Did you know that the first fashion house in history was founded in France? The House of Worth was established in Paris in 1858 by Charles Frederick Worth, offering couture creations and widely regarded as the world’s first true fashion house.
French fashion houses are often distinguished by their timeless approach to design, favouring clean lines, subtle tailoring, and a refined sense of restraint. Rooted in the spirit of effortless Parisian chic, these maisons favour understated elegance, softer silhouettes, and a more neutral colour palette in contrast to the Italian fashion houses that are known for their bold glamour and vibrant expression of luxury.
Here at MAYFEYR, we present a curated selection of brand new and in-season French fashion houses, featuring designer clothing, iconic handbags to fashion-forward footwear, among others.
If you’re planning to refine your existing wardrobe with French brands, here are the five fashion houses worth knowing for your investment. Stay tuned for Part Two.
Saint Laurent
Established in Paris in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent, the eponymous fashion house quickly became one of the most influential names known for redefining contemporary elegance with sharp tailoring and sleek silhouettes.
Today, Saint Laurent Paris continues to evolve, blending classic Parisian elegance with a distinctive rock-and-roll edge, thanks to the creative visions of Hedi Slimane and Anthony Vaccarello.
Beyond its sought-after ready-to-wear, Saint Laurent, often referred to as YSL, has also produced several cult-status handbags, including the Sac de Jour, Loulou, Kate, and Niki. Defined by their sleek structure and refined detailing, these designs embody the brand’s signature balance between Parisian sophistication and a modern edge.
Lanvin
One of the oldest French fashion houses, Lanvin was founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin in Paris. Originally starting as a millinery boutique, the maison soon expanded into couture dresses, best known for its exceptional embroidery, beading, and delicate techniques.
Today, Lanvin continues its legacy through modern ready-to-wear, elegant dresses, and luxury leather goods. The house remains admired for its timeless approach to design, balancing its rich heritage with contemporary Parisian style.
Givenchy
Givenchy became renowned for combining haute couture elegance with modern femininity. Founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy, the house gained global recognition through its close association with actress Audrey Hepburn, whose little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's cemented the maison’s place in fashion history.
Among its most celebrated creations is the Antigona handbag, introduced in 2010 under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci. Defined by its distinctive trapezoid shape, structured silhouette, and signature oversized zipper, the Antigona has become one of the brand’s most iconic accessories.
Balenciaga
While it was founded by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1919, Balenciaga later established its couture house in Paris in 1937, where it quickly became one of the most influential names in fashion. Known for its architectural silhouettes and avant-garde approach to design, like the balloon jacket and sack dress, the maison continues to push the boundaries of contemporary style while maintaining its strong Parisian identity.
Today, Balenciaga is widely recognised for its streetwear-inspired clothing (oversized denims) and cult-status accessories and footwear under the creative direction of Demna Gvasalia, who expanded the house’s influence through bold and experimental designs. Statement pieces such as the City Bag, the Triple S, and the 3XL sneakers reflect the brand’s modern and boundary-pushing spirit.
Celine
Founded in 1945 in Paris by Céline Vipiana, the label began as a made-to-measure children’s shoe boutique before evolving into one of France’s illustrious luxury fashion houses.
Known for its minimalist and quiet luxury elegance aesthetic, with popular pieces like tailored coats, pleated skirts, the maison gained renewed global attention through its modern ready-to-wear, under former creative director Phoebe Philo.
But Celine’s leather goods have also gained a loyal following, particularly handbags such as the Luggage, Belt Bag, and Triomphe bags, along with accessories like belts and sunglasses.
Discover the finest French brands only at MAYFEYR.
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