My first internship in the world of fashion was at Sonia Rykiel in Paris in her design office. It was a very intense time, where I learnt a lot at the side of the famous French designer who was known for her knit pieces, earning her the nickname «the Queen of Knits.» I especially loved all her marabou jackets and coats. The way she always put an extra touch of feathers to elevate a look to new heights of chic has inspired me a lot. Rykiel passed away in August 2016, leaving behind an empire of homeware, childrenswear, and more.
Sonia and Lola Rykiel
I remember meeting her daughter Nathalie Rykiel with her daughter Lola, who must have been around 12 at that time, during my internship. Today, Lola Rykiel is creating her own line of clothes, and is shaking up the status quo with a bold new athleisure collection, called Pompom, inspired by her famed designer grandmother, the late Sonia Rykiel, and her past as a ballerina under the instruction of the inimitable Martha Graham.
«Naked… with rhinestones.»
«The collection incorporates the velours that my grandmother loved as well as stretch Lycra materials and playful detailing,» Lola Rykiel explains, referring in part to a basketball jersey complete with mermaid-esque paillettes.
Lola Rykiel introduces «Sonia» bodysuit and «Wonder Woman» T-Shirt.
«I wanted to invent some workout clothes that would be luxe and chic, to do pilates, yoga , dance without being afraid to bump into your ex or your boss. These outfits are perfect to get a drink, go party or chill at home too. I used my grandmother’s Sonia famous velours and the best lycra materials there is today.»
This year Lola Rykiel opened the first boutique for her Pompom label in a space in Paris at Rue Grenelle that used to belong to her grandmother, Sonia Rykiel — and she is putting her stamp on it by bedazzling everything from the curtains to the cash register.
To see the whole PomPom collection visit : www.pompom-paris.com.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Pompom
