Lemaire

SUMMARY

Lemaire is a French fashion brand acclaimed for its minimalist, timeless aesthetic, combining Parisian sophistication with utilitarian elegance. Founded by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, the quiet luxury brand has gained recognition for its understated silhouettes, high-quality craftsmanship, and focus on versatile, everyday wear. Lemaire’s collections feature neutral tones, fluid tailoring, and luxurious materials, appealing to those who appreciate subtle, artistic approach to design.

HISTORY

Lemaire was founded by Christophe Lemaire in 1991. Having worked with Yves Saint Laurent and Thierry Mugler, Lemaire sought to establish a luxury fashion brand that embodied elegance, simplicity, and wearability. Winning the ANDAM award in 1991 inspired Lemaire to create his own eponymous brand, a women’s collection to which he added a men’s prêt-à-porter collection in 1995. He put the brand on hold in 2000 to focus on his role as the artistic director of Lacoste, relaunching in 2007 with the opening of the flagship boutique in Paris’ Le Marais district.

In 2010, Christophe Lemaire was joined by Sarah-Linh Tran, marking a turning point for the label, which rebranded as LEMAIRE and donned a new logo. A major runway show at Maison de la Radio served as a statement of this new artistic direction. The collections are now retailed at the boutique in Le Marais, on the brand’s website, and in the world’s top department stores, fashion boutiques and online shops.

Lemaire reached a turning point in 2010, when Christophe Lemaire was appointed creative director of Hermès. At Hermès, he honed his approach to luxury craftsmanship, fluid tailoring, and impeccable material selection, elements that would later define the Lemaire brand. Despite his tenure at the prestigious house, Lemaire stepped down in 2014 to focus solely on his own label, bringing in Sarah-Linh Tran as co-creative director.

Under the joint leadership of Lemaire and Tran, the brand evolved into a fully realised vision of quiet luxury. The collections prioritised wearability, comfort, and timelessness, steering away from fleeting fashion trends. This period also marked an expansion of product lines, including the introduction of bags, footwear, and accessories, all reflecting the brand’s distinctive aesthetic.

Lemaire has collaborated with several brands and retailers, most notably its ongoing partnership with Uniqlo. The Uniqlo U collection, first introduced in 2016, brought Lemaire’s refined sensibilities to a broader audience through affordable, well-crafted basics. This collaboration remains one of Uniqlo’s most successful ventures, reaffirming Lemaire’s influence in modern wardrobe essentials.

Sustainability has played a significant role in Lemaire’s recent growth. The brand champions ethical sourcing, responsible production, and long-lasting design. Lemaire integrates organic cotton, natural dyes, and sustainable fabrics into its collections while working with skilled artisans to reduce waste and encourage slow fashion practices.

In recent years, Lemaire has expanded its global retail presence, opening flagship stores in Paris and Tokyo, while maintaining a selective distribution strategy. The brand’s philosophy of understated luxury and timeless appeal has resonated with a discerning clientele, securing its position as one of the most influential independent fashion houses today.

VISION

Christophe Lemaire envisioned a fashion house that rejected seasonal trends in favour of timeless, everyday elegance. From the outset, his goal was to design clothing that ages well, offering subtle luxury through superior craftsmanship and thoughtful details.

The brand offers a timeless Parisian style that is cosmopolitan, sophisticated and rich in influences. Crafted from fabrics selected for their quality and designed for everyday wear, the wardrobe is modular—the supple silhouettes and soft colour palette allow the outfits to be restyled and accented over time. Pieces from different collections and seasons can be paired effortlessly. Some elements are borrowed from traditional Asian clothing i.e. deep pockets and sleek design.

Lemaire’s vision revolves around functional beauty, ensuring that each garment is comfortable, versatile, and sophisticated. The brand’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that fashion should enhance the individual’s personality rather than overshadow it. In collaboration with Sarah-Linh Tran, the brand has embraced a collaborative and holistic design process, merging poetry and pragmatism. Their shared vision ensures that Lemaire remains an independent, ethically conscious, and artistically driven fashion house, unbound by industry pressures.

MISSION STATEMENT

Lemaire’s mission is to create sophisticated, functional garments that prioritise quality, comfort, and longevity. The luxury brand is committed to slow fashion, producing garments that remain relevant beyond seasonal trends and encourage responsible consumption. With a focus on sustainability and ethical production, Lemaire continuously works to reduce waste, source responsible materials, and uphold artisanal craftsmanship. The brand collaborates with skilled artisans and fabric makers to ensure each piece meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and durability. Beyond aesthetics, Lemaire is dedicated to fostering a conscious and inclusive fashion culture, where individuality is celebrated and creativity is encouraged.

KEY TEAM

• Christophe Lemaire – Co-Creative Director and Founder
• Sarah-Linh Tran – Co-Creative Director
• Isabelle Guichot – CEO

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Lemaire offers a comprehensive collection of apparel, accessories and footwear, designed to embody quiet luxury and everyday sophistication. The brand’s collections focus on fluid tailoring, neutral tones and high-quality fabrics, ensuring long-term wearability. Some of Lemaire’s most recognisable pieces include the wrap coats, draped shirts, pleated trousers, and oversized outerwear, all crafted with an emphasis on movement and comfort. The brand’s signature bags, such as the Croissant Bag, have gained cult status for their sculptural yet functional design. Lemaire frequently experiments with natural materials, including cotton, wool, linen, and leather, ensuring that each piece develops a unique patina over time.

Each collection is designed and developed in Paris’ historic Le Marais district, near the flagship boutique on 1 rue Elzévir. The brand employs a staff of 85 individuals with common principles and a passion for garments that are carefully crafted, from the initial sketches to delivery at the boutique. Lemaire develops all the collections in-house and has an on-site workshop at its disposal. The team uses materials woven in Europe and Japan, handpicked for their authenticity, durability and originality. 90% of the wardrobe is produced in Europe and the remaining 10% in Turkey and Morocco. The bags and leather goods are made in Spain and Italy, where a collaborative effort with artisans has culminated in inventive forms achieved through novel approaches to age-old techniques.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Lemaire has received widespread critical acclaim for its approach to timeless, understated luxury. In 2016, Lemaire was nominated for the ANDAM Fashion Award, recognising its excellence in contemporary fashion design. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has solidified its reputation among fashion critics and industry insiders. Lemaire’s collaboration with Uniqlo has also been celebrated as one of the most successful partnerships in modern fashion, praised for making high-quality, sophisticated basics accessible to a global audience. This collaboration has reinforced Lemaire’s influence in the industry, ensuring its continued relevance and expansion.