- Sonia Rykiel perfumes and colognes:
Country:France
Main activity:Fashion
Brand website:link
The Fashion Saga of Sonia Rykiel and Her Daughter Nathalie
Sonia Rykiel's Entering the Fashion World
Sonia Rykiel, a renowned French fashion designer born in 1930, initially stepped into the fashion realm as a window dresser. Later, she married Sam Rykiel, the owner of an elegant women's fashion boutique. During her first pregnancy, Rykiel found herself unable to locate soft and comfortable maternity sweaters that matched her personal style. Drawing on a Venice - based supplier of her husband's store, she embarked on a journey of self - design. She began selling her creations in Laura, her husband's boutique, and it was these sweaters and knitwear that would ultimately open the door to her fame and fortune in the fashion industry.
The Rise of Sonia Rykiel's Signature Knitwear
The pullover sweater became Sonia Rykiel's signature piece, and she explored every conceivable design direction for it. Rykiel's innovative spirit was evident in her sweater designs. She daringly placed the seams on the outside, crafted sweaters without hems, designed loose knits intended to be worn with linings, created sweaters of extreme lengths - both very long and very short, and even knitted words into the sweaters.
In 1968, she took a significant step and opened her first boutique under her own name. This move marked a crucial milestone in her career, allowing her to showcase her unique designs directly to the public. Just two years later, in 1970, her remarkable contributions to the world of knitwear were officially recognized when Women's Wear Daily dubbed her "Queen of Knits." This prestigious title solidified her position as a leading figure in the fashion industry, especially in the realm of knitted fashion.
Sonia Rykiel's Design Innovations
Rykiel's design philosophy was far - reaching. She once described her own designs as "la demodé" ("the unfashion"), advocating that women should embrace a look that aligns with their individual personalities rather than blindly following the trends set by couturiers. This approach not only revolutionized the way women thought about fashion but also gave them the freedom to express themselves through their clothing choices. Her innovative sweater designs were a testament to this philosophy. By placing seams on the outside, she transformed a normally hidden element into a bold design statement. The creation of sweaters without hems provided a more relaxed and natural look, while loose knits with linings added a layer of sophistication and versatility. The extreme lengths of her sweaters, from very long to very short, catered to different styles and occasions, allowing women to make a unique fashion statement. And the addition of knitted words into sweaters added a touch of playfulness and personalization, making each piece a wearable form of self - expression.
Sonia Rykiel's Multifaceted Achievements
Beyond her remarkable contributions as a designer, Sonia Rykiel's influence extended far and wide. She earned numerous accolades throughout her career, which served as a testament to her innovative designs and significant impact on the fashion industry. These awards not only recognized her talent but also solidified her status as a fashion icon.
In addition to her design work, Rykiel was a prolific author, penning nine books. These literary works provided further insights into her design philosophy, fashion insights, and the creative process behind her iconic designs. They allowed fans and fashion enthusiasts to delve deeper into her world and understand the inspiration and thought - process that went into each of her creations.
Even in her 80s, Rykiel remained actively involved in the brand that bore her name. She served as the Honorary President of Sonia Rykiel, lending her wisdom and experience to guide the brand's continued success. Her continued presence was a source of inspiration for the entire Sonia Rykiel team and a symbol of the brand's enduring legacy.
Nathalie Rykiel's Journey in the Fashion Realm
Following in her mother's footsteps, Nathalie Rykiel made her mark in the fashion world. She began her career as a model, gracefully strutting down the catwalks and showcasing the latest designs. This early experience in front of the camera and on the runway provided her with a unique perspective on the fashion industry, allowing her to understand the importance of presentation and style from a model's point of view.
As her career progressed, Nathalie took on the role of staging fashion shows for the Rykiel house. These shows were not just events; they were showcases of the brand's creativity and innovation. Under her direction, the fashion shows became highly anticipated events, attracting fashion enthusiasts, critics, and industry insiders from around the world. Her attention to detail, from the choice of models to the design of the stage set, ensured that each show was a memorable experience.
In 1983, during her own pregnancy, Nathalie Rykiel started the company's children's line, Rykiel Enfant. This was a significant step, as it allowed the brand to expand its reach and offer stylish and comfortable clothing for the younger generation. The children's line was designed with the same level of creativity and quality as the adult collections, featuring unique patterns, soft fabrics, and attention to detail. It quickly became a favorite among parents who wanted to dress their children in fashionable and high - quality clothing.
Six years later, in 1989, Nathalie initiated the secondary line, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel. This line was aimed at a younger and more budget - conscious audience, offering trendy and affordable fashion options. It provided a platform for the brand to experiment with new styles and designs, while still maintaining the Sonia Rykiel aesthetic. The secondary line was a huge success, further expanding the brand's market share and popularity.
Her hard work and dedication paid off, and she was eventually named Managing Director and Artistic Director of the company. In these roles, Nathalie was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the brand's operations, from design and production to marketing and sales. She brought her own unique vision and creativity to the brand, while also respecting its heritage and traditions. Today, as President and Artistic Director, Nathalie continues to lead the Sonia Rykiel brand into the future, ensuring its continued success and relevance in the ever - changing fashion industry.
The Fragrance Expansion under Nathalie's Leadership
In 1979, Sonia Rykiel introduced her first fragrance, Septieme Sense. This marked the brand's foray into the world of perfumery, opening up a new dimension to the Sonia Rykiel brand.
Under the astute leadership of her daughter, Nathalie Rykiel, the fragrance division experienced significant expansion in the 1990s. During this period, several new and captivating fragrances were launched. Le Parfum, L'eau de Sonia Rykiel, and Rykiel Homme were introduced, each with its own unique scent profile, catering to a diverse range of preferences. These new fragrances not only added to the brand's product portfolio but also attracted a wider customer base, further enhancing the brand's presence in the fragrance market.
Nathalie herself played an active role in the promotion of the brand's fragrances. In 2000, when Rykiel Rose was introduced, she served as the advertising face of the fragrance. Her appearance in the advertisements added a personal touch to the brand, making the fragrance more relatable and appealing to consumers. It also created a strong connection between the brand and its founder's family, emphasizing the brand's heritage and continuity.
Many of the fragrances introduced during this era were bottled in a pullover - shaped flacon, a clever and stylish ode to the company's signature knitwear. This unique packaging not only made the fragrances stand out on the shelves but also served as a visual reminder of the brand's roots in fashion design. It was a creative way to integrate the brand's fashion identity into its fragrance line, creating a cohesive brand experience for consumers.
In the 21st century, with a series of successful fragrances already in production, the house of Sonia Rykiel continued to innovate and introduce new fragrances. In collaboration with Selective Beauty, these new fragrances came with distinctive packaging. The packaging design was carefully crafted to be unique and eye - catching, reflecting the brand's creativity and attention to detail. It was another way for the brand to differentiate itself in the highly competitive fragrance market, ensuring that each new fragrance launch was a memorable event for fragrance enthusiasts and consumers alike.
