9 Cool French Fashion Brands You Need to Know

french brands

French fashion has always been synonymous with elegance, sophistication and effortless style. From the streets of Paris to the global stage, French brands have consistently set trends and influenced the fashion world with their unique blend of timeless chic and modern flair. Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista or simply looking to add a touch of Parisian elegance to your wardrobe, these nine French brands are essential to know. These mid-range brands offer high-quality pieces at a more accessible price point compared to high-end fashion while maintaining their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.ย In this post, we explore the stories, styles and standout pieces of these iconic and emerging French fashion houses.

1. A.P.C

A.P.C. (Atelier de Production et de Crรฉation) was founded in France in 1987 by designer Jean Touitou. The brand is most well known for crafting high-quality essentials โ€” a key part of its founding philosophy that remains true to this day. The brand originally gained popularity for its focus on quality denim, using raw Japanese selvedge.ย A.P.C’s style can be described as simple, timeless and effortlessly chic. Itย symbolises an aversion to trends, instead valuing quality and durability. Today, the brand offers a wide range of products and has gained a place among the hearts of minimalists worldwide.ย 
ย 

2. Sandro

Evelyne Chetrite founded Sandro with a vision to create sophisticated yet understated clothing that reflects the effortless elegance of Parisian style. The brand is known for its minimalist, sophisticated style with a contemporary edge. Collections often feature a mix of classic and modern elements, focusing on tailoring, structure and subtle detailing,ย designed to be suitable for both casual and formal occasions.ย Overall, Sandro appeals to women who appreciate timeless style with a modern twist.ย 

3. Soeur

Souer โ€” meaning “sister” in French โ€” was founded in 2008 by sisters Domitille and Angรฉlique Brion. The duo created the brand with the vision of dressing women of all ages. A key part of the brand’s inspiration is the quintessentially French approach to fashion โ€” laidback, sophisticated, effortless and simple โ€” which is evidenced through the use of clean lines, muted colour palettes and classic silhouettes. Soeur’s dedication to creating long-lasting, beautiful pieces has earned it a loyal following and a respected place in the fashion industry.
skirt

SOEUR

shirt

SOEUR

4. Maje

Judith Milgrom, who was born in Morocco and raised in Paris, created Maje in 1998 with a vision to offer stylish and affordable luxury fashion for women. The brand quickly established itself as a significant player in the fashion world, known for its contemporary and feminine designs. The brand employs a unique blend of bohemian influences and urban sophistication to create versatile, timeless and oh-so-chic pieces. Majeโ€™s tweed blazers and skirts are particularly popular, often embellished with fringe trims and metallic threads; these design details are why Maje remains the go-to brand for modern Parisian elegance.

5. Claudie Pierlot

Claudie Pierlot was an accomplished designer who established her namesake brand with the goal of creating stylish and practical clothing for the modern woman. The designs reflect a sophisticated yet accessible style, drawing inspiration from the elegance of Parisian fashion. Renowned for its blend of classic designs with contemporary touches, many of the designs have a distinctly preppy feel. Claudie Pierlotย emphasises high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece is durable and well-made. This commitment to quality is a hallmark of the brand’s enduring appeal.

jeans

CLAUDIE PIERLOT

knit vest

CLAUDIE PIERLOT

blazer

CLAUDIE PIERLOT

bag

CLAUDIE PIERLOT

6. Vanessa Bruno

Parisian fashion designer Vanessa Bruno created her eponymous label in 1996 with the goal of creating timeless, high-quality pieces that enhance a womanโ€™s natural elegance. After the success of the Cabas Tote bag in the early 2000s, theย brand has gone on to become synonymous with effortless Parisian chic. Known for its elegant yet relaxed style, Bruno’s designs appeal to modern women around the world who are want to embody laidback sophistication and effortless elegance. Designs often feature delicate details such as lace inserts, embroidery and intricate tailoring, which add a touch of femininity and luxury to her collections.

jacket

VANESSA BRUNO

blouse

VANESSA BRUNO

trousers

VANESSA BRUNO

bag

VANESSA BRUNO

7. Elleme

French brand Elleme was founded in 2015 by Jingjing Fan. Based in Paris, the brand quickly gained recognition for its elegant and understated designs, particularly its high-quality handbags. Elleme, derived from the French phrase “Elle aime” (meaning “She loves”), embodies a love for sophisticated and minimalist fashion.ย The brand is most well-known for its understated elegance with designs often featuring clean lines, subtle details and a refined colour palette.ย Ellemeโ€™s handbags are particularly renowned for their unique shapes and high-quality materials with key pieces including the Baoziย andย Raisin bags, celebrated for their sleek and distinctive design.

8. ba&sh

Founded in 2003, French brand ba&sh is named after its founders, best friends Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief. The duo started the brand with the vision of designing the ideal wardrobe for modern women, offering clothes that they themselves would love to wear. The brand is known for its quintessentially Parisian aesthetic where sophistication meets a laid-back, bohemian vibe. Each piece from ba&sh features thoughtful details such as intricate embroidery, unique prints and high-quality materials. This attention to detail ensures that every item stands out while maintaining a timeless appeal.

9. Ami Paris

Ami Paris โ€” ami, meaning ‘”friend” in French โ€” was founded in 2011 by Alexandre Mattiussi. Mattiussi, who has previously worked for prestigious fashion houses such as Dior, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs, established the brand with the vision of creating real, everyday clothes with a touch of luxury. Ami Parisย is known for embodying effortless Parisian chic with its clean lines, quality craftsmanship and minimalist designs,ย striking a balance between casual and sophisticated. Collections often feature classic staples such as tailored blazers, well-cut trousers and versatile outerwear. Not to mention the brand’s famousย heart-topped โ€œAโ€ logo which has become a signature style statement amongst the fashion crowd.

Scroll to Top