Her one-of-a-kind stores in Paris have been all the rage since the first opening in 2008, Valentine Gauthier is definitely the designer to watch if you’re into mixing fashion with a nomadic lifestyle and eclectic taste. After growing up in Marseille and studying ethno-geology and fashion at the Atelier Chardon Savard, she worked at Maison Martin Margiela and created her eponymous brand – with a prize at the International Festival for young designers in Dinard in 2006. Fast forward to last year when she opened her first flagship store in the Haut Marais district of Paris, composed of two boutiques and an « apartment ». A great occasion to not only showcase her clothing collections but also offer a lifestyle experience with pieces exposed or sold by artists, artisans and friends she has met throughout the years and who share her vision and passion. With this new space, Valentine Gauthier puts forward her personality in a welcoming way.

Her fashion label mixes influences from various cultures she has encountered and is sometimes boyish, sometimes quintessentially feminine. Workwear is also a key element in her collections who are definitely practical for a busy daily life. Comfort, style and elegance meet. As a young designer, Valentine Gauthier is very aware of the impact of fashion production on the environment and aims to operate in the most sustainable way possible. Each piece of the collections is made using a limited number of materials from French, Italian or English weavers’ workshops. Her travels have also taught her new traditional skills and techniques she applies to her brand. Valentine pays particular attention to the choice of natural and/or recycled materials, the quality of manufacture, the cut, as well as the choice of buttons and finishes. It is obviously important for her to keep her hands on every aspect of her project. Moreover, she recently won this year’s Grand Prix de la ville de Paris.

Discover more on Valentine Gauthier here.