FASHTALKS WITH MAISON FOLTIER PARIS

What inspired you to name your brand?

I wanted to pay tribute to my grandmother, Anaïs Foltier, a woman who symbolizes a strong family heritage and a pronounced taste for aesthetics, feminity, and modernity.

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

My earliest design memory dates back to the time I created and designed the Maison Foltier logo, inspired by the Art Deco period and my grandmother’s jewelry. I wanted to create a recognizable signature jewel on all our products.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspiration in different themes: Art, Paris, Architecture, Fashion, Parisians, Art Deco, and some fashion trends but also in colors and fabrics. Anything can be a source of inspiration.

“Maison Foltier Paris is a brand that wants to be globally ethical by rethinking the different stages of the product life cycle to be more sustainable and less polluting, thus reducing the ecological footprint generated.”

Do you have a favorite piece that you have designed? 

My favorite piece so far is the Crossbody JOE with its gold gourmette chain, an essential from our collection. It is made from Vegea, a vegan fabric made from waste from the wine industry in Italy. The lining is made from Econyl, a 100% regenerated and recyclable fabric, made from nylon waste, such as fishing nets, carpets, or clothing.

What were some hurdles you had to overcome in your business?

Creating a business in France is far from easy. You have to be patient and resourceful to move forward. Developing a project amid COVID-19 was a challenge in itself.

How important is sustainability to your brand?

Sustainability is at the heart of our commitments; it’s even at the heart of our brand’s DNA. We want to share a new vision of luxury, in terms of quality, know-how, and creativity while preserving animal and human life as well as the future of the planet. Our ambition is to create a French brand committed to a new benevolent economy towards people, ecology, and animals.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

Maison Foltier Paris is a brand that wants to be globally ethical by rethinking the different stages of the product life cycle to be more sustainable and less polluting, thus reducing the ecological footprint generated. It is thanks to innovative, vegan, and eco-friendly materials, committed suppliers, French production, streamlined packaging, and solutions to give a new life to products.

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

We are currently working on new models and possible collaborations. We would like to expand our retail network in Europe and in the US as well as open a physical concept of Maison Foltier in Paris.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

I would say, keep believing in yourself, in your dreams, believe in your vision and your potential. Don’t let the opinions of others affect your self-confidence. Entrepreneurship is a long and difficult path, but stubbornness, perseverance, and optimism allow you to see the opportunity in every difficulty.

“I would like the Maison Foltier Paris brand to become a reference as a French luxury, vegan, and sustainable brand.”

How important is social media to your brand?

Social media, especially Instagram and LinkedIn, are essential for any brand these days. They create a direct and unique link with all your consumers or potential consumers. They allow you to make yourself known, find your community, and even create a community.

How would you define fashion?

Fashion is a way of behaving, or dressing, specific to an era. Unlike style, which is personal and timeless, fashion can be worn by almost everyone. Fashion makes it possible to bring together individuals who will pursue the same desires or make the same choices.

What is your favorite fashion trend? Least favorite?

My favorite trend is the return of the 60s with the mini-skirt, faux-fur and lilac color. The one I like least is prints of the 70s.

How has the fashion industry changed since you first started?

When I started in the fashion industry, brands were copying each other a lot. They were looking for low-cost products and China was the place to be. The composition of the products, the origin of the materials, and the manufacturing conditions, all did not interest companies very much. The mass industry has made it one of the most polluting industries in the world in 40 years! It is becoming urgent to change our ways of production!

What can consumers expect to see next from your brand?

They can always expect more and more transparency with our products.

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

I would like the Maison Foltier Paris brand to become a reference as a French luxury, vegan, and sustainable brand.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be? 

Believe in yourself! Only you can know who you really are and what you want to do with your life!