Inspiration
The Story of Soeur
These are two sisters who have created a brand for everyone else. Soeur. A feminine wardrobe for all ages, all styles. Beautiful fashion, basics that are used in combination with other more or less expensive pieces. Domitille and Angélique Brion were, and still are, inseparable. At the helm of their label, one manages the outfits – with some fifteen years’ experience at Bonpoint and then at Bonton, launched alongside Marie-France Cohen – the other manages the finances. A distribution of tasks that seems natural, as does Soeur‘s openness to the mothers of the young girls they had as their first clients. With great care and dedication. Their clothes are designed to last. And to last, the materials must be second to none. From 100% cotton to 100% wool (with a touch of synthetic to improve the resilience of their designs if necessary) each factory is chosen for its specialisation and its know-how. Not for its price. And the duo is committed to keeping a close eye on the production of their pieces, even if it means going to their garment workshops three to six times a year. The result is paying off and shows. The colourful harmonies are delightful, the details well thought out. A desire for the feeling of continuity you when you put on a raincoat, or one of the new pairs of shoes from the Soeur range. As if each of them had always been there. In the family wardrobe.
Location
Paris
Author
Caroline Balvay
Photos and videos
Constance Gennari
TSF
Angélique, Domitille, can you tell us about yourselves?
Angélique & Domitille
We’re two sisters.
TSF
Who does what at Sœur , which means “Sister”?
Domitille
Angélique takes care of management and development, while I handle the artistic aspect.
TSF
Who inspires your collections?
Domitille
I don’t have a specific woman in mind. I just know that she is simple, active, free, full of grace, and sexy. There is a motion, a look, or an attitude that can attract my attention and serve as the start of an inspiration.
TSF
Who is the “Sœur” woman?
Domitille
Her, specifically, I hope!
TSF
What is your signature piece?
Domitille
We have just launched a line of shoes which I hope will become an icon of Sœur‘s style! In particular, a pair of lizardskin-style, plain leather moccasins and a pair of boots that I love. Otherwise, perhaps the Cabana. I love the weave as well! Finally, as you’ll appreciate, it’s difficult to settle on a single item.
TSF
Who represents the spirit of Sœur most effectively?
Domitille
I am particularly fond of the coats that create instant appeal, bare legged after the summer or wrapped up warm for winter, preferably chosen a size larger than usual.
TSF
Any favourite topics that make you stand out?
Domitille
I like our cotton canvas and our prints that have been developed in India, but I must admit that poplin is seriously starting to gain ground.
TSF
Can you sum up your style in three words?
Domitille
Always a tough one… Masculine and feminine, authentic, colourful – I love combining lots of contrasts and contradictions!
There is a motion, a look, or an attitude that can attract my attention and serve as the start of an inspiration.
TSF
Do you have a particular preference for a period in interior design?
Domitille
I admire the artist Charlotte Perriand and find her inspirational, both as an architect and as a designer. Her work embodies both simplicity and efficiency!
TSF
Where do you like to go looking when you want to buy furniture?
Domitille
Recently, I’ve been looking online, and in particular, I’ve just bought a modular sofa by Mario Bellini. It dates from the 70s and I bought it on Selency. And in the flea markets, of course!
TSF
What do you dream of?
Angélique
Too many things to name only one.
TSF
What are your plans for the near future?
Angélique & Domitille
We’ve just opened two stores in Paris. One in the Marais and another in the 16th arrondissement. Apart from that, we will be launching a “limited edition,” – which really means a lot to us – during October. I can’t say any more than that!