Introducing Damien Quintard, the Sonic Fashion Designer

Traditional fashion shows often rely on standard dance or classical music to accompany their runway presentations. But what if the soundtrack became an integral part of the couture experience itself? French record producer Damien Quintard has championed this approach, blending his expertise, network, and vision as cofounder of Miraval Studios to fuse music and fashion, adding layers of emotion, surprise, and energy to every collection.

Quintard has recently collaborated on standout projects, including a dark remix of Britney Spears Gimme More for Balenciagas spring 2025 show, and an orchestral take on Lauryn Hills Cant Take My Eyes Off You for Balenciagas spring 2026 runway, marking the debut of designer Pierpaolo Piccioli. Quintard credits Balenciagas former creative director, Demna, and Demnas husband, musician Lock Gomez (aka Bfrnd), for pioneering new sonic possibilities. He taught me a lot about the intersection of fashion and music, Quintard notes.

Known for his boyish charm and energetic presence, Quintard has also collaborated with Rabanne, orchestrating remix challenges that spotlight emerging talent like singer-songwriter Wallette Watson. He has revisited the brands Afro-disco and funk archives from the 1980s, paying homage to the original designer, who in 1966 gained fame with the groundbreaking 12 unwearable dresses in plastic and metal, becoming one of the first to merge music with runway shows.

Its only been about 60 years since music and fashion started dancing together, Quintard reflects. Now were entering a new phase where the two realms are truly intertwined. This fusion is exemplified by initiatives like Pharrell Williams appointment as creative director of Louis Vuittons menswear division, showcasing how music can shape fashion identity.

Quintard envisions more daring integrations, seeking to push boundaries between sound and style. Fashion often hires DJs for shows, but we need fresh, bold sonic ideas. I love seeing people take crazy concepts and make them real, he says. For Balenciagas fall 2024 show in Los Angeles, he created over 50 fictional advertisements voiced by actors, blending them seamlessly into the musical score.

Founded in 1977 at Chteau de Miraval by composer Jacques Loussier, Miraval Studios hosted legends such as Pink Floyd, Sting, and Elton John before closing in 2005. Quintard revived it in 2022 alongside Brad Pitt, transforming it into a sunlit, spaceship-inspired studio with a custom console designed by Quintard himself. Today, Miraval serves not only as a recording hub but also as a creative agency collaborating with fashion brands, film projects, and major global events.

Artists like Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber, and Nick Cave have recorded there, with projects often extending into architectural or multimedia experiences. Quintard recalls the emotional impact of witnessing Scott perform tracks from his Utopia album recorded at Miraval, highlighting musics profound cultural influence.

Beyond music production, Quintard dedicates himself to accessibility through his startup SoundX, launched in 2019. Using patented vibration technology, the project allows deaf individuals to experience music physically, offering audiences at Coldplay concerts the opportunity to feel the rhythm and energy of live performances. Its incredible to make culture tangible for the deaf community, he explains.

For Quintard, music is inseparable from life. I felt the orchestra in my body, not just in my ears. Music is in my DNA, in my bones, he shares, underscoring his mission to make the invisible audible and the audible unforgettable, both on the runway and beyond.

Author: Natalie Monroe