Sonia Rykiel: Portrait of a Multi-artist

Although fashion house Sonia Rykiel recently declared bankruptcy, her name will long remain a recognizable brand in the industry. Who was the famous designer who revolutionized French fashion and whose designs are still worn by the biggest fashionistas today?

Little is said about the fact that Sonia Rykiel was of Polish-Jewish origin. She was born in 1930 in Paris, but her family name was Flis. The famous surname Rykiel, which today is associated with one of the most popular French clothing brands, Sonia received from her husband, who also ran a small clothing store. When Sonia met her life partner, she was already set on creation and a very creative approach to fashion. The 50s and 60s, in which she took her first steps in fashion, were not distinguished by bold clothing proposals. Elegant dresses reigned supreme, and swinging London and mini skirts were only to come at the end of the 60s.

Breakthrough in French fashion

Sonia Rykiel has always been a kind of rebel. Although she was far from the controversial nature of Vivienne Westwood, Rykiel brought her own innovations into fashion, which at that time seemed daring and completely different from what other designers proposed. What did Sonia Rykiel become famous for?

Her name is primarily associated with knitwear today. Not for no reason, because her knitted sweaters for women were the first breakthrough proposals of the French designer. First, she designed for herself, then for companies with which her husband cooperated, and finally one of her sweaters in colorful stripes ended up on the cover of French Elle magazine.

Not interesting? Quite the contrary! A sweater designed by Sonia Rykiel turned out to be an absolute hit. Women of the 60s were tired of elegant dresses and stiff suits that constrained their movements. They longed for freedom, color and complete novelty in their wardrobe. Sonia Rykiel just offered that and hit right in the middle of their desires. Further successes came one after another: fashion shows in Paris, photo shoots with knitwear sweaters and satisfied customers allowed the designer to gain international recognition.

Sonia Rykiel: what defines her style?

Sonia Rykiel remained faithful to the knitwear until the end, which she managed to transform into modern fashion as no one before or after her. Knitwear appeared in almost every collection of this French fashion house, once in the form of iconic colorful striped sweaters, other times in the form of shredded lace blouses or dresses.

Sonia Rykiel's style is recognizable worldwide today, and the announcement of the closure of the brand has led to mass buying of her designs. So if you love comfortable but distinctive style with a Rykiel label, check out our offer in the Vitkac online store.