The day my sister Madeleine got our collabLa Redoute x SIXSOEURS
Interview with Jeanne, my sister Jeanne No. 2
For the launch of the La Redoute X SIXSOEURS collection
Jeanne Ably, the 4th sister, a journalist for Les Informations Dieppoises (Upper Normandy)
Jeanne, my sister Jeanne: La Redoute X SIXSOEURS, the ultimate collaboration?!
La Redoute, it's pretty incredible! Remember the hours we spent as children, flipping through its catalog and cutting out pages? Not to mention the orders we placed with them, waiting for the package to arrive like a Christmas present? How did you end up being approached by them? Tell me!
I received an email from the director of collaborators and creators, Sylvette Lepers, in the fall, mentioning the possibility of working together. They particularly liked the SIXSOEURS universe and the way we offered "fashion made in Paris." Without hesitation, I canceled my Christmas vacation to provide the first sketches by mid-January. And just like that, the La Redoute X SIXSŒURS collaboration was underway.
What is the concept behind this La Redoute X SIXSOEURS collaboration?
To marry two worlds: that of SIXSŒURS, which has a rather strong DNA, defined by a graphic, architectural, singular and easy-to-wear style, with that of La Redoute, which targets a broader audience. I had to adapt my design by creating a collection that wasn't too outlandish, still graphic and very much identified as SIXSŒURS, but even more easy to wear. Of course, I designed more affordable pieces. A real challenge for me and an opportunity for SIXSŒURS, if I may say so, to "democratize" itself, by allowing younger people and those with more modest means to afford my clothes. This is something I really care about. This autumn, there will be SIXSŒURS from MERCI at La Redoute, and that's fantastic!!!
What will the La Redoute X SIXSŒURS capsule collection consist of, and what inspired you to create it, besides your signature pieces?
This collection includes a black bleached denim jumpsuit, a loose velvet kimono jacket, a large plaid wool coat, bright pink trousers, a vibrant green top, and surprise... a patchwork jacket! It will, of course, feature SIXSŒURS' characteristic graphic and "architectural" lines inspired by Japanese fashion, as well as its bright colors and volumes, which I was keen to highlight once again.
There are many similarities with our SIXSŒURS Fall/Winter 22 collection. For example, for La Redoute X SIXSŒURS, I'm offering these vibrant pink cotton gabardine trousers, while for SIXSŒURS Fall/Winter 22, there's a series of six wide-wale corduroy trousers in blue, fuchsia, purple, grey, Parma violet, and caramel... also very bright.
What about the fanny pack, which is your best-seller?
La Redoute immediately talked to me about my fanny pack, which is a real success, and which I ship all over the world. But I admit that it's a piece that, for now, I'm keeping for myself. In fact, for this back-to-school season, we're going to innovate by offering it in exclusive fabrics, with, attention, a preview, a leopard fanny pack, and a revisited volume.
What does this La Redoute X SIXSOEURS collaboration, with La Redoute, represent for you? What do you think it will bring you in terms of visibility and notoriety?
La Redoute, for me, is a true family and teenage story. My first memory of "the emotion of buying," in a way. It must be said that we consumed much less back then. However, with La Redoute, once or twice a year, we were allowed to buy without counting too much, in a kind of joyous frenzy. All six sisters, we would gather around our mother who would make the famous phone call on the landline. The communication opened the doors to paradise for us. The anticipation was already a joy. And then, there were La Redoute's first collaborations with Vanessa Bruno and Isabel Marant, and we would save up to buy certain pieces. The same went for when I furnished my first apartment: I ordered from La Redoute. It's also a French company, with roots in the North of France, like our mother.
Starting a collaboration with someone like Sylvette Lepers, who has a strong personality and extensive experience in the fashion world, is a most enriching experience for me. This is especially true as she gives me a lot of initiative. I was also lucky to be able to collaborate very closely and with full confidence with their teams in Roubaix, where I went several times, an opportunity to discover their way of working. I hope to be able to renew the La Redoute X SIXSŒURS experience, and thus allow SIXSŒURS to gain visibility, even though we already have more and more points of sale in France and soon abroad.
Valentina SIXSOEURS Jacket
Marche à l'ombre SIXSOEURS Cap
La Redoute x SIXSOEURS Coat
Finally, can you tell me a few words about the new SIXSOEURS collection?
Among other things, there will be a new oversized jacket, Valentina, our new iconic model that we previously made in wool and then in exclusive blue velvet, like a small "Japanese-inspired" cape, made from Italian wool, with a beige and purple heathered herringbone pattern. There will also be a velvet version (at last!) of the Marche à l'Ombre trucker cap, a new version of our beloved fanny pack, larger and in printed fabrics, as well as a resolutely French-style and French-made beanie. As usual, honor will be given to large coats made from beautiful woolens from Portugal and Italy. And, for the first time, I have created a skirt in a purple heart-patterned fabric, and another in leopard print. These are my first skirts. The autumn when everything happens!
