First of all, inspiration, the journey, the search.

The start of a collection takes place months before the actual parade so as to seek out the right hint and suggestion.

It’s work in progress right up to the very last day, often the last minute.

One of these moments – a pregnant and intense one - is the creation of the outfit.

This is when the items are organized and when a part of the parade’s atmosphere is created.

In Paris at the CoSTUME NATIONAL showroom, we follow Ennio and Alastair as they choose the right outfits during the fitting.

Two days to review the entire collection and put together the pieces to create new things.

Two days to coordinate the items, touch them, mould them and replace them if needs be.

Two days shadowing Ennio as he internalizes and synthesizes all of his work, explains the collection, applies the finishing touches and chooses the final clothes and their sequence of appearance.

Ennio is helped by his assistants who are there to catalogue and note down the final outfits to be paraded.

The press office works to organize the entire Carrousel Du Louvre hall, making contacts with the reporters and scheduling the interviews with Ennio while the tailors modify.

When an effect isn’t quite right you may hear comments such as: “We need a shawl or a short jacket – it’s missing in the collection.” Ennio takes one, tries it on a model and decides to cut it.

Just 20 minutes the piece is ready and Outfit No.15 has been put together!

Two full days from dawn till 4 in the morning, for some till 6.