THE WORK OF LEMAIRE

With the start of the new year, we welcome a brand that, since 1991, has been one of the highest representatives of contemporary luxury: Lemaire.

Founded by Christophe Lemaire and joined in 2010 by Sarah-Linh Tran, the Parisian brand now graces our men's and women's stores. Their unique proposition is designed for everyday wear, and for a lifetime. These garments, crafted for daily use with a modular aesthetic, allow pieces from different collections and seasons to be combined seamlessly.

The result? A versatile style that is constantly evolving. Christophe Lemaire offers us a wardrobe that is both comfortable and self-reflective, all while maintaining a universal consistency throughout his collections.

The soul of Lemaire clothing

Lemaire could be defined as timeless clothing with global influences. This stems from the city of its birth and development: Paris. The diversity of influences within the city, while still retaining the soul that has made it famous, fuels the essence of Lemaire's garments.

Behind the brand lies a philosophy that studies how we dress. The perfect recipe comes from a cosmopolitan Parisian style, borrowing elements from traditional Asian attire—such as deep pockets and refined designs. Combined with references to workwear and military uniforms, and even an allegory to the feng-shui of the home, the result is a wardrobe that balances practicality with a sober and sophisticated aesthetic.

“We always have pieces that are made up without color, assembled, manufactured—with a raw fabric, one could say—and then only at that point are they dyed, immersed in color. We do so regularly [...] it’s really philosophical for us. I don’t want to speak in too grand of terms, but it’s almost spiritual, a matter of integrity.”

-Christophe Lemaire, 2022

Lemaire collections are celebrated for their neutral and natural color palette. This choice of tones highlights the pure lines of the pieces, harmonizing and complementing the face and silhouette. These tones enable infinite versatility, making each piece a blank canvas ready to adapt to you and your lifestyle.

Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran

After an extensive career, Christophe Lemaire founded his eponymous brand in 1991. Initially focusing on women's collections, the brand expanded to include the renowned men’s line in 1995. The brand was on hiatus from 2000 to 2007 while Lemaire served as creative director at Lacoste.

In 2010, while still creative director at Hermès, Lemaire brought Sarah-Linh Tran into the project, marking a turning point for the brand with a new runway collection for Lemaire men and women. With her background in narrative literary editing and a unique creative approach to storytelling, Tran transformed Lemaire’s women's wardrobe. She has brought a fresh perspective to the collections, solidifying the brand’s identity.

“Narrowing the volume by adjusting a single section. We pinpoint a specific part of the silhouette and let the rest flow. Sometimes comfort means clothes that are held up by the hips and not the waist. [...] It’s a “suggestion” that leaves the body very free. Like the intimate space between your shirt and your skin, the personal space that seduces the wearer and the person who catches a glimpse.”

- Sarah-Linh Tran, 2022

Both designers have collaborated as co-artistic directors of Uniqlo's R&D center in Paris, strengthening their connection with contemporary culture. This collaboration has allowed them to experiment with forms, materials, and concepts, significantly enriching their own collections.

How Lemaire clothing is made

Lemaire is committed to quality, which reinforces the character of its collections. Their garments are designed and developed in the historic Parisian neighborhood of Le Marais, at 1 Rue Elzévir. As for materials, fabrics are sourced from Europe and Japan, selected for their authenticity and durability.

“The potential to transform a garment, a loose-fitting piece that creates a space for us, which we can tie and tighten, with a button that alters one section… We are able to glide into a new situation, feel at home in the clothing, take it along with us, and always strike the right tone.”

- Christophe Lemaire, 2022

Leather accessories, such as the unmistakable Lemaire Croissant bag, are crafted in select ateliers in Spain and Italy. These ateliers collaborate actively with artisans to create innovative shapes using traditional techniques. This bag reignited the hobo bag trend, popularizing crescent and slightly slouchy silhouettes. Its popularity in recent seasons is a clear example of Lemaire's ability to merge craftsmanship with contemporary design.

The modular wardrobe design

One of the central concepts of Lemaire clothing is the vision of the wardrobe as modular. Each collection is designed as a continuation of the previous ones. Their garments can be combined regardless of season or trends. This philosophy allows users to build a cohesive wardrobe over time, free from fleeting trends.

“We lightened the wardrobe. The shapes are more relaxed. We also seem to need clothes that are more modular, convertible and hybrid, along with colours that can be paired easily, and the ability to alter the volume of a piece over the course of the day.”

- Sarah-Linh Tran, 2022

This modular design is reflected in details such as convertible collars, adjustable volumes and closures, and garments that transform to suit different spaces.

Christophe Lemaire clothing is in a constant search for the essential. As its creators explain in various interviews, each garment is designed to age gracefully. Their collections acquire an imperfect beauty over time, adding to their charm. The dyeing process creates subtle irregularities that are part of the character and uniqueness of each piece.

This vision of simplicity translates into an intuitive and relaxed wearing experience. Lemaire garments offer space and comfort, functioning as a second skin that accompanies the wearer in their daily life. Their clothing works almost like an organic vision of the home interior: consistent, comfortable, and welcoming, but adaptable to our needs and personal evolution.

Thus, the arrival of Lemaire in our stores marks a new milestone in our selection of brands and pieces. Its ability to blend craftsmanship and functionality into daily life transcends trends. Its modular vision and universal color palette are evolutionary elements that accompany us through our own journey in life.