of berries and tea (the ensembles of the day must fit immaculately), Robertsson heads to his first destination – the Schiaparelli showroom. The iconic French couture house’s show was on Monday and today, Robertsson has an appointment with the designer.

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"It’s almost more fun to see the stuff up close and listen to Daniel talk about the inspiration behind his vision and design,” Robertsson explains and tells me that while he has his eyes on few looks, his mind is set on an exquisite hat, describing the headpiece as “a fountain of feathers”. As most of the couture is still made solely for women, the fitting process is slightly longer for Robertsson, however it’s something that makes the piece all the more special and unique.

First quick outfit change at the hotel (the rest will take place in the car), Robertsson heads to Valentino, one of the shows he has been looking forward to the most. “They make you feel like you are part of a family and they include men in the shows which is very cool. I am one of the few male couture clients in the world so I think they appreciate that someone actually buys the crazy men’s stuff.”

The dress code for Valentino this year was black, and Robertsson donned a custom dress created by Swedish couture designer Wilhja, paired with couture Balenciaga sunglasses (yes, the same ones that Kim Kardashian recently wore for a date with Pete Davidson), a studded black Valentino bag and silver rings by Sägen Sweden.

Jet black, ruffled with a gorgeous train, the dress weighed around 20 kilograms. I ask how Robertsson managed with the dress, he laughs. “It was literally a hundred metres from the Ritz to the Valentino showroom but I had a van…I was dying in it but it’s too good not to wear.”

Valentino’s show was all over social media and Robertsson’s take on it is aligned with the public opinion. “Valentino was very intimate, 50 guests in the salon. Extremely emotional, very beautiful… I started to cry – it was on a whole different level,” he describes.

After the show, Robertsson hurries back to the car where his fiancé Johan is waiting with the next ensemble for Jean Paul Gaultier. With the help of Johan and Robertsson’s photographer, he gets changed into an ostentatious look from last season’s Gaultier by Sacai couture collaboration and finishes off the look with a pair of sunglasses from Anna-Karin Karlsson. “It’s a nightmare but we laugh and drink champagne in the car. My driver has been driving me in Paris for so many years. I don’t know how many times he has seen me naked in a car,” Robertsson laughs.

Champagne and protein bars (and occasionally McDonald’s) will be the diet of choice throughout the rest of the day’s couture agenda as Robertsson heads to view Jean Paul Gaultier, where he is seated next to the legendary designer himself. Although Gaultier doesn’t design for the house anymore, the illustrious French maison remains one of Robertsson’s favourite couture houses. “The vibe at Gaultier is always great, and this time it was 300 guests – a lot of friends and clients I know.”

Scurrying off from the show back to the car, Robertsson gets stopped by the paparazzi and the street style photographers who adore his glamourous get-ups – this time, more than ever. Arriving early to Viktor & Rolf, the last show of the day, Robertsson goes backstage to have a chat with the designers who he knows well, whilst also getting a closer look at the garments. “I thought the show was really cool, a kind of a combination of old silhouettes and new silhouettes. They’re so good at combining humour with wearable fashion, like the crazy shoulders – it’s very me,” he says.

As the hectic day reaches its end in terms of the couture shows, Robertsson is exhausted and back at the Ritz, where he tells me he will enjoy a power nap at the spa. The last event for today is dinner with the team and the closest clients of Jean Paul Gaultier at Robertsson’s favourite restaurant, Voltaire. For Robertsson, the couture shows are now over, and tomorrow’s schedule involves a champagne breakfast at Balenciaga followed by more fittings and showrooms. Before flying back to Sweden on Sunday, he will spend the weekend savouring Paris with his fiancé.

Although tired, Robertsson feels extremely grateful to be able to experience the magic and beauty of the haute couture week. I can hear the joy radiating from his voice through the phone, imagining a broad smile on his face. “Sometimes you got to pinch yourself, like, how did this happen – it’s a dream world.”