35 Cool French Fashion Brands That Everyone Should Know
Photo:
@melodiebance
Style Notes: Amélie Pichard is probably one of the most adventurous accessory designers in the entire world, not just France. She has even collaborated with Pamela Anderson, and her pieces are instantly recognizable for their off-kilter heel shapes and wacky finishes.
What to Buy: There's something really classic about Pichard's bags.
Style Notes: The modern high priestess of boho fans and rockers alike, Marant spans every possible department with her must-haves, from party dresses to sneakers.
What to Buy: Marant is well known for her tailored separates.
Style Notes: Claudie Pierlot does a cute take on contemporary French style. Think sweet bows on blouses, patent miniskirts, or swing coats. It's more youthful than its peers.
What to Buy: Right now, it's a toss-up between the copious number of chic accessories versus its great staples.
Style Notes: Naturally, we love Chloé's mainline collection, but there's something particularly exciting again about the diffusion collection. It has the floaty attitude of Chloé with a more accessible price point.
What to Buy: If you don't get lured in by one of the many amazing shoes, we'd be surprised.
Style Notes: Part of Chanel's special ateliers, Maison Michel is a mighty-fine purveyor of hats. From jaunty berets to fedoras, Minnie Mouse ears to tulle veils, if there's an accessory that changes every outfit, it can be found here.
What to Buy: We love this straw hat.
Style Notes: Worn by Rihanna, FKA Twigs, and Alexa Chung, Annelise's bold but refined pieces of jewelry are all handmade in her Paris atelier.
What to Buy: We're hooked on this industrial gold-hoop collection.
Style Notes: Atelier de Production et Création is loved for its utilitarian basics and has been a minimalist's go-to since the '80s, when the brand first launched during a time of great maximalism.
What to Buy: We have it on good authority that A.P.C. is currently serving up perfect everyday pieces.
Style Notes: Ba&Sh, designed by the very chic Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief, is for the true bohemian, a point that was proven during the summer period when they release quintessential seasonal items like crochet dresses, silk pants, and poplin tops.
What to Buy: We've noticed there's an abundance of fabulous trousers.
Style Notes: As Iro was founded by onetime music producers, it's understandable why there's such a strong rock-chic vibe running through each collection.
What to Buy: If you don't find a party dress you love from this brand, we'll eat our berets.
Style Notes: Over 30 years old and now going strong again under the creative directorship of David Tournier-Beauciel, Clergerie has a host of bloggers who adore the wearable, slightly masculine styles.
What to Buy: We're seriously into these sandals.
Style Notes: Yves Salomon uses quite luxe materials and therefore comes with a rather hefty price point. Its outerwear has been a smash with fashion editors over the past few years.
What to Buy: This stunning coat.
Style Notes: What more can we say? Chanel is the Paris megalith that has cemented some of the most important parts of anyone's wardrobe.
What to Buy: Chanel's bags and jewelry always retain their value over time.
Style Notes: Since former Valentino designer Maria Grazia Chiuri took over the reins, many people (celebs included) have enjoyed seeing her delicate style echoing through the brand.
What to Buy: The fashion-editor set is smitten with the brand's logo prints. We're partial to this sleek iteration.
Style Notes: Lingerie connoisseurs will be more than aware that Eres makes some of the best-quality underpinnings around. They're subtle and understated but so luxe at the same time.
What to Buy: Bras, bras, bras. We know many who swear by them, no matter their size.
Style Notes: Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, the brand has always been a source of fantastic eveningwear. Alber Elbaz stepped down in 2015, when Bouchra Jarrar replaced him but recently departed. The new creative director is Olivier Lapidus, a Balmain Homme alumnus.
What to Buy: A runway piece because it's beyond stunning.
Style Notes: Maje has plenty to offer across the board, but it's the brand's decorative bomber jackets that have been steaming ahead—Bella Hadid has one, you know.
What to Buy: We're obsessed with this skirt.
Style Notes: There's something carefree and spirited about Aurélie's '70s-tinged, trinkety jewelry. From luxe boho festival bracelets to more delicate styles, it's the kind of brand you can mix and match and collect throughout a lifetime.
What to Buy: This beautiful ring.
Style Notes: This French heritage brand has become one of the most influential designer labels in the world.
What to Buy: Who wouldn't love a luggage tote?
Style Notes: Kenzō Takada was born in Japan but founded his label in Paris. These days, it's presided over by Felipe Oliveira Baptista, but there's still an irreverent Frenchness to the sports-luxe trend it does so well.
What to Buy: Sunglasses will do just fine.
Style Notes: The Kooples is all about dressing for everyone. Plus, the contemporary price point makes it easy to take part.
What to Buy: We're mildly obsessed with this blazer dress.
Style Notes: Jérôme Dreyfuss makes covetable bags and shoes, and he's married to Isabel Marant. He's basically the coolest man in French fashion. Oh, and he names all of the bags after boys—just another reason to buy them in bulk.
What to Buy: More often than not, his creations arrive in easy styles perfect for the weekend, and this bag ticks all the right boxes.
Style Notes: If you like your shoes to feature various points of difference, then L'Autre Chose should be marked in indelible ink on your shopping list.
What to Buy: These boots are perfection.
Style Notes: Christophe Lemaire has been around for some time, but it's only in the past few years that his name has shot into the mass style psyche. This is partly down to his pared-back aesthetic becoming a perfect fit for Uniqlo.
What to Buy: Right now, we're loving the bags, which sit perfectly outside the relentless trend cycle.
Style Notes: There's always a punky finish to everything Zadig puts into the world, whether it's a studded bag or a slung-on velvet blazer you could wear to a concert with ripped jeans.
What to Buy: This dress is really calling our names.
Style Notes: Thanks to and Vetements chief and Creative Director Demna Gvasalia, Balenciaga is going wild on the street style circuit.
What to Buy: The shoes are always a hit.
Style Notes: With Nicolas Ghesquière leading the charge, LV has become a trusted source of burgeoning trends and directional fashion, from the incredible leather jackets down to the equally intricate footwear.
What to Buy: We just love the bags.
Style Notes: Anthony Vaccarello is now leaving his mark on the storied house.
What to Buy: You'll own this forever.
Style Notes: Created by French style icon Jeanne Damas, Rouje is a blogger favourite for its barely there blouses, flirty sundresses, and high-waisted denim.
What to Buy: Everything sells out equally fast, but this skirt will undoubtedly soar.
Style Notes: Set up initially as an online-only fashion store in 2013 by Morgane Sezalory, Sézane has been breaking boundaries and supplying great casual clothes for the past few years.
What to Buy: We're feeling the standout vibes of this pop of color.
Style Notes: Sonia Rykiel's brand DNA (knitwear, stripes, Left Bank chic) lives on via Julie de Libran's designs.
What to Buy: Ok, this bag, though.
Style Notes: Midpriced Sandro should be on your list for when you're looking for staples with a twist. The brand knows what people like wearing on a day-to-day basis and gives each of those items a little extra oomph every time.
What to Buy: There's much to choose from, but this dress is particularly lovely.