Isabel Marant was named after its founder, and launched in 1994. By 1998, the French luxury brand had opened their first store in Paris. With a distinctive style and a passion for designing wearable items for the everyday woman, Marant does not let a piece leave her studio before having tried it out herself. Featuring womenswear, menswear, shoes, accessories and bags, the Marant signature style is clear throughout.
The basis of wearability is demonstrated by the nature of her collections. They are designed around a selection of simple pieces which can be combined from season to season. With a distinguished style which mixes bohemian and rock chic elements, Isabel Marant pieces are carefree and effortless. The fusion of unstructured blouses with sharply tailored trousers and jackets creates a unique and striking combination in their womenswear. Mixing the nonchalant with the refined is interesting and desirable to the modern woman. Isabel Marant collections present this welding together of conflicting styles in a realistic way. We can expect fringing, embellishments and flowing fabrics, as well as structured and beautifully tailored garments. Menswear follows a similar structure, through laid back style in trainers and jeans in combination with printed shirts and sweaters.
One piece which has proven particularly revolutionary from Isabel Marant are her wedge sneakers, designed to elongate the leg whilst remaining comfortable. This provides a perfect example of design with women and wearbility in mind, creating the outcome of a heel from the comfort of a sneaker. It also exemplifies the undone mixed with the classy which Isabel Marant always seems to achieve.
A collaboration with H&M in 2013 was described as a ‘combination of androgynous chic and bohemian nonchalance’, in keeping with her own core collections. The partnership was incredibly successful, selling out in just 45 minutes.
With more than ten shops worldwide, in cities such as Paris, New York, Beirut and London, Isabel Marant designs can be found online through their website, as well as through Net-a-Porter, Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Selfridges. Isabel Marant also offers a diffusion line, Étoile by Isabel Marant, at a more affordable price point.