10 Lesser-known Fashion Brands That French Love

1.Maje

Strictly speaking, this is not a niche brand, but the editor still wants to recommend it to everyone. Maje brand is very popular in France. In recent years, thanks to the successful sales of celebrities and supermodels, Maje has quickly become popular in China. , has a very high reputation in China.

Since its creation in 1999 by designer Judith Milgrom, the MAJE brand has established itself as a true style icon for the contemporary Parisian woman. Renowned for its unique blend of elegance, femininity and audacity, Maje offers ready-to-wear collections that captivate women the world over.

The vision of Maje is based on the idea of creating clothes for independent, confident women who love to stand out. Each piece is carefully designed to combine clean lines and refined details. MAJE's style is characterized by a subtle harmony between fluid silhouettes and structured cuts, creating a perfect balance between femininity and modernity.

Maje Design & Style

The ready-to-wear brand is famous for its ability to create garments that can be worn on a variety of occasions, from everyday to special evenings out. Whether it's an elegant dress for a chic evening out, a fitted blazer for a business meeting or perfectly cut jeans for casual wear, MAJE offers a complete range of garments to meet all the needs of the modern woman.

Maje Products Categories

In addition to its clothing collections, Maje also offers a wide selection of accessories, such as shoes, and handbags that perfectly complement every outfit.

Price Range：$70 - $1800

Where to Buy Maje?

• us.maje.com: up to 7% cashback

• fr.maje.com

• uk.maje.com

• bloomingdales.com: up to 2% cashback

• farfetch.com: up to 2% cashback

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2.Hartford 

Revisiting the classics of the American wardrobe by giving them a twist of modernity, this is the Hartford project, imagined by Yves Chareton in the United States in 1979.
A decisive meeting launched the adventure: a New York manufacturer sold him old stocks of oxford and chambray fabric, perfect for making the first vintage-style Hartford shirts, unavailable on the market. A few years later, the studio returned to Paris. The brand is structured and commercial development begins: the collections expand and become guarantors of flawlessness in terms of materials and style. By mixing European influences with a relaxed, very West Coast aesthetic, the brand quickly became cult on both sides of the Atlantic. 

If you’re a fan of LA-based James Perse, then you’ll love Hartford. The brand’s bestselling breezy button-down shirts and casual separates are inspired by American workwear classics, which have been reimagined with a Parisian twist. While most of the styles are understated with comfortable, flattering cuts – think tailored shirts, dresses, trousers and skirts – the devil is in the details, so expect luxe fabrics including French linen, and Japanese and Italian cottons.

Hartford Design & Style

At Hartford, the “Classics” aspect is found in the materials and cuts: the clothes are made from the best European fabrics such as French linen, cottons from Albini in Italy, from Maruwa in Japan, or from at Liberty for example. The impeccable cuts of chambray or Oxford shirts and sweaters in merino, alpaca and cashmere wool command the respect of the entire fashion community.
The “Alternative” is the fun and elegant details, like these tiny Hawaiian dancers embroidered on a shirt, vahiné flowers on a swimsuit or little polka dots on a skirt… An essential little dose of humor.

Hartford clothing creates clothes that are modern, refined, and relaxed, suitable for any occasion and season, making it your gateway to refined fashion that effortlessly complements your lifestyle and elevates your style game.

Hartford Products Categories

You can find classic staples like shirts, sweaters, and jackets, as well as trendy items like denim, prints, and accessories. Hartford clothing is made from premium materials that feel soft and smooth on your skin and last for years.

Price Range：$85 - $765

Where to buy Hartford?

• hartford.fr

• mrporter.com: up to 10% cashback

• vestiairecollective.com：up to 6% cashback

• duneandsalt.com

• lawrencecovell.com

3.Sandro

We can't talk about Maje without mentioning Sandro, its slightly more polished sister brand. Check out its quality basics with a twist if your style leans classic: Think boyfriend blazers, embellished jeans, and ruffled white button-downs.

Bridge brands might be ten a penny in 2023, but Sandro was one of the first labels to launch at a mid-luxury market price point. Evelyne Chetrite (sister of Maje's founder Judith Milgrom) established the business in 1984, setting out to dress the women of Paris in staples that tapped into trends but stood the test of time.

Fast forward four decades and the French clothing brand is still achieving just that — and some. Sandro Hommes was founded in 2008, and a year before that the label switched from wholesale to launch a chain of stores which now amasses 745 locations worldwide.

 Sandro Design & Style

Inspired by Evelyne Chetrite early years growing up in Morocco, Chetrite fused her love of textiles with the classicism of French design. The result is cool girl-worthy pieces that combine more traditionally feminine pieces, such as floral dresses, with chic androgynous tailoring. 

Sandro has always been a favorite of French girls. Its clothing is simple and elegant. It is a good choice for French young people who pursue the trend. Every season's clothing will add the fashion elements of the season. In addition, you can also see the shadow of many first-line brand clothing. The most important point in his designs is that Sandro embodies the traditional French retro flavor. Every piece of clothing has a strong French flavor. If you want to avoid matching clothes and still have your own style and style, Sandro is the best choice. Best choice.

Source:bloomingdales.com 

Sandro Products Categories

Clothing ranges from tweed dresses with Peter Pan collars, to leather jackets sprinkled with sequins, evoking a detail-driven design language. Spot pleated trench coats, ruffled blouses, and rhinestone-embellished jeans, or discover leather tote bags with perforated patterns from the collaboration with French artist Louis Barthélemy. 

Price Range：$132 -  $2395

Where to buy Sandro?

• sandro-paris.com

• farfetch.com : up to 2% cashback 

• saksfifthavenue.com: up to 2% cashback 

• bloomingdales.com: up to 2% cashback 

4.Claudie Pierlot 

The pinnacle of Parisian chic, Claudie Pierlot is a brand imbued with a certain je ne sais quoi. Founded in 1984, the label brings to life intrinsically-French style staples – the Breton top and the Peter Pan collar, to name a few – for the modern woman. 

A true statement of Claudie Pierlot’s position at the centre of contemporary French fashion, since 2009 the brand has been under the watchful eye of Evelyne Chétrite and Judith Milgrom, who are not only sisters but Creative Directors at Sandro and Maje, respectively. 

Designing year-round pieces that are playful yet sophisticated, expect an edited selection of flirty dresses, charming knitwear and day-to-night numbers toughened up with wear-forever leather jackets and smartly-tailored coats.

The Claudie Pierlot girl is a little different to your stereotypical Parisian picture; she might wear 1980s-inspired trainers or chunky loafers instead of a dainty ballet flat, and she might be more likely to rock a mullet than parted bangs. But, however you choose to wear it, you can still rely on the label for excellent denim, Breton tops, blazers and pussy-bow blouses.

Claudie Pierlot Design & Style

What sets Claudie Pierlot apart is its ability to blend classic Parisian style with a playful, youthful twist. Their pieces are feminine, chic, and always on-trend. Whether it’s a tailored blazer, a flirty dress, or a perfectly cut pair of trousers, you can count on Claudie Pierlot to deliver. It’s a brand that’s stood the test of time, and it’s not going anywhere.

Claudie Pierlot Products Categories 

Claudie Pierlot women's clothing range includes flowing dresses and leather pants - in other words, pieces that wouldn't look out of place on Paris' illustrious Champs-Élysées. Accessorisewith vintage-style top-handle bags, waist-cinching belts and boots made from responsibly sourced leather. Delicate lace trims, eclectic scarf prints and romantic bow detailing give these designs an innate sense of romanticism.

Like many of the brands in this list, Claudie Pierlot's clothes have a preppy but sophisticated vibe. Bookmark the label if you're on the hunt for a new jumpsuit or Zoom-ready top.

Price Range：$96 to $2,395

Where to buy Claudie Pierlot?

• claudiepierlot.com: up to 4% cashback

• harrods.com: up to 12% cashback

• farfetch.com: up to 2% cashback

• selfridges.com: up to 7% cashback

5.Polène

Founded in 2016 by three siblings, Polène has become an insider favourite thanks to its discreet, beautifully crafted handbags (they also have a sculptural jewellery collection that’s worth checking out). 

In the Paris studio, the leather goods are designed in a refined and timeless style with a distinctly creative touch. The perceived suppleness and light-weight look of the models is only possible through intricate technical development mastered by the designers.

The leather, sourced exclusively from Spanish and Italian certified tanneries, is sculpted to create organic shapes, folds, draping or weaving.

All production is entrusted to the craftsmen of Ubrique, a Spanish town specialized in luxury leather goods.

In keeping with their promise of quality and creativity, the House unveils a new line of accessories: jewelry. Themed collections exploring nature and its forms of expression, from the undulating movements of the wind to sculpted rock textures. 

In the following years, Polène quickly worked its way into our hearts and found its way into yours, too. Few brands boast a luxury brand’s popularity, quality, and craft at a contemporary price, but Polène has consistently nailed it.

Polène Design & Style

Polène’s design aesthetic is clean and chic, offering that distinct French je ne sais quoi that is hard to capture. Each design is carefully thought out—designed and crafted with the utmost attention to quality and detail.

Its minimalist yet unique designs are brought to life using high-quality Spanish and Italian leather. Not only are their timeless bags lightweight and practical, they also feature creative details, from special weaving techniques to unusual textures, that add a luxe edge.

Polène Products Categories

Polene Paris create high-quality leather goods with minimal, unique, and signature shapes- with quality craftsmanship at the forefront.

Price Range：$430 - $600 

Also, be wary of knockoff imitation websites offering Polene bags for $100. You’re not getting the real thing.

Where to buy Polène Bags?

• polene-paris.com

• amazon.com

• therealreal.com

• poleneoutlet.us.com

• vestiairecollective.com: up to 6% cashback

6.Petite Mendigote

From the heart of Paris, Sybille Roger Vasselin founded Petite Mendigote from her unconditional love for fashion. Initially only retailing accessories to restore a woman's confidence, nowadays, a complete wardrobe is stocked for the busy lives of modern women. The female team behind the brand ensures products continue to express femininity while addressing the ever-changing lives of its customers.

Petite Mendigote is a French ready-to-wear brand. This pretty house offers a feminine wardrobe, full of poetry and singularity, while remaining very current. Petite Mendigote clothes adapt to any situation while keeping a certain elegance, allowing the women who wear them to live their lives as busy women without having to wonder about their outfits. 

Petite Mendigote Design & Style

Designed for the modern bohemian, Petite Mendigote offers carefree, breezy styles with a touch of Parisian sophistication. The brand initially launched with a collection of playful, trend-driven accessories for every day, including their now bestselling signature pouches. 

They have since expanded into a fully fledged fashion line offering printed blouses, versatile dresses and chic knitwear pieces.

Petite Mendigote Products Categories

The Petite Mendigote dresses, adorned with sumptuous prints, are fluid, to allow real freedom of movement and comfort. The trousers are precisely cut and the tops are fitted. The brand also offers a wide range of accessories, including tote bags and handbags for all occasions.

Price Range：€50 - €360

Where to buy Petite Mendigote?

• petitemendigote.com

• placedestendances.com

• vestiairecollective.com: up to 6% cashback

• lexception.com

7.Sézane

Morgane Sézalory launched now-cult French clothing brand Sézane back in 2013. In the past decade, it's gone from rising label to B Corp-certified household name, racking up celebrity fans such as Selena Gomez, Sienna Miller and Kate Middleton in the meantime. It's also collaborated with the likes of Sea NY, Farm Rio and Madewell.

You know a brand has reached cult status when it appears on countless celebrities and influencers. Sezane isn’t exactly new, having been born over 10 years ago when founder Morgane Sézalory began selling upcycled vintage clothes online. She eventually added her own designs – inspired by vintage favourites like worn-in jeans, classic trench coats, cosy cardigans and slouchy cashmere jumpers – which are among the brand’s bestsellers. The company is also B Corp certified, proving that fabulous fashion can also be sustainable.

Sézane Design & Style

With a focus on wardrobe classics, the brand has become known for re-releasing iconic styles – such as its Will jacket or Gaspard cardigan – each season, so you don’t need to worry about fashion FOMO.

No matter your personal style, Morgane Sézalory's vintage-inspired brand will easily win you over. Its pieces are romantic and so easy to mix and match. Work one of its mohair knits into your rotation and see for yourself.  

Sézane Products Categories

Sézane might be best known for its fluffy mohair knits and boho blouses, but the brand's accessories department is going from strength to strength: the Princess of Wales is a fan of its wear-forever belts and the recently expanded bag collection is a huge hit with fashion insiders.

For easy, breezy Cote de Azur chic, you can take a little slice of Southern France home with this brand's swimsuits, sun-friendly sandals and extremely breathable cotton eyelet dresses.

Price Range：$90 to $535

Where to buy Sézane?

• sezane.com

• ebay.com: up to 2% cashback

• vestiairecollective.com: up to 6% cashback

• therealreal.com

8.Sessùn

Sessun is a French   niche fashion brand that was created in Marseille by an anthropologist-turned-designer, Emma François. The label draws inspiration from art, film, photography, books and, above all else — travel. This is evident from its large range of offerings, which includes ethnic and bohemian patterns and interesting, Asian-inspired silhouettes. Sessun also offers a stylish selection of shoes and outerwear…

Sessun has an extensive line of classic wardrobe staples that feels more chic and classic than some other more feminine brands mentioned here. Every piece has a unique twist or detail, but all the pieces look incredibly versatile to be worn again and again in a wardrobe.

Sessùn is unique in its passion for craftsmanship, quality materials and its love of objects from here, there and… everywhere. Bonding with people, with the elements - water, light, clay, roots. Many stories fashioned into garments featuring indigo, ochre, terracotta, fabrics, lace…

Sessùn Design & Style

The Sessùn girl is quintessentially French, so expect tomboy silhouettes, unexpected volumes, and a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces featuring ethnic and bohemian patterns, rich fabrics and colours. 

In addition to their classic collections, Sessùn also has a denim line, bridal line and a re-collection featuring recycled pieces.

Sessùn Products Categories

Sessùn products known for their high-quality fabrics and impeccable craftsmanship, which does reflect in their price point. Sessùn offers everything from tailored coats to delicate blouses, all with a slightly bohemian edge. 

If you’re looking to invest in a piece that you’ll treasure forever, Sessùn is the way to go.

Price Range：$85 - $895

Where to buy Sessùn?

• sessun.com

• smallable.com

• garmentory.com

• 24s.com: up to 12% cashback

9.Balzac Paris

Balzac Paris has been around for 10 years now, but it only just launched in the UK in 2022. It's safe to say the French label has embraced this move wholeheartedly, dropping a collaboration with British brand Barbour to celebrate.

Fret not, though, all the French girl staples you could need are available on the label's website — from leather bucket bags and snaffle loafers to boyfriend blazers and fluffy mohair cardigans. Each piece is designed in the label's Paris atelier and, since Balzac prioritises small-batch stock for sustainability reasons, once it's gone, it's gone. 

If, like us, you're a sucker for the 'je ne sais quoi' cool of affordable luxury French brands, you'll love Balzac Paris.

Balzac Paris Design & Style

The Balzac Paris range is created with the utmost attention to detail. Revamped Victorian and Peter Pan collars, ruffles, leopard print, stripes and key colours such as pink and red are all Balzac signatures, which we enjoy reinventing season after season with our unique 'classic-eccentric' touch.

Balzac Paris Products Categories

The brand's bestsellers include transeasonal white blouses that will never leave your wardrobe; the beautiful leather Sofia bucket bags and sell-out Caesar crossbodys (most people's favourite has a leopard print strap, but there's a new raffia stunner for summer); and many a simply yet exquisitely cut dress for your workwear repertoire.

Price Range：€35 -  €325

Where to buy Balzac Paris ?

• balzac-paris.com

• vestiairecollective.com:up to 6% cashback

• ebay.com: up to 2% cashback

• ativeunion.com:up to 8% cashback

10.Ba&sh

You probably all know the likes of Chanel and Dior, but ba&sh Paris may be new to you. If achieving affordable Parisian style is what you’ve set out to do, then this brand is for you.

If you love dresses, Ba&sh is your dream come true. Founded by best friends Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief, this brand is all about creating pieces that make you feel like your best self. Their dresses are known for their flowy silhouettes, vibrant prints, and that perfect blend of bohemian and chic. Whether it’s for a day at the office or a night out on the town, Ba&sh has a dress for every occasion. They’re the kind of pieces you’ll reach for again and again because they make you feel amazing.

There are so many fabulous pieces on sale right now on the ba&sh site. The French fashion brand is known for their fun printed tops and skirts – clothes women want to wear! But, everything they bring to market is well-made and versatile. It all feels effortlessly elegant and as the French say – has a certain je ne sais quoi. You can’t go wrong with anything you get and you’ll have it for years to come.

Ba&sh Design & Style

Fans of Maje and Sandro will love Ba&sh for its similar selection of trendy pieces at affordable price points. We're partial to its printed blouses and sweatshirts to dress up (or down) a pair of jeans.

The label's sentiment is still the same as it was back then; with a focus on easy-to-wear pieces that feel both comfortable and chic at the same time. Think boho blouses, printed day-to-night dresses, great denim and leather separates, as well as wear-forever accessories like suede ankle boots and metallic heels.

Ba&sh Products Categories

Ba&sh Paris covers all of your wardrobe needs. From dresses, to skirts, sweaters, pants, and even accessories like shoes, belts, and bags! You can get a complete French style outfit. 

The overall vibe is cool girl chic. Nothing is too girly or too feminine, but a bit of edginess done in a classic way.

Ba&sh's strong point is their dresses. Each collection has a number of mini, midi, and maxi length dresses that can take you from dinner to weddings.

Price Range：$45 - $1550

The quality between Ba&sh and Sezane is both really good, as both brands are very well made. However overall Ba&sh pricing is higher and can be compared to the other French brand Maje, which is the sister brand to the even higher price-point Sandro Paris brand.

Where to buy Ba&sh?

• ba-sh.com

• shopbop.com: up to 2% cashback

• saksfifthavenue.com: up to 2% cashback

• bloomingdales.com: up to 2% cashback

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