Paris: Morgane Sézalory, founder of Sézane, revolutionised fashion with her e-commerce brand, focusing on vintage-inspired designs and sustainability. Now a multi-million-pound enterprise, she shares insights on her journey, the importance of creativity, and future aspirations for women’s entrepreneurship in the luxury sector.
Morgane Sézalory, the founder of Sézane, has made a significant impact on the fashion industry since launching her brand from her Parisian bedroom in 2013. Recognised as France’s first e-commerce-driven fashion label, Sézane prioritised an online presence over traditional retail models, a strategy that appears to have paid off splendidly. The brand now operates physical locations in London, Spain, New York, and its birthplace, Paris, after over a decade of sustained growth and innovative marketing.
Sézalory, revered for her keen sense of style and business acumen, has built Sézane into a multi-million-pound enterprise with an estimated valuation just below €1 billion. Her journey began at 18, when she sourced vintage pieces from Parisian markets, initially selling them through platforms like Facebook and eBay, before launching her own website, Les Composantes, in 2008. This venture catered to an audience eager to snap up limited drops of vintage items, which were often sold out within minutes.
Transitioning from resale to design, Sézalory launched Sézane as a label focused on feminine, vintage-inspired clothing. Her designs have attracted a following not only among fashionistas in France but also internationally, with notable admirers including the Princess of Wales, Taylor Swift, and Sienna Miller.
A central tenet of Sézalory’s business philosophy is sustainability. Since achieving B-Corp status in 2021, the brand has committed to using eco-friendly materials in at least 75% of its products, with over 80% of items holding trusted ethical certifications. Furthermore, in 2018, Sézalory initiated a philanthropic programme, named Demain, which supports global charities such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Libraries Without Borders.
The range of Sézane has since expanded beyond women’s fashion, introducing a menswear line, Octobre Edition, and an interior design collection inspired by the Les Composantes brand. In 2024, Sézane will launch Petit Sézane, a children’s range designed to carry the brand’s signature chic French aesthetic.
In an interview with Luxury London, Sézalory shared reflections on her career, stating, “I knew I always wanted to do something creative… I had to create my path – it was empowering.” She candidly discussed the challenges she faced, emphasising her determination to trust her instincts and overcome scepticism about her unconventional route into the fashion industry.
The founder also highlighted the dynamic nature of her daily life, noting that there is no standard routine. Her responsibilities encompass creative direction, team management, and family time, with a constant focus on future improvements.
When asked about her career milestones, Sézalory expressed pride in expanding into home décor, a project she found particularly fulfilling due to her lifelong passion for discovering beauty in everyday objects. Despite the success, she admitted that balancing a growing global team with personal duties remains an ongoing challenge.
In the interview, Sézalory acknowledged the evolving landscape for women in the luxury sector, asserting that the rise of the internet has opened numerous opportunities. She expressed hope for a future where success is defined by vision and hard work, rather than background.
In closing, Sézalory shared advice for the next generation of women in creative industries, urging them to embrace opportunities and remain resourceful in their pursuits, echoing her own journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship. As Sézane prepares for new ventures and continued growth, Sézalory seems poised to further influence the luxury fashion domain.
Source: Noah Wire Services
