Paris fashion brands we love and exciting news online!
- Fashion
- 10 June 2011
- by Alex Zagalsky
Have you noticed something un petit peu different on our high streets of late? The French have invaded and the trend continues to burgeon!
Parisian label A.P.Cwas the pioneering brand behind this love affair, it was initially sold in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges and last year a new two-storey shop opened on Dover Street.
But the real buzz was started by Comptoir des Cotonniers, another Paris-based brand that has multiplied its presence on the high street year on year. The label was an instant hit with chic London shoppers because of its feminine tailoring and simple design ethos – similar styles appear season upon season with little attention to the catwalks.
'Comptoir', as the French call it, paved the way for new stores likeMaje and Sandro, two brands set up by sisters Évelyne Chétrite and Judith Milgrom. Proving that when it comes to fashion and the French, blood is certainly not thicker than water!
There are a few new additions to the list too: Les Petites and Loft:Design byare old news to chic shoppers across the Channel, but they're causing a stir on London's Westbourne Grove, which has the biggest density of French fashion boutiques in London (you'll find all the labels mentioned above, as well as Zadig & Voltaire, Aimé andPetit Bateau to boot!)
Vanessa Bruno, though less present on the high street and more coveted online (see Net-a-porter.com and MatchesFashion.com), has been a long-standing favourite among French women. Her designs are noted for their minimal detailing, monochrome colours and luxury fabrics (lots of silk and cashmere blends).
The exciting news is that La Redoute will be launching its first collaboration with the designer this July – though a more expansive collection will be available to buy from June 15th on the French site (LaRedoute.fr).
Below are some of our favourite pieces from the collection. It's worth jumping the queue and swallowing the shipping costs from France to the UK - we reckon they'll be an online stampede for these!
Wool coat, £169; Beige court shoes, £125; Plum dress, £75; Mohair pink jumper with bead detail, £85