Claudie Pierlot, refined simplicity.
Simple and stylish, Claudie Pierlot clothing can be worn every day and replicates the essence of the Parisian women: respectable, but with a rebellious streak. If the seasons have seen the new ready-to-wear collections become much more diverse and modern, certain basics, like the silk blouses or short straight dresses, reflect the original spirit of the brand to perfection.
Basics with feminine detailing.
Pattern designer, assistant fashion designer, then fashion designer for department store Printemps, Claudie Pierlot tried her hand at all the fashion trades before founding her own label in 1984. But it was above all her 10-year collaboration with Yvette and René Derhy that was the decisive phase in her career. To enable her to create and present her first lines, the designer couple allowed the young lady to use their premises on Rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière. Remaining faithful to the young designer until his own company was sold in 2009, René Derhy also represented a real source of inspiration for her clothing creations. From him, Claudie Pierlot retained a bohemian spirit, that she blended with her ambition to "dress the 'petites femmes' of Paris" (literally, the "little ladies"). Aimed principally at women between 15 and 30 years of age, Claudie Pierlot's ready-to-wear collections are composed of basic items with fluid cuts, embellished with a tiny feminine detail – a touch of embroidery, ruffle yokes, bows.
Claudie Pierlot also developed a range of leather goods including handbags and clutches. With a liking of small shoulder bags, Claudie Pierlot aimed her collections at working women who were looking for a light, practical accessory. Amongst the brand's best sellers, we remember the black Angela fringe bag, embellished with a pretty jewel-like chain.
A timeless, contemporary brand.
In 2009, Claudie Pierlot transferred her company to the shareholders of Sandro and Maje to form the SMCP group. The simplicity of the designer has been preserved, but the SMCP group has infused the models with a certain dynamism by adding offbeat detailing. Leather items and lettering borrowed from the world of rock'n'roll find their way into the collections, combined with the fluid, light fabrics that form the signature look of Claudie Pierlot creations. In 2010, Audrey Marnay - model, actress and the perfect incarnation of the "Parisienne" - became the brand's muse, thus forming a brand identity that is both timeless and modern. This successful collaboration led to the company asking her to create a capsule collection two seasons in a row, simply called "Audrey Marnay for Claudie Pierlot".
Claudie Pierlot's ready-to-wear and leather goods lines have been enhanced by the addition of a range of fashion accessories. Amongst the most symbolic are silk print scarfs, but also leather belts adorned with bows, a detail the label continues to use in designs. Over the seasons, certain items of women's clothing have become must-haves: